International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice, often referred to as the ICJ, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations, the court began its operations in April 1946. It is located in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, making it the only principal UN organ not based in New York City, United States.

Role and Functions

The primary role of the ICJ is to settle legal disputes submitted by states in accordance with international law, and to provide advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized international organs and agencies. It serves as a key mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes, contributing to global peace and security.

Jurisdiction and Composition

The ICJ exercises jurisdiction in two types of cases: contentious cases, which involve legal disputes between states, and advisory opinions, which provide legal interpretations on questions posed by UN bodies and specialized agencies.

The court is composed of 15 judges who are elected to nine-year terms by the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council. These judges must represent the principal legal systems of the world, ensuring a diversity of legal traditions and practices.

Historical Context

Preceding the ICJ was the Permanent Court of International Justice, established in 1922 under the League of Nations. The ICJ inherited its predecessor's role when the League was replaced by the United Nations after World War II.

Significant Cases

The ICJ's docket includes a wide array of cases, ranging from contentious border disputes to advisory opinions on matters of global importance, such as climate change. For instance, in March 2023, the UN General Assembly requested an advisory opinion on the obligations of states concerning climate change, recognizing the international community’s common interest in addressing this pressing issue.

Advisory Opinions and Contentious Cases