icj – Supreme Tribunal of the United Nations – adjudicates disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred by United Nations organs and agencies. Known as the “World Court”, it is located in the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Speaking From the Dutch city, the Secretary General considered the establishment of the court after World War II.
cornerstone for peace
Amidst this “dark and difficult moment”, world leaders chose to “reject a future governed by coercion and violence”. UN Charter and international law.
He created a court”Founded on a paramount conviction: the force of law must always prevail over the law of force,” He said.
“In doing so, he did more than create the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. He laid the foundation for a more peaceful world”
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trust and respect
Over the past eight decades, the ICJ’s judgments and advisory opinions have shaped the modern world and the growing number of cases before the Court today is “a major problem”. A clear sign of confidence in one’s rights and freedom“While efforts to modernize its working methods and increase gender representation on the bench were signs of progress, the Secretary-General said.
He added, “The Court remains the guarantor that sovereignty and equality are not mere words on paper. It is also a reminder that even overwhelming power cannot – and should not – replace legal obligation.”
He stressed that the Court’s decisions, including provisional measures, are binding and that respecting them is not an option but an obligation under the United Nations Charter.
erosion of international law
However, the Secretary-General warned that this rules-based system is under pressure.
“International law is being violated before our eyes. Military operations trample the basic rules governing conflict. Humanitarian obligations are ignored,” he said.
Furthermore, the rules of international law that protect the United Nations are violated while the ICJ and other justice institutions are increasingly being questioned and challenged.
He warned of the consequences, saying, “This erosion is not taking place at the margins of the international system. It is taking place at its core – including by states entrusted with unique responsibilities for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
“When the law of force replaces the force of law, instability becomes contagious.
“Conflicts are spreading across borders. Economic shocks are reverberating around the world.
“And the most vulnerable are always the first to suffer and suffer the most.”
make the right choice
The Secretary-General said that the international community today faces “its moment of crisis” in choosing between the rule of law or a future governed by raw power, and he stressed that the choice is clear.
He said, “It is because the international system is under so much pressure that adherence to international law matters more than ever – especially in this era of changing power relations.”
Mr. Guterres urged countries to strengthen international law, recommit to the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect ICJ rulings, abide by its advisory opinions and uphold the UN Charter.
“This is the only right option in this time of crisis,” he said. “Let us have the courage to build it.”
