The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s principal judicial organ, celebrated its 80th anniversary. Located at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the ICJ resolves disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred by UN organs and agencies. It is widely known as the “world court.”.
Addressing the occasion from the Dutch city, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on the court’s establishment following the devastation of the Second World War. He noted that world leaders chose to reject a future dominated by coercion and violence, opting instead for one grounded in the UN Charter and international law.
Cornerstone for Peace
Guterres emphasized that the court was founded on the conviction that “the force of law must always prevail over the law of force.” He stated that this act not only created the UN’s principal judicial organ but also “laid down a cornerstone of a more peaceful world.”
Trust and Respect for the Court
Over the past eight decades, the ICJ’s judgments and advisory opinions have significantly shaped the modern world. The increasing number of cases before the court today, according to Guterres, is a “clear sign of trust in its authority and independence.” He also highlighted efforts to modernize the court’s working methods and enhance gender representation on the bench as signs of progress.
“The Court continues to be a guarantor that sovereignty and equality are not mere words on paper. It is also a reminder that even overwhelming strength cannot – and must not – replace legal obligation,” he asserted. Guterres stressed that the court’s decisions, including provisional measures, are binding and respecting them is an obligation under the UN Charter.
Warning on the Erosion of International Law
However, the Secretary-General issued a stark warning that the international rules-based system is under considerable strain. “Violations of international law are unfolding before our eyes. Military operations trample the basic rules that govern conflict. Humanitarian obligations are ignored,” he stated.
Guterres further noted that the rules of international law protecting the UN are being violated, and institutions like the ICJ are increasingly questioned and challenged. He expressed concern that this erosion is occurring at the core of the international system, even by states with responsibilities for maintaining peace and security. “When the law of force replaces the force of law, instability becomes contagious,” he warned, detailing consequences such as cross-border conflicts, economic shocks, and disproportionate suffering for the most vulnerable.
A Crucial Choice for the International Community
The Secretary-General concluded by stating that the international community faces a critical choice between a future governed by the rule of law or by raw power. He insisted that adherence to international law is more crucial than ever, especially in an era of shifting power dynamics.
Mr. Guterres urged countries to strengthen international law, recommit to the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect ICJ judgments, follow through on its advisory opinions, and uphold the UN Charter. “In this moment of crisis, that is the only right choice,” he declared. “Let us have the courage to make it.”
