ICJ stands for the International Court of Justice, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1945, and its headquarters are located in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICJ is commonly referred to as the World Court.
The ICJ serves as a judicial body that settles legal disputes between member states. Its primary function is to provide advisory opinions on legal questions posed to it by authorized international organizations and UN bodies. The court also has the authority to hear contentious cases between states that voluntarily submit to its jurisdiction.
The ICJ is composed of fifteen judges who are elected by both the General Assembly and the Security Council of the UN. These judges are appointed for a term of nine years and are eligible for re-election. The Court operates on a collegiate system, and its decisions are reached by a majority vote.
The ICJ has a significant role in promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts, contributing to the development of international law, and upholding principles of justice. Its mandate covers various areas such as maritime disputes, territorial sovereignty, human rights violations, state responsibility, and interpretations of international treaties.
Overall, the ICJ plays a crucial role in maintaining international legal order and resolving disputes between states through adjudication, contributing to the peaceful settlement of conflicts and affirming the rule of law at the global level.
