International Court of Justice: The Principal Judicial Organ of the United Nations
Overview
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICJ is responsible for adjudicating disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on matters of international law.
Jurisdiction and Competencies
The ICJ has jurisdiction over legal disputes between states that have accepted its jurisdiction. The Court can also provide advisory opinions to the UN General Assembly and other international organizations.
The ICJ's competencies include:
- Adjudicating disputes between states
- Providing advisory opinions on international law
- Interpreting treaties and international agreements
- Resolving disputes over territorial boundaries
Establishment and History
The ICJ was established in 1945 as the successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice. The Court's statute forms part of the UN Charter and sets out its mandate and procedures.
Composition and Members
The ICJ is composed of 15 independent judges, elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. The judges are drawn from different countries and represent a wide range of legal systems.
Headquarters and Accessibility
The ICJ is located in the Peace Palace in The Hague. Visitors are welcome to visit the Court's headquarters from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Contact Information
International Court of Justice
Peace Palace
Carnegieplein 2
2517 KJ The Hague
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 (0) 70 302 2323
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