What is the role of the International Court of Justice?
In the media image: Thomas Wolf via Wikimedia Commons
In the heart of The Hague stands the Peace Palace, home to one of the most important courts in the world: the International Court of Justice. PhD candidate Joris van de Riet spoke to 'Het Klokhuis' about the role of the Court.
When two or more countries are in conflict, they can turn to the International Court of Justice, located in the Peace Palace in The Hague. The Court is considered one of the most important international courts in the world. PhD candidate Joris van de Riet explained the Court’s function to a young audience during an episode of Het Klokhuis: 'All countries that are members of the United Nations can bring a case before the Court. Countries can come here with a wide range of issues.' Van de Riet was referring to disputes about borders, territory, or independence. 'Basically, any kind of problem that can arise between countries can be brought here.'
The International Court of Justice consists of 15 judges in total. 'They all come from different countries and from various parts of the world,' Van de Riet explains. 'This means the International Court of Justice is a reflection of the world’s nations.' In the cases brought before the Court, the judges deliberate together and deliver a judgment. 'That judgment clearly states what the parties must do and why. The ruling is binding on all countries involved—they are required to comply.'