Unlocking the Mysteries: 10 Hidden Facts About the International Court of Justice
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The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, established in 1945 with its headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands.
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It is composed of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council, ensuring representation from various legal systems around the world.
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The ICJ has jurisdiction over legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on international legal issues referred to it by UN organs and specialized agencies.
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Unlike criminal courts, the ICJ focuses on resolving disputes between states through peaceful means, emphasizing negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
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The ICJ's judgments are binding and final, with states obligated to comply under international law, although enforcement mechanisms are limited.
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The ICJ operates on the basis of consent, meaning states must agree to submit to its jurisdiction for disputes to be heard.
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Its caseload includes a wide range of issues such as territorial disputes, maritime boundaries, human rights violations, and treaty interpretations.
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The ICJ's proceedings are conducted in public hearings, allowing transparency and accountability in its decision-making process.
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It plays a crucial role in clarifying and developing international law through its interpretations and applications in judgments.
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The ICJ's decisions have significant implications for international relations, shaping diplomatic negotiations and influencing state behavior.