Record High in Cases Filed Before the International Court of Justice

New York, October 29 (KUNA) – President of the International Court of Justice, Yuji Iwasawa, announced on Thursday that the number of cases before the Court has reached a record high amid growing legal disputes between states. This statement was made during a briefing Iwasawa delivered to the United Nations General Assembly to present the Court’s annual report, in which he clarified that its docket included 25 cases as of August 2025, while 25 contentious cases remain under consideration. Iwasawa noted that since August 1, 2025, the Court has held hearings in five cases and issued one judgment on intervention, two advisory opinions, as well as an order concerning a request for provisional measures and another regarding the admissibility of counter-claims. He added that the Court continues to examine two cases, including the lawsuit filed by Nicaragua against Germany concerning alleged violations of certain international obligations related to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in which the Court is currently considering preliminary objections. The Court President reviewed the key judgments, advisory opinions, and orders issued during the reporting period, including an advisory opinion on protecting workers’ right to strike under the 1948 Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention (Convention No. 87). He also referred to the advisory opinion issued by the Court last October regarding Israel’s obligations as an occupying power concerning the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states in and with respect to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Iwasawa also highlighted events held this year to mark the 80th anniversary of the Court’s first session, as well as the Judicial Fellowship Program, which annually provides 15 to 16 young law graduates from universities worldwide with the opportunity to develop their legal knowledge and skills at the Court’s headquarters. For his part, UN General Assembly President Khalil al-Rahman emphasized that, amid escalating conflicts and eroding trust, the International Court of Justice offers a pathway from confrontation to judicial settlement through independent and impartial procedures. Al-Rahman pointed out that the Court contributes to clarifying rights and obligations, enhancing legal certainty, and embodying the principle of sovereign equality of states before the law, stressing that “the strength of the argument must be the primary standard, not the strength of its author.” He underscored that restoring confidence in international institutions requires safeguarding the Court’s independence, aligning its responsibilities with available resources, and translating legal obligations into practical measures. Concluding his address, the General Assembly President affirmed that the measure of commitment to international justice lies not in words of praise but in fulfilling obligations beyond conference rooms, stating, “This is how justice becomes a living force.” (End) A.S.T. / H.S.S.