The Hague: In an exclusive interview with UN News, Judge Yuji Iwasawa, newly appointed President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), emphasized that the Court’s expanding docket reflects growing trust from member states in its role as a neutral arbiter of international law.
A Beacon of Peaceful Resolution
The ICJ, often confused with the International Criminal Court, is the UN’s principal judicial organ tasked with settling disputes between states. Judge Iwasawa clarified that the ICJ does not handle cases involving individuals, but rather focuses on legal questions arising from interstate conflicts. “Our mission is to resolve disputes peacefully, based on international law,” he stated.
Navigating Political Sensitivities
Acknowledging the political undertones of many cases, Iwasawa stressed that the Court operates strictly within the bounds of legal jurisdiction. “We are not blind to political contexts or human suffering,” he said, “but our mandate is to apply international law to the legal questions presented by states.”
Advisory Opinions: Israel and Climate Change
Two major advisory opinions issued this year have drawn global attention. The first, requested by the UN General Assembly, addressed Israel’s obligations toward Palestinians in occupied territories. Though non-binding, the opinion is considered an authoritative interpretation of international law. “It’s now up to the General Assembly to decide the next steps,” Iwasawa noted.
The second opinion, delivered in July, affirmed that states have a customary international law obligation to prevent significant environmental harm. With 90 states and 11 international organizations participating, the ruling is expected to influence ongoing and future climate litigation worldwide.
Vision for the ICJ’s Future
Judge Iwasawa outlined three key goals for his presidency:
- Maintaining trust by delivering high-quality judgments and opinions.
- Improving efficiency to manage the growing caseload.
- Enhancing public accessibility through outreach initiatives, including short educational videos ahead of the Court’s 80th anniversary in April 2026.
“The heavy caseload is a sign of trust,” Iwasawa concluded, reaffirming the ICJ’s commitment to justice, transparency, and global peace.
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