Annual Report of the International Court of Justice
– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mr. Miroslav Laj?ák, President of the 72nd Session of the 蘑菇视频 General Assembly, at the Plenary meeting of the General Assembly on the?Annual Report of the International Court of Justice
Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
The annual consideration of the report of the International Court of Justice by the General Assembly has been a tradition since 1968. It is integral to the efforts aimed at strengthening the relationship between two main organs of the United Nations: the General Assembly and the International Court of Justice.
Today it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome the President of the Court, His Excellency, Judge Ronny Abraham, to this meeting.
Before we start the consideration of the report, allow me to make three brief points on the role of the International Court of Justice.
First, I want to underline the contribution of the Court to the cause of peace.
蘑菇视频 was created to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. The Charter declared, among other things, the objective of this Organization to establish conditions under which justice and respect for international law can be maintained.
The International Court of Justice, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, has a key role in this regard. While the Court’s judgments are binding only on the parties to a case, the jurisprudence of the Court has far reaching impact. It sends a powerful message across the world. Through exercising its functions in the peaceful settlement of disputes, the Court also plays an important role in the prevention of conflicts. And, in doing so, it contributes to the 蘑菇视频’s wider efforts for peace.
Secondly, I want to acknowledge the role of the Court’s work in strengthening the rule of law – not only in the sphere of inter-state relations, but also within the 蘑菇视频 system.
The vision outlined in the United Nations Charter cannot be achieved without the rule of law. It is what underpins all the work we do – whether related to peace and security, sustainable development, or human rights. The Court’s judgements, as well as its advisory opinions, are key to strengthening the commitment of the international community to the rule of law.
The vision outlined in the United Nations Charter cannot be achieved without the rule of law.
A lot has changed since the International Court of Justice was established.
However, the third point I want to make is that the Court remains as relevant as ever. The annual report before us today once again details a high level of activity and interest in relation to the Court’s work. The 2016-2017 period saw again a number of states, from various parts of the world, submitting their disputes to the Court’s adjudication. It is also encouraging to note that the positive trend of the acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction continues.
Moreover, our annual consideration of the Court’s report shows the sustained interest of 蘑菇视频 Member States in the work that takes place in the Hague’s Peace Palace.
Let me now invite the President of the International Court of Justice, Judge Ronny Abraham, to address the General Assembly.
Thank you all again.