International Courts

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The ICJ was established in 1946 and is the UN’s highest judicial body.  It sits in the the Hague, the Netherlands.  The ICJ’s jurisdiction is limited to arbitrating between states that have accepted its jurisdiction, and giving advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN international organs and agencies. Since its inception, the ICJ has delivered opinions on various issues including disputes over sea and land borders, territorial sovereignty, the right of asylum, non interference in the internal affairs of states, hostage taking and economic rights.  However, the ICJ cannot hear cases against individuals for international crimes.  The decision of the court is final and binding between the parties.

For more information see http://www.icj-cij.org

International Criminal Court (ICC)

The ICC was established in 2002 under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and is based in The Hague, Netherlands.  The Court can exercise its jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes where national courts are unwilling or unable to do so. Currently 104 states are party to the ICC. The Prosecutor, a State Party or the Security Council may initiate proceedings before the Court. While not able to initiate proceedings, NGOs, individuals and other bodies may inform the Prosecutor about crimes allegedly committed within the jurisdiction of the Court.