International law is more important than ever at a time when even core countries in the global system are calling it into question, theUnited Nationssecretary general said on Friday.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice, the UN’s top court, Antonio Guterres said: “Today, violations of international law are unfolding before our eyes.”
“It is precisely because the international system is under such strain that adherence to international law matters more than ever -– especially in this era of changing power relations,” he said.
“The force of law must always prevail over the law of force.”
Guterres was speaking at a special sitting of the world court at the sumptuous Peace Palace in the Hague also attended by Dutch King Willem-Alexander.
He noted that as the court — which settles disputes between states — turned 80, it was busier than ever.
The ICJ has been in the headlines, notably for a case brought by South Africa against Israel, alleging that its campaign in Gaza is in breach of the UN Genocide Convention.
It also last year issued a landmark environment ruling, obliging states to tackle climate change and paving the way for reparations if they failed to do so.
But institutions such as the ICJ that uphold international law are increasingly “questioned and challenged,” said the UN leader.
“And this erosion is not happening at the margins of the international system.” he noted.
Source: Insider Paper
