The world is at a "moment of crisis" and countries must reaffirm commitment to international law amid rising violations and geopolitical tensions, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at an event on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The ICJ - the UN's highest tribunal - settles disputes submitted by States and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred by UN organs and agencies. Known as "the world court," it is located at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Speaking from the Dutch city, the Secretary-General reflected on the court's establishment in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Cornerstone for peace
Amid this "dark and difficult moment", world leaders chose "to reject a future ruled by coercion and violence" for one rooted in the UN Charter and international law.
They built a Court "founded on one overriding conviction: the force of law must always prevail over the law of force," he said.
"In doing so, they did more than create the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. They laid down a cornerstone of a more peaceful world."
Learn more about the ICJ in our explainer .
Trust and respect
Over the past eight decades, ICJ judgements and advisory opinions have shaped the modern world and the growing number of cases before the Court today are "a clear sign of trust in its authority and independence," the Secretary-General said, while efforts to modernize its working methods and increase gender representation on the bench were signs of progress.
"The Court continues to be a guarantor that sovereignty and equality are not mere words on paper. It is also a reminder that even overwhelming strength cannot - and must not - replace legal obligation," he continued.
He stressed that the Court's decisions, including provisional measures, are binding and respecting them is not optional but an obligation under the UN Charter.
