HR Instits + Special Tribunals

Question 1

ICJ

Answer 1

Established in 1946 and is the judicial body of the UN
15 judges sit in The Hague
All 193 countries that are UN members are party to the court
Settles disputes between states and can provide advisory opinions when approached by a UN agency.
It’s decisions are enforceable by the UNSC, although this has never occurred
If states refuse to accept the ICJ rulings, it is unlikely that they will be forced to comply

Question 2

ICC

Answer 2

Opened in 2002 and is independent of the UN. The UNSC can refer cases to it or can initiate cases itself
18 judges come from the states which accept the ICCs jurisdiction. Sits in The Hague
124 states have ratified the Rome Statute and so accept the ICC’s jurisdiction
The ICC is independent of the UN
It prosecutes individuals who are charged with war crimes, genocide or crimes against humanity
Its decisions are binding on the individuals concerned.