ICJ Flashcards
(8 cards)
where is the ICJ based?
The Netherlands
when was if founded?
1945
what as it seen as?
the world court
what does the ICJ do?
deals with disputes between UN member states, such as over boarders, to create harmony between member states
Make up of the ICJ
15 judges elected by the UNSC and general assembly
dispute example
Nicaragua and Costa Rica dispute (2015)
- a decades long dispute over a patch of wetlands on the San Juan river escalated in 1998 when Nicaragua placed limits on the ships allowed through the San Juan river
- case was taken to the ICJ in 2015
- ICJ sided with Costa Rica meaning Nicaragua had to hand over territory
ICJ strengths
- almost universal jurisdiction
- settles boarder disputes with losing states still abiding by decisions
- establishes a central power for disputes to be resolved in a fair manner
ICJ weaknesses
- jurisdiction doesn’t extend to non-state actors
- no formal enforcing power, states can withdraw from the ICJ
- favours western states with 5/15 of judges being the UNSC