The International Court of Justice (ICJ), often referred to as the World Court, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It is a specialized international court that plays a crucial role in settling legal disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the UN General Assembly, the UN Security Council, and other specialized UN bodies and agencies.
The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. It is assisted by a Registry, its administrative organ. Its official languages are English and French.
Role and functions of the International Court of Justice:
- Adjudication of disputes
- Advisory opinions
- Interpretation of international law
- Peaceful settlement of disputes
- Enforcement of judgments
- Protection of human rights