Guterres Says Law Must Prevail as ICJ Turns 80

UN Secretary-General António Guterres signs an 80th anniversary commemorative book at the International Court of Justice in The Hague .

The world is at a “moment of crisis,” and countries must reaffirm their commitment to international law amid rising violations and geopolitical tensions, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at an event on Friday marking 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

In this “dark and difficult moment,” world leaders chose to reject a future ruled by coercion and violence, and instead built one grounded in the UN Charter and international law.

They established a court founded on a single 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 the cornerstone of a more peaceful world.”

Over the past eight decades, ICJ judgments and advisory opinions have shaped the modern world. The growing number of cases before the court today is “a clear sign of trust in its authority and independence,” the Secretary-General said. He also pointed to efforts to modernise its working methods and improve gender representation on the bench as signs of progress.

He added that the court continues to ensure that sovereignty and equality are not merely words on paper, and serves as a reminder that even overwhelming strength cannot, and must not, replace legal obligation.

Guterres stressed that the court’s decisions, including provisional measures, are binding, and respecting them is not optional but an obligation under the UN Charter.

Erosion of international law

However, the Secretary-General warned that the rules-based system is under strain.

“Violations of international law are unfolding before our eyes. Military operations are trampling the basic rules that govern conflict. Humanitarian obligations are being ignored,” he said.

He added that rules protecting the UN are being violated, while the ICJ and other justice institutions are increasingly questioned and challenged.

“This erosion is not happening at the margins of the international system. It is happening at its core,” he warned, including by states entrusted with responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security.

He cautioned that when the law of force replaces the force of law, instability spreads, conflicts cross borders, economic shocks ripple globally, and the most vulnerable suffer first and most.

Make the right choice

Guterres said the international community is facing “our own moment of crisis” in choosing between rule of law and raw power, and the choice is clear.

“It is precisely because the international system is under strain that adherence to international law matters more than ever,” he said.

He urged countries to strengthen international law, recommit to peaceful dispute resolution, respect ICJ judgments, follow advisory opinions, and uphold the UN Charter.

“It  this moment of crisis, that is the only right choice,” he said. “Let us have the courage to make it.”