International Court of Justice (ICJ) – DW
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Judges at the ICJ sit as a session is opened in April 2024
Image: Peter Dejong/AP Photo/picture allianceImage: Peter Dejong/AP Photo/picture alliance

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice is often commonly referred to as the world court. It's the primary judicial branch of the United Nations, based in The Hague. It mainly settles legal disputes submitted to it by states.

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Reports & Analysis

German FM Annalena Baerbock speaking into broadcasters' microphones

EU calls on Israel to respect UN court order on Rafah

EU calls on Israel to respect UN court order on Rafah

The bloc's foreign ministers said they want answers from Israel on how it complies with its human rights obligations.
ConflictsMay 27, 202402:21 min
This photo released by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on May 18, 2024 shows Israeli military operation in eastern Rafah

Israel presses on after ICJ orders halt to Rafah offensive

Israel presses on after ICJ orders halt to Rafah offensive

Israel has continued its military offensive in Rafah, despite a top UN court ruling ordering a halt to its operation.
ConflictsMay 26, 202401:40 min
A tent camp with sea in background

ICJ order to halt Rafah offensive further isolates Israel

ICJ order to halt Rafah offensive further isolates Israel

The ruling by the top UN court on Israel's operations in Gaza is the latest unwelcome development for the government.
PoliticsMay 24, 2024
Boys watch smoke billowing during Israeli strikes east of Rafah

Top UN court hears new case against Israel

Top UN court hears new case against Israel

The ICJ has convened to hear a case filed by South Africa, which accuses Israel of continuing its "genocide" in Gaza.
Law and JusticeMay 16, 202402:44 min
Presiding judge Nawaf Salam, center, opens the court session of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

UN court rules in favor of Germany in Gaza 'genocide' case

UN court rules in favor of Germany in Gaza 'genocide' case

The International Court of Justice has rejected a request from Nicaragua for Germany to stop selling weapons to Israel.
ConflictsApril 30, 202401:42 min
Germany's Director General of Legal Affairs Tania von Uslar-Gleichen during the second day of the hearing at the International Court of Justice ICJ in the case brought by Nicaragua against Germany over the financial and military aid provided to the European country to Israel and the elimination of subsidies to the aid organization UNRWA.

Germany presents defense at International Court of Justice

Germany presents defense at International Court of Justice

Germany has presented its defense at the ICJ after Nicaragua accused Berlin of facilitating genocidal acts in Gaza.
ConflictsApril 9, 202402:21 min
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Palestinian Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs Riyad al-Maliki (r.) and members of his delegation listen to a hearing on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on February 19, 2024

Germany faces top UN court over Gaza 'genocide' claim

The case at the International Court of Justice aiming to halt German support for Israel is likely to be historic.
Human RightsApril 8, 2024
Judge Joan Donoghue reads out the court's ruling on a TV screen as journalists listen in a media center

UN court ruling on Gaza 'hard to ignore' for Israel's allies

The ICJ instructed Israel to take action to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza, but stopped shy of calling for a cease-fire.
ConflictsJanuary 26, 2024
The International Court of Justice in The Hague

What is third-party intervention at the ICJ?

Germany says it will intervene on Israel's behalf at the International Court of Justice. Here's what that means.
Law and JusticeJanuary 19, 2024
Travelers look out at the Essequibo River as they ride a ferry carrying vehicles across Guyana's Kurupukari crossing

Guyana: Essequibo residents worried over Venezuela claims

In Guyana, people told DW how anxious they are about Venezuela's sovereignty claims over the oil-rich Essequibo region.
PoliticsDecember 14, 202302:57 min
Exterior view of the Peace Palace housing the UN's International Court of Justice

Ukraine vs. Russia: Genocide proceedings at UN's top court

DW explains the upcoming proceedings at the UN's top court over whether Russia violated the Genocide Convention.
ConflictsSeptember 17, 2023
Soldiers work on a road construction site during a joint military operation of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) against rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Beni territory

Congo and Uganda: Will new roads serve as war compensation?

Why is Ugandan taxpayer money being used to build roads in neighboring Congo? DW investigates.
ConflictsSeptember 3, 2023
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