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Judges at the ICJ sit as a session is opened in April 2024
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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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All Content on this topic

German FM Annalena Baerbock speaking into broadcasters' microphones

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 has continued its military offensive in Rafah, despite a top UN court ruling ordering a halt to its operation.
ConflictsMay 26, 202401:40 min
The bench of International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague

UN top court orders Israel to halt Rafah offensive

The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to stop its offensive in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.
ConflictsMay 25, 202402:20 min
A tent camp with sea in background

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
An Israeli soldier aiming his rifle in Rafah in the Gaza Strip on May 18

ICJ orders stop to Israel's military operations in Rafah

The World Court has ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah. The court has no means of enforcing the ruling.
ConflictsMay 24, 2024
People seated in the International Court of Justice in The Hague

ICJ rejects Ecuador request in Mexico diplomatic dispute

Mexico says Ecuador breached international law by raiding its Quito embassy to capture a wanted ex-politician.
Law and JusticeMay 23, 2024
International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague

Israel responds to Rafah genocide charges at ICJ

Israel's response comes after South Africa filed an urgent request to the UN's top court for provisional measures.
PoliticsMay 17, 2024
Boys watch smoke billowing during Israeli strikes east of Rafah

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
The International Court of Justice in The Hague

South Africa asks ICJ to halt Israel's Rafah offensive

The hearing is part of a broader case accusing Israel of committing genocide, which Israel has repeatedly denied.
ConflictsMay 16, 2024
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

The International Court of Justice has rejected a request from Nicaragua for Germany to stop selling weapons to Israel.
ConflictsApril 30, 202401:42 min
Den Haag - Deutschland Tania von Uslar-Gleichen Nicaragua against Germany

"The world order has been put on notice."

Steve Crawshaw is former UK Director at Human Rights Watch and author of an upcoming book on war crimes and the struggles for international justice. Here he talks to Inside Europe's Kate Laycock about the significance of Nicaragua's current case against Germany at the International Court of Justice.
PoliticsApril 11, 202411:31 min
DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

Inside Europe 11 April 2024

The EU’s Asylum and Migration Pact is passed, Germany defends itself at the ICJ (extended interview here: http://dw.com/p/4efgf), Slovakia gets a new president, plus a sporting summit and a foretaste of Olympic tensions. Also on the show: unexpected bids for power shake things up in both Hungary and Croatia, and the pick of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
PoliticsApril 11, 202454:59 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 has presented its defense at the ICJ after Nicaragua accused Berlin of facilitating genocidal acts in Gaza.
ConflictsApril 9, 202402:21 min
Tania von Uslar-Gleichen and Christian J. Tam, Professor of International Law at the University of Glasgow argued on behalf of Germany in case at the ICJ in The Hague

Germany presents defense at ICJ over Gaza 'genocide' claim

Nicaragua has brought Germany before the International Court of Justice on charges of facilitating genocide in Gaza.
Law and JusticeApril 9, 2024
Ambassador Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez

Nicaragua takes Germany to the ICJ over arms supply to Israel

Nicaragua is taking Germany to the International Court of Justice, accusing Berlin of 'abetting genocide' in Gaza.
ConflictsApril 8, 202402:33 min
Germany's Director General of Legal Affairs Tania von Uslar-Gleichen (l) during the hearing at the ICJ

Germany rebukes Nicaragua's Gaza 'genocide' claims

Nicaragua has said Germany's aid airdrops while supplying weapons to Israel is a "pathetic excuse" to Palestinians.
Law and JusticeApril 8, 2024
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
The Peace Palace in The Hague, a red-brick building resembling a castle, seen from afar, with a flagpole flying the blue UN flag

What does the International Court of Justice do?

Israel must defend itself against genocide accusations in The Hague. But what is the International Court of Justice?
Rule of LawApril 7, 2024
Aid from the Egyptian Red Crescent entering Gaza on December 18, 2023

ICJ orders Israel to open more land crossings for Gaza aid

The top UN court told Israel to take measures "without delay" to open more border crossings for food and medical aid.
ConflictsMarch 28, 2024
The ICJ

Nicaragua says Germany facilitates genocide by aiding Israel

Nicaragua has filed a case at the World Court against Germany for financial and military support it provides to Israel.
PoliticsMarch 1, 2024
Palestinians walk past destroyed houses in Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip.

Arms exports to Israel under scrutiny

Accusations that Israel is not doing enough to limit harm to civilians in Gaza have prompted calls to halt arms exports.
ConflictsFebruary 29, 202402:29 min

Why South African Jews feel alienated by their government

South Africa is home to the largest Jewish community in Africa and has become one of Israel's fiercest critics.
ConflictsFebruary 28, 202402:05 min
ICJ hearing on Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories

Hearings on Israel's Palestinian territory occupation begin

The World Court is set to open hearings on Israel's occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
PoliticsFebruary 19, 202401:55 min
The Peace Palace in The Hague, which houses the International Court of Justice

ICJ to review Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories

The UN General Assembly asked its World Court to provide an opinion on Israel's occupation in 2022.
PoliticsFebruary 19, 2024
An investigator combs through flaming wreckage

Ukraine 'terror' case against Russia largely rejected by ICJ

In 2017, Ukraine brought a case to the ICJ accusing Russia of violating an anti-terrorism treaty by funding separatists.
TerrorismJanuary 31, 2024
Injured Palestinians, including children, receive medical treatment in Nasser Hospital under appalling conditions.

Gaza hospital nears collapse amid unabated hostilities

Nasser Hospital no longer has the staff or medical supplies to treat people injured by the ongoing fighting.
ConflictsJanuary 27, 202401:59 min
A view of Pro-Palestinian demonstrators near the International Court of Justice in The Hague

ICJ: Israel must act to prevent genocide in Gaza

The UN's top court made the ruling in a landmark case brought forward by South Africa.
Law and JusticeJanuary 26, 202402:31 min
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
Pro-Palestinian activists wave flags outside the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands as they watch the top United Nations judicial body preliminary ruling

Top UN court stops short of ordering cease-fire in Gaza

The court ordered Israel to do more to protect civilians but did not demand a halt to military operations in Gaza.
Law and JusticeJanuary 26, 2024
Niederlande | Internationaler Gerichtshof in Den Haag zum Nahostkonflikt

ICJ set to rule in genocide case brought against Israel

The court is due to rule on South Africa's demand that Israel suspend military operations in Gaza.
Law and JusticeJanuary 26, 202404:02 min
A man wearing a press vest and dark sunglasses stands in front of a destroyed building

Inside Gaza: War and its consequences

Over 100 days of war have left tens of thousands dead and widespread destruction in Gaza.
ConflictsJanuary 23, 202428:36 min
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
Demonstrators wave Israeli flags in The Hague on January 11

Gaza genocide case: We expect court to find suspicion

Palestinian activist-politician Mustafa Barghouti tells DW he expects the ICJ to order Israel to stop the war in Gaza.
Human RightsJanuary 17, 202426:50 min
Demonstrators wave Israeli flags in The Hague on January 11

Gaza genocide case: We expect court to find suspicion

Palestinian activist-politician Mustafa Barghouti tells DW he expects the ICJ to order Israel to stop the war in Gaza.
PoliticsJanuary 17, 202426:06 min
A view of legal adviser to Israel's Foreign Ministry Tal Becker (center) and British jurist Malcolm Shaw (center right) sitting inside the International Court of Justice

Israel defends itself against genocide charges

Israel has defended itself at the UN's top court against claims it is committing genocide in Gaza.
ConflictsJanuary 12, 202402:48 min
Palestinians visiting graves at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City

Israel, South Africa face off in Gaza genocide case

South Africa laid out its genocide case against Israel in Gaza. Israel slammed the charges as warped and misleading.
ConflictsJanuary 12, 2024
Israel's lawyers at the Intternational Court of Justice in The Hague

South Africa vs Israel over alleged genocide at the ICJ

Lawyers for both South Africa and Israel delivered their opening statements to the ICJ.
Law and JusticeJanuary 12, 202429:59 min
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators hold Palestinian flags as they protest near the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Genocide case against Israel begins in The Hague

The case brought by South Africa accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
ConflictsJanuary 11, 202402:35 min
South Africa Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola and South African Ambassador to the Netherlands Vusimuzi Madonsela attend the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ahead of the hearing of the genocide case against Israel brought by South Africa, in The Hague on January 11, 2024.

South Africa's genocide case against Israel: Can it win?

Proceedings have opened at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Analysts say the case could take years.
Law and JusticeJanuary 11, 2024
DW presenter George Okach in front of a picture of the ICJ building.

Why is South Africa taking Israel to court for genocide?

Why is South Africa expressing such staunch criticism of Israel? Could historical echos of apartheid be at play?
PoliticsJanuary 10, 202402:01 min
View of the Peace Palace which houses World Court in The Hague, Netherlands, on Sept. 19, 2023.

What is South Africa's genocide case against Israel about?

Israel is being taken to court by South Africa over allegations of genocide. Here's what you need to know.
ConflictsJanuary 9, 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
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures at supporters, during an electoral referendum over Venezuela's rights to the potentially oil-rich region of Essequiba

Venezuela voters back territorial claim on region in Guyana

Venezuela's government pressed ahead with the non-binding vote even after the UN's top court urged restraint.
PoliticsDecember 4, 2023
Women hold posters and photographs during a demonstration outside the courthouse where former Syrian intelligence officer Anwar Raslan stands on trial in Koblenz, western Germany, on January 13, 2022.

Syria ordered by ICJ to take action against torture

The provisional measures are part of an ICJ case brought by the Netherlands and Canada accusing Syria of torture.
PoliticsNovember 16, 2023
etherlands' agent Rene Lefeber, right, Canada's agent Alan Kessel, second right, and Canada's Teresa Crockett, third from right

Syria torture testimony heard at the ICJ

Canada and the Netherlands, which filed the case, claim that abuse is ongoing.
Human RightsOctober 10, 2023
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
Photographs of victims of Flight PS752 are seen on January 8, 2023, on the three year anniversary since the Iran military shot down the flight shortly after its takeoff from Tehran

ICJ: UK, Canada, Sweden and Ukraine launch case against Iran

The UK, Canada, Sweden and Ukraine take Iran to the International Court of Justice over the 2020 downing of a plane.
CrimeJuly 5, 2023
A guard opens a door inside a prison that holds foreign prisoners, suspected of being part of the Islamic State, in Hasaka, Syria, January 7, 2020.

Netherlands, Canada take Syria torture claims to ICJ

The two countries are seeking both a crimes against humanity hearing, and an order that Damascus halt any such actions.
ConflictsJune 12, 2023
Exterior view of the Peace Palace housing the UN's International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands

ICJ rejects Venezuela stance on Guyana border dispute

The court has rejected Venezuela's objections, saying its judges can rule on a 19th-century border dispute.
Law and JusticeApril 7, 2023