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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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All Content on this topic

Climate case at The Hague in the Netherlands

Climate case at The Hague in the Netherlands

Landmark climate hearings conclude at world's top court

After two weeks of powerful testimonies, what impact could a UN court decision have?

A man walks along a damaged street after the passage of Hurricane Eta in La Lima, Cortes, Honduras

A man walks along a damaged street after the passage of Hurricane Eta in La Lima, Cortes, Honduras

What's been said at the landmark ICJ climate hearings?

Nations are asking the International Court of Justice to oblige big polluters to keep their promises to cut emissions.

Woman from Tuvalu stands in the ocean with her hands over her eyes

Woman from Tuvalu stands in the ocean with her hands over her eyes

World's top court starts landmark climate hearings

In the largest case in its history, the UN's highest court will hear almost 100 countries deliver testimonies on climate

Presiding Judge Nawaf Salam, gestures as the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, opens hearings into what countries worldwide are legally required to do to combat climate change and help vulnerable nations fight its devastating impact

Presiding Judge Nawaf Salam, gestures as the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, opens hearings into what countries worldwide are legally required to do to combat climate change and help vulnerable nations fight its devastating impact

Landmark climate case to open at top UN court

The UN's top court begins hearings on governments' climate duties, with campaigners stressing its link to human rights.

Activists protest outside the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands, as it opens hearings into what countries worldwide are legally required to do to combat climate change

Activists protest outside the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands, as it opens hearings into what countries worldwide are legally required to do to combat climate change

Vanuatu urges ICJ to recognise climate change harms

The hearings could result in establishing a legal framework for holding countries accountable for climate change.

Merkva tank in Israel

Merkva tank in Israel

Germany slows arms exports to Israel — without admitting it

Berlin appears to have stopped approving weapons exports to Israel, even while insisting that there is no ban in place.

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UN court ruling on Israeli settlements: DW's Lucia Schulten

The ICJ has ruled that Israel's settlements in the Palestinian territories break international law.

A view of land in Givat HaMatos in East Jerusalem where Israel is building new settlements

A view of land in Givat HaMatos in East Jerusalem where Israel is building new settlements

Israeli settlements on occupied land are illegal, ICJ rules

The UN's top court has issued an advisory on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, calling them illegal.

Israeli flags, homes and cars in the desert

Israeli flags, homes and cars in the desert

ICJ to rule on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory

The World Court will present an advisory opinion on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

German FM Annalena Baerbock speaking into broadcasters' microphones

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.

This photo released by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on May 18, 2024 shows Israeli military operation in eastern Rafah

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.

The bench of International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague

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.

A tent camp with sea in background

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.

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

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.

People seated in the International Court of Justice in The Hague

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.

International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague

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.

Boys watch smoke billowing during Israeli strikes east of Rafah

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.

The International Court of Justice in The Hague

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.

Presiding judge Nawaf Salam, center, opens the court session of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, April 30, 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.

Den Haag - Deutschland Tania von Uslar-Gleichen Nicaragua against Germany

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.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

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.

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'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.

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

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.

Ambassador Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez

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.

Germany's Director General of Legal Affairs Tania von Uslar-Gleichen (l) during the hearing at the ICJ

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.

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

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.

The Peace Palace in The Hague, a red-brick building resembling a castle, seen from afar, with a flagpole flying the blue UN flag

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?

Aid from the Egyptian Red Crescent entering Gaza on December 18, 2023

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.

The ICJ

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.

Palestinians walk past destroyed houses in Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip.

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.

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.

ICJ hearing on Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories

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.

The Peace Palace in The Hague, which houses the International Court of Justice

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.

An investigator combs through flaming wreckage

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.

Injured Palestinians, including children, receive medical treatment in Nasser Hospital under appalling conditions.

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.

A view of Pro-Palestinian demonstrators near the International Court of Justice in The Hague

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.

Judge Joan Donoghue reads out the court's ruling on a TV screen as journalists listen in a media center

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.

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

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.

Niederlande | Internationaler Gerichtshof in Den Haag zum Nahostkonflikt

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.

A man wearing a press vest and dark sunglasses stands in front of a destroyed building

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.

The International Court of Justice in The Hague

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.

Demonstrators wave Israeli flags in The Hague on January 11

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.

Demonstrators wave Israeli flags in The Hague on January 11

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.

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

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.

Palestinians visiting graves at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City

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.

Israel's lawyers at the Intternational Court of Justice in The Hague

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.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators hold Palestinian flags as they protest near the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

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.

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 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.

DW presenter George Okach in front of a picture of the ICJ building.

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?

View of the Peace Palace which houses World Court in The Hague, Netherlands, on Sept. 19, 2023.

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.