Respect for international law has never been more important: UK Statement in the UN General Assembly

May I start by thanking President Salam for his leadership during what has been an exceptionally busy period for the Court. As today’s report highlights, the past year has seen a significant increase in the number of States involved in both contentious and advisory proceedings.  

And I would like on behalf of the United Kingdom to express my gratitude to all Members of the Court and the Registry for their continued commitment to the sound administration of justice and the peaceful resolution of international disputes. Our thanks goes for their independence, for the quality of their judgement and for the central and vital role they play in our international rules-based order.

The United Nations Charter has served as a font of inspiration for generations. Its clarion call on behalf of the peoples of the United Nations for a  determination that we should establish conditions under which respect for international law should be maintained has never been more important. And through Chapter XIV of the Charter we sought to give real and practical effect to the aspiration of the creation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

We came from a myriad of distinct legal cultures and traditions to recognise that the security and prosperity of us all can be met by the compliance with law and peaceful resolution of disputes through international judicial means.

We recognized that the world for future generations will be better when we settle disputes in courtrooms not on battlefields. 

And as the globe currently faces critical challenges, there has never been a more important moment for us all to reaffirm our commitment to that ideal, to the international rule of law and thus to the important world of the ICJ.   

The United Kingdom has demonstrated its support for the Court in part by accepting compulsory jurisdiction. And I reiterate the call made by the General Assembly for States that have not yet done so to consider accepting the jurisdiction of the ICJ in accordance with its Statute. 

 And our commitment to the future of the Court and our commitment to the very highest standards in international law is such that I am delighted that the UK National Group has decided to nominate Professor Dapo Akande for election to the Court for the 2027-2036 term. 

The United Kingdom would once again wish to thank the President of the Court for the report and at this critical moment to reaffirm our unwavering support for its vital work.