80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice - NL Host Nation
80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice
The Netherlands is proud to be host country to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has just marked its 80th anniversary. On Friday 17 April, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations celebrated this milestone at a solemn sitting, held at the Peace Palace in The Hague. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, ICJ President Iwasawa Yuji, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen a.o. attended the ceremony.
The ICJ is the UN’s permanent tribunal. Its inaugural session was held at the Peace Palace on 18 April 1946, attended by Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard. It is the only UN organ not to have its seat in New York.
Speakers at the ceremony highlighted both the Court’s history and its relevance in today’s world. In his speech, Minister Berendsen underlined the importance of international law, stating: ‘There’s every reason to uphold and defend international law and the international legal order. [...] The Netherlands, alongside many partners, will always be firmly committed to that cause’.
The solemn sitting was a fitting opportunity to reflect on the ICJ’s important role in safeguarding the international legal order. It is a great honour to the Netherlands to host this leading judicial institution.
