THE HAGUE, April 18: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed that compliance with rulings issued by the International Court of Justice is a binding obligation under the UN Charter, warning of a growing disregard for international law and a decline in trust in global institutions.
In a statement marking the Court's 80th anniversary, Guterres said the ICJ had played a central role in shaping the modern international order over the past eight decades, noting that its docket is now more active than ever. He indicated that this reflects increasing confidence in the Court's authority and independence, while underscoring the need for renewed commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to both its rulings and advisory opinions.
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The Secretary-General emphasized that the Court serves as a safeguard to ensure that the principles of sovereignty and equality retain their practical meaning, rather than becoming merely symbolic. He stressed that the use of force should never override legal obligations.
Guterres also warned that violations of international law are becoming more visible, pointing to military actions that breach fundamental rules governing armed conflict, as well as failures to uphold humanitarian obligations and protections afforded to the United Nations. He cautioned that institutions tasked with upholding justice are increasingly facing skepticism and mounting challenges.
He further warned that when the rule of law is supplanted by the law of force, instability spreads beyond borders, contributing to wider conflicts and global economic strain, with the most vulnerable populations bearing the heaviest consequences.
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