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UAE Reaffirms Commitment to International Court of Justice, Highlights Importance of Rule of Law
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The United Arab Emirates has strongly voiced its support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its role in peacefully resolving international disputes, emphasizing the critical importance of upholding international law and the United Nations Charter. The UAE’s statement comes amid increasing engagement with the ICJ and its recent advisory opinions on pressing global issues.
The UAE’s position was articulated in a statement delivered by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan before the United Nations General Assembly, regarding the ICJ’s latest report. A senior official stated, “The increasing activity of the International Court of Justice… reflects the confidence of states in the ability of the Court to carry out its mandate effectively.”
ICJ’s Growing Role and Responsible Jurisdiction
The statement acknowledged the ICJ’s expanding workload, encompassing both contentious cases and advisory opinions. It underscored the necessity for states to exercise responsibility when bringing cases before the Court, cautioning against overburdening it with claims lacking substantial merit. “The jurisdiction of the Court… necessitates being responsible when resorting to it, in order to avoid busying the Court with cases that lack serious foundations,” the official explained.
The UAE welcomed the ICJ’s decision to dismiss a lawsuit filed against it earlier this year, removing the case from its docket due to insufficient grounds. This outcome, according to the statement, demonstrates the Court’s commitment to rigorous evaluation of claims.
climate Change and Obligations in Occupied Palestinian Territories
The ICJ’s advisory function was also praised, with particular emphasis on its recent opinion regarding states’ obligations concerning climate change. The UAE believes these opinions will be instrumental in guiding national efforts to mitigate the effects of what it termed an “unprecedented existential threat to humanity.”
Moreover, the UAE lauded the Court’s opinion concerning Israel’s obligations related to the activities of the United nations and other international organizations in the occupied Palestinian territories. The ICJ’s advisory opinion affirmed the indispensable role of the UN and humanitarian actors in Gaza.
According to the statement, clarifying the legal obligations imposed on Israel as the occupying power – including the obligation to facilitate relief efforts – “comes at a critical time, and will undoubtedly contribute to supporting our collective efforts to ensure the continued flow of life-saving aid to Gaza on a large scale.”
strengthening the rule of Law in International Relations
The UAE affirmed its strong support for the ICJ’s unique mandate and its contribution to strengthening the rule of law in international relations. The Court’s rulings and advisory opinions, the statement emphasized, are “a fundamental pillar in developing the international legal framework.”
The UAE also stressed the importance of adhering to and strengthening the UN Charter in maintaining international peace and security. A key tenet of this, the statement argued, is recognizing the pivotal role of the rule of law, particularly in a global system marked by power imbalances.
“The rule of law cannot achieve the promise of stable peace… except through the consistent request of the norms and values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity,
