U.N. court hears S. Africa case alleging Israeli genocide in Gaza
Though it cannot enforce its orders, the court issues advisory opinions that carry legal weight and moral authority.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
U.N. council seat adds twist to Guyana-Venezuela tensions
Guyana, an impoverished former British colony, controls the Essequibo region and the $1 billion a year it generates.
'World Court' gains new judges and Russia loses seat with U.N. election
The election adds only the sixth female judge and denies Russia a seat for the first time in the court's 77-year history.
Global climate litigation to force action more than doubles in 5 years
As climate litigation increases, the body of legal precedent grows, forming an increasingly well-defined field of law.
European court hears first citizen complaints over climate inaction
The European Court of Human Rights heard two climate cases brought by citizens against Swiss and French authorities.
Vanuatu's 'epic' win lets top U.N. court set climate obligations
The ICJ is being asked for a legal opinion on nations' legal obligations to fight global warming – and the consequences if they don't.
Top U.N. court orders Russia out of Ukraine
The ICJ ordered Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine in a legally binding decision that is mainly symbolic because there is no direct means of enforcing it.
IAEA to get 'less access' to Iran nuclear sites
The head of the U.N. atomic watchdog agency and Iranian top officials announced Tehran will give international inspectors reduced access to nuclear sites.
Top U.N. court to hear Iran's case against U.S.
ICJ ruled it has jurisdiction to hear Iran's case challenging the U.S. economic sanctions reimposed by the former Trump administration in 2018.
Myanmar coup raises stakes for investigations into rights abuses
Leaders fear the fall of a democratically elected government will trigger a human rights crisis as the junta returns to power.
ICJ steps into Guyana-Venezuela border dispute
ICJ ruled it has jurisdiction to settle a border dispute going back to colonial-era claims over a resources-rich jungle region between Guyana and Venezuela.
Five judges win 9-year terms on U.N. top court
Four judges from China, Japan, Slovakia and Uganda were re-elected to the International Court of Justice, while a German candidate won the fifth open slot.
Virus enters world's largest refugee camps
Officials sounded the alarm after the first COVID-19 infections were detected at the world's largest refugee settlement for Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
U.N. expert: Myanmar atrocities continue
A U.N. human rights investigator urged the world body to "step up its efforts" to protect ethnic and religious minorities from the Myanmar military.
ICJ orders Myanmar to prevent genocide
The International Court of Justice ordered Myanmar's government to do everything it can to prevent more atrocities and genocide against the Rohingyas.
Nobel laureate denies Rohingya genocide
Once an icon of democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi went to the International Court of Justice to deny Myanmar's military committed genocide against Rohingyas.