I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the United Kingdom in response to the presentation of the annual report of the International Court of Justice.
We thank President Iwasawa and the members of the Court for their continued dedication to the sound administration of justice and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The United Kingdom welcomes the Court’s report and commends its work over the past year, which reflects a growing case load and a broadening scope of legal issues involving States from all five regional groups of the United Nations.
We remain a steadfast supporter of the Court as demonstrated by our acceptance of its compulsory jurisdiction. We reiterate the General Assembly’s call for States that have not yet done so to consider accepting the Court’s jurisdiction in accordance with its Statute.
There are three key points that the United Kingdom would like to highlight. Firstly, we commend the Court’s handling of complex contentious cases, including those concerning territorial delimitation, immunities and treaty interpretation.
The Court’s careful approach to jurisdictional matters highlights the importance of procedural integrity and the limits of judicial competence. The United Kingdom also notes the Court’s significant role in its advisory proceedings. These opinions can clarify complex legal questions, assisting the United Nations and its Member States in addressing global legal challenges.
Secondly, the Court’s workload remains very substantial. A reflection of the trust placed in it by States. With the rise in multi-party interventions and broader participation in advisory proceedings, efficient management of increasingly complex cases is essential to safeguard the Court’s resources and ensure timely delivery of justice. We must ensure the Court has the resources it needs to meet the demands of its increasing docket.
Finally, the Court’s impartiality, independence and legal rigor are central to maintaining the credibility of the international legal system. The United Kingdom is proud to support the Court and to contribute to its future through the nomination of Professor Dapo Akande for election to the bench in the 2026 election.
We have also been pleased to contribute to the Trust Fund for the Judicial Fellowship Programme to assist young jurists from developing countries to gain professional experience and contribute to the Court’s legal research and broader mission. We thank the president of the Court for his report and for the Court’s continued service to the international community.
