Nordic Statement at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Agenda item 72, Report of the International Court of Justice
Read the Nordic Statement delivered by Ms. Kaija Suvanto, Director General for Legal Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Agenda item 72, Report of the International Court of Justice on October 29, 2026.
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.
I wish to thank President Yuji Iwasawa for his presentation and for the Court's continued service to the international community.
This year holds particular significance. In April 2026, the International Court of Justice celebrated the eightieth anniversary of its inaugural sitting at the Peace Palace in The Hague. For eight decades, the Court has served as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and as a guardian of the international rule of law.
As countries firmly committed to the rule of law and to international law, the Nordic countries remain steadfast supporters of the Court and of the broader system of international justice. The Court's eightieth anniversary offers an important opportunity to reflect on its enduring contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes and to the development of international law.
Mr. President,
The Court continues to experience an unprecedented workload. Seventy-five States have accepted its compulsory jurisdiction under Article 36, paragraph 2, of its Statute, and more than 300 treaties confer jurisdiction upon the Court to resolve disputes concerning their interpretation or application.
The Court's increasing caseload and the growing complexity of its proceedings underscore the confidence that the international community places in its work. During the reporting period, 88 States participated, to varying extents, in contentious or advisory proceedings before the Court. This demonstrates the central place that the Court continues to occupy within the contemporary international legal order.
These developments also highlight the importance of ensuring that the Court is provided with the resources necessary to fulfil its mandate effectively, efficiently and independently.
Mr. President,
Today, the Court's role is more important than ever.
At a time marked by armed conflict, geopolitical tensions and growing challenges to the multilateral system, the International Court of Justice serves as a cornerstone of the international legal order. By providing a judicial forum for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States and by assisting the United Nations through its advisory function, the Court contributes to international peace and security and to the orderly settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.
During the reporting period, the Court continued to address a wide range of important questions arising under international law. These included matters relating to territorial and maritime disputes, diplomatic and consular relations, the interpretation and application of human rights and humanitarian law treaties, and the implementation of the Genocide Convention. The breadth of issues before the Court highlights its central role in addressing legal questions of global significance.
The reporting period also witnessed continued and unprecedented levels of participation by States in proceedings before the Court, including through interventions. This trend reflects the strong interest of States in the Court's work and in the development and application of international law. It further underlines the Court's continuing relevance as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
Mr. President,
The Nordic countries would also like to highlight the Court's important contribution to the law of State responsibility. Through its jurisprudence, the Court has reinforced the principle that breaches of international law entail legal consequences and obligations of reparation.
Its judgments provide authoritative determinations of legal rights and obligations, while also contributing to accountability, legal certainty and the effectiveness of the international legal system.
The Nordic countries reaffirm the importance of full compliance with the judgments and orders of the Court, including orders indicating provisional measures. Respect for judicial decisions is fundamental to the credibility and effectiveness of the international legal order.
Mr. President,
In view of the elections to be held later this year, the Nordic countries wish to highlight the importance of striving for improved gender balance in the composition of the Court. We encourage all States, both in presenting candidates and in casting their votes, to give due consideration to this objective. A Court that better reflects the diversity of the international community strengthens the legitimacy and authority of international judicial institutions.
As the Court enters its ninth decade, the Nordic countries remain convinced that its mission is as vital today as it was in 1946: to ensure that disputes between States are resolved through law rather than force. Currently, 75 States have filed declarations recognizing the jurisdiction of the Court over certain international disputes. All Nordic countries have filed such declarations, with Iceland having done so in February of this year.
We encourage States that have not yet done so to consider accepting the Court's compulsory jurisdiction, thereby enabling the Court to fulfil its role more effectively.
Finally, the Nordic countries reaffirm their strong support for the International Court of Justice, its independence and integrity, and its central role as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
At a time of global challenges, our collective commitment to international law and to the institutions that uphold it is more important than ever. The Nordic countries will continue to support the Court and to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes through international law.
Thank you.