Statement by Sally Langrish, UK Legal Adviser at the UN
General Assembly Report of the International Court of
Justice
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.
