- Campaigning on behalf of Professor Dapo Akande to win seat on
International Court of Justice
- Justice Secretary to give speech at UN General
Assembly setting out Britain's commitment to the rule of law
and its support for Professor Akande's candidacy
- The visit comes ahead of the election on November
3rd
The United Kingdom's candidate to the International Court of
Justice (ICJ) will help strengthen the rule of law in an
increasingly unstable world, the Lord Chancellor will tell the
United Nations General Assembly later today (Thursday, 29
October).
In a speech to UN member states the Lord Chancellor will set out his support for
the election of Professor Dapo Akande as a judge to the
ICJ.
The ICJ plays a vital role helping states peacefully resolve
disputes by law, supporting international stability, and
upholding principles on which all states rely. The UK's
support of the ICJ is part of its commitment to strengthen
justice, human rights and the rule of law around the
world.
The Lord Chancellor will set out to the UN General Assembly the
benefits of having Professor Akande on the court. He will
say:
At a moment when international law is under pressure, Professor
Akande brings the independence, legal rigour, judgement and
breadth of perspective that the Court needs.
He would make a formidable contribution to its work.
The intervention from the Lord Chancellor and , the Minister for the UN,
comes ahead of a regular election to the court on 3 November.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the ICJ's
inaugural sitting in the aftermath of the Second World
War.
During the speech the Justice Secretary will also set out the
United Kingdom's opposition to the sanctions brought against the
International Criminal Court. He will say:
The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal
Court have distinct jurisdictions and mandates.
However, the principle at stake is common.Judicial institutions
must be able to act independently, impartially and with
integrity.
Attempts to impede their work weaken not only the institutions
targeted, but the wider international legal order on which all
States rely.
The United Kingdom will continue to support the ICC and uphold
the rules-based international system.
