Joint Nordic statement delivered by Ambassador Vibeke Pasternak Jørgensen,
Under-Secretary for Legal Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Denmark
General Assembly, Eightieth Session: 
The Report of the International Court of Justice 
30 October 2025

 


Madam President,

I have the privilege of speaking on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and my own country, Denmark.

Let me first thank President Yuji Iwasawa for his report on the work of the Court over the past year. As countries firmly committed to the rule of law and international law, the Nordic countries continue to be long-standing, and staunch supporters of the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. 

The Nordic countries would like to use this opportunity to commend the work of the Court and emphasize the importance of the Court’s role in the international legal order. Even during challenging global circumstances, the Court continues to fulfil its role in delivering justice. The Court plays a central role in the fulfilment of the joint commitment of the Member States of the United Nations to the peaceful settlement of international disputes and the rule of law in global affairs. The Court as an impartial and independent institution with the highest legal standards and consistent jurisprudence, merits all of our appreciation.

During the reporting period under review, the Court has once again experienced a high level of activity with cases of a wide geographical spread concerning a variety of legal issues, these include territorial and maritime delimitation, human rights, the jurisdictional immunity of States, reparation for internationally wrongful acts, environmental protection and the interpretation and application of international treaties and conventions. These treaties also concern a wide range of issues.

The submission of a dispute to the Court is an act to fulfil the obligation of all States to settle their disputes peacefully. There are a large number of cases pending before the Court at the moment and during the reporting period, the Court was seized with another four new contentious cases and one request for an advisory opinion. This shows that the Court’s continued contribution to peaceful settlement of disputes is of great value and much in demand.

This, we believe is also a testament to the trust that States are placing on the Court.

It is paramount that the Court continues to adhere to the effective, impartial and good administration of justice at the highest level. This, of course, requires adequate resources. The increase in activity of the Court and a general scarcity of resources across the board for international institutions, underscores the need for the Court to also continuously consider increasing effectiveness and modernisation of procedures and working methods. States, for their part, are obliged to ensure compliance with the judgments and orders of the Court. While the Court’s decisions are only binding upon the parties concerned, the Court’s jurisprudence has significant impact as guidance. Both judgments and advisory opinions constitute authoritative interpretation of international law.

We urge all States to engage constructively in multilateral cooperation based on international law of which the peaceful settlement of disputes forms an integral and crucial part. In today’s challenging global political environment, the peaceful settlement of disputes is more relevant than ever. While there are several ways to establish the jurisdiction of the Court, we call upon States that have not yet done so to consider accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court.

Madam President,

On 23 July this year, the Court delivered its advisory opinion on obligations of States in respect of Climate Change on the basis of a request from the General Assembly. An unprecedented number of States decided to use their right to present their views to the Court on this matter which truly qualifies as a global one. During the proceedings, 91 written submissions and more than 100 oral statements were delivered. The Nordic countries believe that this vast participation not only testifies to the existential nature of the questions, but that it is also a reflection of the importance of the Court as an institution for the promotion and protection of an international system based on the rule of law. The advisory opinion is an important contribution to international law relating to obligations of States in respect of climate change. 

On 22 October this year, the Court delivered its advisory opinion on the ‘Obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory’. A total of 39 States, the United Nations and other international organisations gave oral statements after 46 written statements had been submitted to the court. In its advisory opinion the Court states that the State of Israel is required to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and that it has an obligation to co-operate in good faith with the United Nations and to ensure full respect for the privileges, the immunities and inviolability in relation to presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. And this includes the obligation to agree to and facilitate by all means at its disposal relief schemes on behalf of the population of the territory in the Gaza Strip. The Court also provides clear guidance as to obligations in relation to the presence and activities of other international organizations and third States in and in relation to the territory. The advisory opinion serves as a significant reminder of the obligations during occupation and in times of armed conflict.

Madam President, 

As a more general remark, the Nordic countries would also like to use this opportunity to reiterate the need to strive for a better gender balance in the Court. We encourage all States to keep on working actively towards this goal.

And finally, the Nordic countries would like to reaffirm our continued support to the International Court of Justice, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and to the international legal system as a whole.

Thank you.