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Mr President
On behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand, let me first express my thanks to the President of the International Court of Justice, Judge Shi Jiuyong, for his insightful and comprehensive report on the work of the Court over the past year. His presentation today highlights the valuable role that the Court plays in contributing to the peaceful resolution of disputes between States and the development of international law.
Universal adherence to the international rule of law is crucial for a peaceful world. As countries which firmly believe in the rule of law, we were pleased to see this resoundingly endorsed by the world’s leaders at their Summit last month. The International Court of Justice is central to ensuring the rule of law is maintained and strengthened at the international level, and for this reason the Court deserves our unwavering support.
Canada, Australia and New Zealand have always been, and will continue to be, strong supporters of the principal judicial organ of the United Nations - the International Court of Justice.
Our confidence in the Court and its continuing ability to render considered judgements on complex international legal issues is reflected in our acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction in accordance with Article 36(2) of the Statute of the Court. We would encourage other members of the United Nations, who have not yet done so, to deposit with the Secretary-General a declaration of acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction.
CANZ welcomes the Court’s efficient handling of the cases before it and the steps it continues to take to improve its working methods in this regard. We are pleased to see that over the 2004-2005 period the Court disposed of ten cases and that the case-load now sits at eleven. Gone are the days when the Court’s docket was virtually empty. The increased willingness of States to turn to judicial settlement of their disputes must be welcomed, and is testimony of the ever-growing faith in the decisions of the Court and in the rule of law by the international community.
In recent times other courts have been created to handle specific issues, such as the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Criminal Court and the ad hoc international criminal tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. CANZ supports the work of these courts which contribute to the application and strengthening of the rule of law.
The International Court of Justice, however, retains its place as the only international court of universal character and general jurisdiction. All States are equal before the Court regardless of their size. It is important for smaller States to have access to such impartial means to resolve their disputes.
CANZ looks forward to the International Court of Justice continuing to play its vital role in the peaceful settlement of international disputes and strengthening the international legal order as mandated by the UN Charter.
Thank you Mr President.
