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Madame 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 Rosalyn Higgins, for her insightful and comprehensive report on the work of the Court over the past year.
Sixty years following the Court’s establishment, the growing demands being placed on the Court show the international community’s confidence in the Court as a fair, impartial and transparent judicial body. The Court’s increasing workload demonstrates the essential contribution it makes, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, to the peaceful resolution of disputes between States and to the development of international law.
Application of the international rule of law remains crucial for a peaceful world. As countries that firmly believe in the rule of law, we hope that leaders continue to support and explore ways to apply this. The International Court of Justice, as the only international court of general jurisdiction, is central to ensuring the rule of law is maintained and strengthened at the international level, and for this reason the Court deserves our support. It is important for smaller States to have access alongside their neighbour members to such impartial means to resolve their disputes. The Court represents the equality of all members within the UN.
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 continue to urge 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.
The twelve cases currently on the Court’s docket are indicative of the workload facing the court. It is fitting to see the wide regional spread of cases coming before the Court, as well as the diverse subject-matter of these cases. In addition, the cases reflect the willingness of States to turn to judicial settlement of their disputes, and are reflective of an ever-growing faith in the decisions of the Court and in the rule of law by the international community.
Canada , Australia and New Zealand encourage a continued focus by the Court - and by parties to cases before it - to efficient and disciplined working methods. Our three countries support the intention of the Court to apply more strictly its decisions aimed at accelerating proceedings. In that context, CANZ will reflect further on the suggestion in the Report of the Court regarding the need to increase the provision of individualised legal assistance for judges, in the form of an increased number of law clerks.
CANZ looks forward to the International Court of Justice continuing to play its vital role in the peaceful settlement of international disputes and to strengthening the international legal order as mandated by the United Nations Charter.
Thank you Madame President.
