Peacekeeping and Security
Foreword
Published since 1947 the Yearbook of the International Court of Justice provides information in a bilingual format on its judicial activities organization and jurisdiction together with the procedure that it follows.
Yearbook of the International Court of Justice 2019-2020
The bilingual Annuaire-Yearbook presents the work of the Court between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020 as well as its organization and functioning.
Introduction (English)
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) which has its seat at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established by the Charter of the United Nations in June 1945 and began its activities in April 1946.
Cases instituted by application (on the basis of a compromissory clause and/or a declaration made under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute)
Article 40 paragraph 1 of the Statute provides that cases may be brought before the Court by notification of an application.
Chambers formed under Article 26, paragraph 2, of the Statute
Article 26 paragraph 2 of the Statute provides that the Court may form a chamber to deal with a particular case the number of judges constituting such a chamber being determined by the Court with the approval of the parties.
The registry
The ICJ is the only principal organ of the United Nations not to be assisted by the Secretary-General who has no authority over the Court. The permanent administrative organ of the ICJ is thus not the UN Secretariat but its Registry. Since the ICJ is both a court of justice and an international organ the Registry’s tasks include both helping in the administration of justice — with sovereign States as litigants — and acting as an international secretariat.