2011 International Court of Justice judges election

2011 International Court of Justice Judges Election

The 2011 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judges election was a significant event in the history of international law, as it involved the selection of judges to serve on the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The election took place to fill five of the fifteen seats on the ICJ, which are elected for nine-year terms.

Background

The International Court of Justice, established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations, is based in The Hague, Netherlands. It settles legal disputes submitted by states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.

The ICJ is composed of 15 judges, who are elected to nine-year terms by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. Elections are held every three years for one-third of the seats, ensuring continuity within the court.

Election Process

The election process for ICJ judges is governed by Articles 4-12 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice. Candidates are nominated by national groups in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the election requires an absolute majority in both the General Assembly and the Security Council.

In the 2011 election, the terms of five judges were due to expire on February 5, 2012. The election was held on November 10, 2011, during the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Candidates

The candidates for the 2011 election were nominated by their respective national groups. The nominees included both sitting judges seeking re-election and new candidates. The election was competitive, with multiple candidates vying for each available seat.

Results

The following judges were elected in the 2011 election:

• Peter Tomka (Slovakia) - Re-elected
• Giorgio Gaja (Italy) - Newly elected
• Xue Hanqin (China) - Re-elected
• Hisashi Owada (Japan) - Re-elected
• Julia Sebutinde (Uganda) - Newly elected

These judges commenced their terms on February 6, 2012.

Significance

The election of judges to the ICJ is a critical process that ensures the court's ability to function effectively and maintain its role as a key institution in the international legal system. The judges' diverse backgrounds and legal expertise contribute to the court's ability to address complex international legal issues.

Also see

• International Court of Justice
• United Nations General Assembly
• United Nations Security Council
• Statute of the International Court of Justice
• Permanent Court of Arbitration