The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been placed firmly in the global spotlight this month following South Africa’s decision to turn to the world tribunal after accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention. Here is a primer on the ICJ and what it does.
  • filoria@lemmy.mlOP
    18·
    10 months ago

    If a country fails to perform the obligations incumbent upon it under a judgment, the only remaining recourse is to turn to the Security Council, which can vote on a resolution, per the UN Charter. This happened in a case brought by Nicaragua against the United States in 1984, demanding reparations for the US support for Contra rebels.

    The ICJ ruled in Nicaragua’s favour, but the US refused to accept the finding. Nicaragua then took the matter to the Security Council, where a relevant resolution was vetoed by the United States.

    • WraithGear@lemmy.world
      7·
      10 months ago

      So nothing then? The article is weird to frame them as important and impactful, then its gets undermined by that bit you hi-lighted.

      • Omgarm@lemmy.world
        10·
        10 months ago

        It does matter for anything not involving the USA, Russia or China. If they ever admit that they’re not above the law it would be increibly valueable.

      • xor@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        5·
        10 months ago

        It’s also important to note that there are diplomatic and domestic consequences to vetoing UNSC resolutions.

        While the US might be willing to veto the previous ceasefire resolution, the diplomatic and political costs of vetoing a clear cut finding of genocide are so massive that, I think and hope, the US will not be willing to do so.