Delivered by Mr. Abdulla Al Ajeeli, Second Secretary

Mr. President,

The United Arab Emirates thanks the President of the International Court of Justice, Judge Yuji Iwasawa, for presenting the Court’s annual report, and expresses its appreciation to the Members of the Court and its Registry for their efforts in the service of international justice.

We also congratulate the five Members elected to the Court on the third of November this year, and Mr. Santiago Villalpando on assuming office as Registrar, wishing them every success in discharging their duties.

My country extends its sincere condolences on the passing of former Judges, with appreciation for their contributions to the Court and to international law.

And on the eightieth anniversary of the Court’s inaugural sitting, the United Arab Emirates renews its support for the work of Court as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations for the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in accordance with the principles of justice and international law. This support stems from my country’s commitment to the rule of law, the Charter of the United Nations and the desire to ensure consistent application and respect for international law in our common pursuit of peace, security and cooperation among States.

Our consideration of the Court’s report provides an opportunity to highlight how we can support its work in practical terms, as the number of cases before it grows and the legal questions it considers become more diverse. In this regard, my delegation wishes to focus on three points:

First, the Court’s independence and impartiality, and its adherence to the UN Charter and the Court’s Statute, are fundamental to the confidence States place in it. In contentious cases, the consent of States remains the basis of the Court’s jurisdiction. Supporting the Court therefore requires respect for its jurisdictional rules and decisions on jurisdiction, as well as protection of the rights of the parties and the procedural safeguards afforded to them.

The Court’s advisory function also plays an important role in clarifying legal questions before United Nations organs and specialized agencies authorized to request advisory opinions. My country attaches importance to the careful preparation of such requests, through clear and specific legal questions and the orderly provision of relevant documentation, enabling the Court to perform its function efficiently and assisting requesting bodies in discharging their responsibilities.

Second, the United Arab Emirates emphasizes the importance of States complying with the Court’s binding orders on provisional measures and judgements in cases to which they are parties, in accordance with the UN Charter and the Court’s Statute, which strengthens trust among States and gives practical effect to judicial settlement.

This also highlights the important role of national legal authorities in clarifying what judgments require, coordinating implementation among the relevant authorities, and following up on compliance with the obligations arising from them. Effective engagement with international adjudication does not end with the delivery of a judgment; it extends to giving that judgment the necessary legal and practical effect.

In this context, we take note of the amendment introduced by the Court this year to Article seventy-eight of its Rules concerning public access to reports on the implementation of provisional measures, after ascertaining the views of the parties and subject to the applicable safeguards.

Third, the Court’s efficiency must be supported by developing its tools and ensuring States’ effective participation in its proceedings, as the report indicates that twenty-four contentious cases remained on the Court’s General List at the end of the reporting period. This workload underscores the importance of continuing to improve case management, while maintaining the quality of judicial work and affording parties sufficient opportunity to present their arguments.

Responsibility for achieving this efficiency does not rest with the Court alone. States can contribute by following procedural directions, submitting clear and focused pleadings and documents relevant to the questions under consideration, and limiting unnecessary repetition. Clear procedural guidance and effective communication with the Registry also help States prepare for proceedings and make effective use of time and resources, without prejudice to the rights of the parties or the independence of their legal positions.

We also highlight the proposal in the report to develop a secure, integrated case-management system that would enable the electronic filing, distribution and retrieval of documents. The United Arab Emirates recognizes the potential of technology to facilitate proceedings, with due attention to verifying that documents originate from authorized entities, ensuring their integrity and reliable preservation, and protecting confidential information.

My country regards these safeguards as an essential component of judicial modernization. The development of digital tools should strengthen confidence in proceedings, as well as improve their efficiency. This is consistent with the United Arab Emirates’ interest in developing its legal and judicial system and making responsible use of digital transformation to facilitate access to justice.

In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates renews its firm commitment to supporting the work of the International Court of Justice and to upholding international law through respecting the Court’s jurisdiction, complying with its binding decisions and participating responsibly in its proceedings, thereby strengthening its role, including in the peaceful settlement of disputes.

I thank you, Mr. President.