Mr. President,
At the outset, the United Arab Emirates would like to express its gratitude to the distinguished service of International Court of Justice Judges, Nawaf Salam and Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, who resigned as Members of the Court this year.
The UAE welcomes the new President of the Court, Judge Yuji Iwasawa, and newly elected Judge, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud, and wish them every success in upholding international law. In light of forthcoming elections to fill the vacancy left by Judge Yusuf, we implore Member States to approach the election with a sense of duty to the Court, and to future generations.
The diversity of issues and the wide geographic scope of cases brought before the Court highlight its universal and general character. Desiring to ensure the consistent application and respect for international law by all, the UAE remains resolute in its support for the work of the ICJ 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.
Mr. President, the high level of activity in the ICJ, both in contentious cases and advisory opinions, reflect the confidence of States in its ability to effectively discharge of its mandate. The Court’s jurisdiction, which remains of prime importance and to which my country has been subjected this year on a contentious case, is to be sought responsibly so as to not occupy the Court with frivolous cases. The Court’s jurisdiction lies at the heart of its effective functioning as the primary judicial organ of the UN system, and because of this, the UAE welcomes the Court’s action to dismiss and strike from its general list the baseless case brought against my country earlier this year.
On its advisory functions, the Court has yet again offered valuable insight on important questions of international law. Indeed, as it concerns its Opinion on the obligations of States in respect of climate change, the Court’s views will be helpful in guiding States in their efforts to address the effects of climate change, which constitutes an unprecedented existential threat for humanity. We also welcome the Court’s recent Opinion on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence of activities of the UN, other international organizations and third States in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion underlines that the work of the UN and other humanitarian actors in Gaza is indispensable. Clarity on Israel’s legal obligations as the Occupying Power, which includes the obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the United Nations and its entities, , and the obligation to ensure the international community at large, including aid organizations and third states like the UAE, can be present and assist the population in Palestine, comes at a critical time and will no doubt assist our collective efforts to ensure that life-saving aid continues to flow into Gaza at scale.
Mr President, the UAE strongly supports the ICJ’s unique mandate, and deeply values its role in strengthening the rule of law in international relations, contributing to fostering peaceful coexistence among nations. The Court’s Judgments and Opinions significantly contribute to the development of the international legal framework and enhances its legitimacy. Additionally, its interpretations of international law continue to shape the behavior of States by guiding their future actions in conformity with established legal principles.
For the UAE, the rule of law and respect for the Charter in maintaining international peace and security remains of fundamental importance. It is worth always repeating that the rule of law plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of an international system, particularly when such system is characterized by deep inequalities in power, influence, and opportunity. Only through the consistent application of the norms and values enshrined in the UN Charter, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use of force, can the rule of law offer the promise of stable peace as an alternative to destabilizing conflict.
In conclusion, Mr. President, I take this opportunity to reiterate the firm commitment of my country, the United Arab Emirates, to uphold international law and to continue our support for the invaluable work of the International Court of Justice.
I thank you, Mr. President.