80th Anniversary of the International Court: “The Power of Law” Instead of “The Law of Power”

Choice in favor of peace

The UN Secretary-General reminded that the establishment of the Court was a response to the consequences of the Second World War and a symbol of the international community’s aspiration to replace the “law of force” with the “force of law.” According to him, it was precisely this choice that laid the foundation for a more just world.

Guterres emphasized that over eight decades, the Court’s decisions and advisory opinions have had a significant impact on the formation of the modern international order—from resolving territorial disputes and defining maritime boundaries to protecting human rights and the environment. He noted that today the workload of the Court has reached a record level, which testifies to the trust of states in its independence and authority.

Violations of international law

At the same time, the Secretary-General warned of a worrying trend: international law norms are increasingly being violated. According to him, in the theater of military operations, basic rules of warfare are ignored, humanitarian obligations are not observed, and the authority of international institutions is called into question.

“When the right of force replaces the force of right, instability grows,” he said, adding that such processes lead to the spread of conflicts, economic upheavals and, above all, strike the most vulnerable layers of the population.

Enforcement of International Court Decisions

Gutierrez paid special attention to the mandatory implementation of the Court’s decisions. He reminded that rulings, including provisional measures, are legally binding for the parties and compliance is not a matter of choice, but an obligation under the UN Charter.

The Secretary-General also noted that the world is becoming increasingly multipolar. According to him, this can become a source of new opportunities, but only on the condition that international relations are based on common rules and strong multilateral institutions. Otherwise, the risk of chaos increases.

“International law gives states with different interests and systems a common language and a predictable basis for peaceful dispute resolution,” he emphasized.

Guterres called on countries to make a choice in favor of strengthening the legal system, to confirm adherence to the peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for the Court’s decisions, as well as to follow the principles of the UN Charter.

He also noted positive changes within the Court itself, including an increase in the number of women among the judges and modernization of working methods, which, according to him, enhances its legitimacy and effectiveness.