THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS: City of Peace, welcomes you! Contribute to a world where Peace and Love will be available for everybody. ICP and The Hague's Goals and Objectives • Initiate and focalize actions in the Hague that are related to the heritage of this city in the perspective of Peace building. . Respect and cooperate with existing Peace building initiatives. • Communicate about the Peace building actions so that the Hague will be very visible as a City of Peace. • Help other ICP ambassadors with their projects by getting Dutch people involved, willing to help. • Give expertise on communication, conflict resolution, building communities et cetera to colleague ambassadors and to communities in the Hague that are in need of it towards more Peace and Love. World Peace Flame at the Peace Palace at The Hague ABOUT JOLANDA VAN WIJK Jolanda was born in July 1967, in the middle of the country the Netherlands, the Utrecht area. She was raised Catholic and grew up as a cheerful and loving child who managed to find her own way. Her parents worked together, they had a butchery. They had four children, Jolanda is the third.

Jolanda lives with her family in Maarssen, surrounded by a lot of water in a rural area. She loves walking, sings and plays a bit of piano and sometimes writes a poem. Jolanda has learned a lot from home, at school and beyond. At a young age she felt world citizen, connected to all living things. She travelled in Europe, Australia and the United States (New York, Michigan and Isle Royale in lake Ontario) and visited Beijing and Bali. Growing up, her life got many colors of the rainbow, and she regards that as a gift from mother and father nature. Her curious and opinionated nature makes her feel like an experienced life artist. Holistic / integral living is Jolanda's nature, dialogue is a her way of life. Jolanda has worked for more than fifteen year for IBM and runs since 2008 her own company in conflict resolution training & support, coaching and sales support. See website . She studied International Marketing management, Business Administration (post graduate) and Mediation and did many workshops and training in support of her development. With courage, empathetic ability and spiritual strength she helps people and organizations to live from their heart and inspiration.

She is facilitator in Restorative Circles and initiator and focaliser of Restorative Circles the Netherlands. In 2015 she founded together with others the NGO Herstelcirkels (see ). You can find her on Linkedin: Mobile Phone 00 31 6 30 41 7530 THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (excerpted from Wikipedia) The Hague is the seat of government in the Netherlands, and the capital city of the province of South Holland. With a population just over 500,000 inhabitants (as of 1 November 2012) and more than one million inhabitants including the suburbs, it is the third largest city of the Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The combined urban area of The Hague and Rotterdam, with a population of approximately 2.9 million, is the 206th largest urban area in the world and the most populous in the country. Located in the west of the Netherlands, The Hague is in the centre of the Haaglanden conurbation and lies at the southwest corner of the larger Randstad conurbation.

The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Council of State, but the city is not the capital of the Netherlands which constitutionally is Amsterdam. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands plans to live at Huis ten Bosch and works at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, together with Queen Máxima. Most foreign embassies in the Netherlands and 150 international organisations are located in the city, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, which makes The Hague one of the major cities hosting the United Nations, along with New York, Vienna, Geneva, Tokyo and Nairobi. The Criminal Court at The Hague The city of The Hague contributes substantially to international politics: The Hague is home to over 150 international organisations. These include the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). After the establishment of the League of Nations, The Hague became the seat of the Permanent Court of International Justice, which was replaced by the UN's International Court of Justice after the Second World War.

The establishment of the Iran-US Claims Tribunal (1981), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (1993) and the International Criminal Court (2002) in the city further consolidated the role of The Hague as a center for international legal arbitration. Most recently, on 1 March 2009, a U.N. tribunal to investigate and prosecute suspects in the 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri opened in the former headquarters of the Netherlands General Intelligence Agency in Leidschendam, a town within the greater area of The Hague. The Hague is the fourth major centre for the United Nations, after New York, Geneva and Vienna. In line with the city's history as an important convention center and the current presence of institutions such as the ICJ, The Hague's city council employs a city branding strategy that aims to establish The Hague as the Legal Capital of the World and the International City of Peace and Justice.

Major international and European organisations based in The Hague include: - Eurojust, European Union body composed of national prosecutors - European Patent Office - Europol, European Police Office - Hague Academy of International Law, center for high-level education in both public and private international law - Hague Conference on Private International Law, (HCCH), the oldest and preeminent private international law harmonisation institution - International Court of Justice, located in the Peace Palace - International Criminal Court, (ICC) - International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, (ICTY) - International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR, appeals court only). The tribunal itself is in Arusha, Tanzania. - Iran-United States Claims Tribunal Practical Information | International Court of Justice International Court of Justice Practical Information The Court has had its seat in the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands) since 1946. Its predecessor, the Permanent Court of International Justice, occupied from 1922 the same premises, made available to it by the Carnegie Foundation, which owns and administers the Peace Palace.

Built between 1907 and 1913 for the Permanent Court of Arbitration thanks to a donation from Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-born industrialist who made his fortune in the United States, the Peace Palace is situated in seven hectares of parkland in the heart of the city. The granite, sandstone and red brick building designed by the French architect Louis Cordonnier and topped by an imposing roof of greyish slate is in a predominantly neo-renaissance style. The facade, overlooking the lawns, features a series of figures that evoke justice and peace. On the left, the clock tower with its chimes rises to a height of 80 metres. Inside, woodwork, stained-glass windows, mosaics, tapestries and art objects presented by the States which participated in the Hague Peace Conferences reflect the diversity of the world’s cultures. A new wing built in 1978 behind the Palace accommodates the Court’s Deliberation Room and the offices of its Members. It was extended in 1997, notably to house the increased number of judges ad hoc. That same year, the attic of the Palace was renovated to provide new offices for Registry staff.

The Palace, which, along with the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice, is home to one of the world’s largest libraries of public international law (the Peace Palace Library, which is public, unlike the Court’s library) and hosts the summer courses of the Hague Academy of International Law, can be visited on working days. A museum of the history and work of the institutions housed in the Peace Palace was inaugurated in May 1999 by Mr. Kofi Annan and Judge Stephen M. Schwebel, respectively United Nations Secretary-General and President of the Court at that time. It is situated in the southern wing of the building. For more information on the guided tours of the Peace Palace and its Museum, please visit the website of the Carnegie Foundation: . The Foundation can also be reached by phone ( +31 (0)70 302 41 37), fax (+31 (0)70 302 42 34) and e-mail (guidedtours@planet.nl).

For more information on the Peace Palace Library, please visit its website: For more information on the Permanent Court of Arbitration, please visit its website: For more information on the Hague Academy of International Law, please visit its website: The Hague Travel and City Guide - Netherlands Tourism Netherlands Tourism The Hague Posted by: Jan M. in Cities Comments Off on The Hague The Hague (in Dutch: Den Haag) is the capital city of the province South Holland . With over 500 thousand inhabitants it is the third largest city of the Netherlands (after Amsterdam and Rotterdam ). The Dutch government and parlement are located in The Hague, this might seem strange as The Hague is not the capital city of the Netherlands . You also might know The Hague as The International Court of Justice and The International Criminal Court are located in the city, both are often referred to in news programs around the world. History of The Hague The first recorded historical reference to The Hague is circa 1230 when a lodge, for hunting, was built there by Count Floris the fourth. This was rebuilt as a castle in 1248 by his son William the 2nd.

The name, The Hague, is based on the word for hedge as an enclosure where the building was set. More buildings, such as the Knights Hall, were built close to the castle and it eventually came to be the home of the Counts of Holland. These buildings can now be found in the old quarter, Binnenhof. A lake was built close by this area in 1350 and is still there today. The New Capital Street in The Hague – Sybrand van Beest (1650) This area, in the late 1200’s and the 1300’s, became an center of commerce and the area grew as trading flourished with many merchants coming to the district. In the 16th century when Holland was under rule from Spain, The Hague was established as the center for the Dutch and later, under William the 1st, it became the capital of the Netherlands. In 1585 all of the main bodies of the Dutch government moved into the area, further establishing it as the center of power in the country.

Although it is no longer used, The Hague, in the 16th century was named Gravenhage, this roughly translated as “The Counts Wood”, harking back to its origins as a hunting lodge. in 1575 the whole area came under threat of demolition As the lack of city walls made it almost impossible to defend, as when it was overrun by the Spanish at the onset of the “80 years war”, but this idea was abandoned after the intervention of William of Orange. The area was finally granted city status in the early 19th century by Louis Bonaparte in the Napoleonic wars, after which the Netherlands and Belgium were formed into a single state, as The United Kingdom Of The Netherlands, although Belgium was once again separated in 1830 with Amsterdam remaining as the capital, but the government remaining in The Hague. The Modern era The building of The Hague as a large city really started in 1850 with new residential areas being built to house government employees and also employees of the Dutch East India Company. The city encompassed the area of Looseduinen in 1923 as it grew even further beyond it’s boundaries.

During the 2nd world war large parts of the city were demolished to make way for the “Atlantic wall” and in 1945 a residential area was accidentally bombed by the British who were attempting to bomb the V2 rocket site in a nearby park. After the war there was a massive building programs, both to repair the damage and to accommodate the growing population. Today the city is still expanding beyond it’s borders with new areas being annexed and new residential areas being built. Home of Justice The Hague has been the center for international law for centuries. It was once referred to as the “legal capital of the world” by then United Nations Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Known as the City of Peace and Justice, The Hague is home to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. It is also one of the major cities hosting the United Nations; along with New York, Nairobi, Geneva, Vienna and Tokyo. Here is a list of important dates in the political history of The Hague: · Late 16th Century – The government of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands was founded. · 1838 – Since this date the Supreme Court of the Netherlands has been based in The Hague.

· 1893 – The Hague Conference on Private International Law was founded by Nobel Prize winner by Tobias Asser. · 1903 – Construction of the Peace Palace was completed and housed the Court of Permanent Court International Justice: the legal branch of the League of Nations. · 1946 – Court of International Justice is founded following WWII and is housed in the Peace Palace. · 1981 – The Iran-United States Claims Tribunal was founded. · 1990 – An explosion of the founding international bodies in The Hague, resulting in 160 such bodies in the city and surrounding area. Transportation in The Hague Central Station – The Hague The Hague is a bustling, though not overly large, city of around 500,000 people. Transportation in the city is very affordable, clean and efficient. There is a good network of around 30 tram and bus routes that should be able to get you to wherever you want to go. There is also a regular light rail link. The main operators are, Conexxion, Veolia and HTM. Although there is not a full service operating at night, there are several night buses run by the public transportation company.

Paying For Your Journey The buses and trams in The Hague are paid for by using the OV-chipcard . These are a plastic card about the size of a credit card that you have to “validate” at the beginning and end of every journey. One of the best options is to get an HTM day ticket, it costs 7.70 euros, for the days travel on all trams, RandstadRail line and also the buses that are run by HTM. Although this covers you for all day trips, you will need to pay extra if you are taking the night bus. If you have a chipcard you can get the day ticket loaded on to that, but if you do not have one then you can get a paper ticket. Unfortunately you are not able to buy a day ticket on the bus, tram, or train, but they are sold in hotels, train stations, and the tourist information centers. The day ticket is valid from when it is first validated until the end of service that day. For single journeys, if you do not have a chipcard you can pay in euros.

If you are traveling to The Hague by car and do not want the hassle of parking and driving in the city, there are 4 different “park and ride” terminals around the main roads that lead in to The Hague. Travelling By Taxi And Bicycyle If you want to travel by taxi you can flag them down in the street, phone to be picked up, or go to one of the many taxi stands that are around The Hague. Taxis are obliged to charge a standard fare that is the same throughout the country. But there is one company called Regio Taxi Haaglanden which charges a fare that is halfway between that of a bus or tram and that of a taxi.There are also cabs in The Hague that are quiet electric taxis. Possibly the best way of travelling around The Hague is by bicycle. All of the main streets and thoroughfares have cycle lanes on them and, due to the compact nature of the city it is often quicker to travel by bicycle than other means of transport. The Hague Tourism The Hague is a great city to visit. It has a wealth of history for the tourist to get to know, and it also, with it’s modern skyline looks firmly toward the future.

it also has a wonderful coast on the North Sea and some great beaches, but it also has a more serious side as the government and legislature for the Netherlands is based here. There are also many royal palaces and monuments in The Hague and it is still home to many members of the Dutch royal family . The Hague is also known as the “City of Peace” as there are many national, and international organizations working to that goal. The Palace of Peace is a lovely Palace that was built around the turn of the twentieth century and is well worth a visit. It is closed on Mondays but on other days you are able to book a very interesting and informative tour of the building Night life and Shopping There are many are many great bars and restaurants in The Hague. And you will never be short of something to do in the evenings as there is a wealth of great nightlife there. The plein market and Grote market squares contain many clubs as well as some great places to eat. For the best shopping go to the Vlamingstraat and the Spuistraat. There you find a wide variety of shops offering fashion and designer goods as well as some more individual shops.

but for real specialty shops and individual retailers you should visit The Hofkwartier, there are also upmarket fashion and footwear shops here. Museums and Visitor Attractions There are over 30 museums in The Hague, and there should be something for everyone. The Mauritshuis art museum has works from the grand masters of Dutch and Flemish masters, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Louwman museum is a fascinating auto museum containing cars and vehicles through the ages. Museum Meermanno has some unusual and interesting collections, including one on 200 years of Dutch comics. Madurodam is a wonderful visitor attraction with a miniature city to look around and enjoy. the Amusement park Duinrell is a great family attraction with plenty to see and do and some great rides to go on The Hague, with its tradition and current political establishments, bars, cafes Amusement parks and museums really has something for everywhere and is a destination that is nit to be missed.. Parks In The Hague The Hague is a fascinating place to visit, especially so being the seat of government in this Netherlands. Although the center of the city is quite built up there are many greens spaces and some beautiful parks, fields and forests.

The Japanese Garden One of the most fascinating of these is Clingendael Park , which is home to the wonderful Japanese Garden this was originally laid out in the early 1900’s by Marguérite M. Baroness van Briene. She undertook a number sea voyages to Japan, in order to bring back the plants, sculptures, bridges and the pavilion that grace the park today and give it it’s wonderful and unique character. Although it is free to go to the gardens, unfortunately, due to fragile nature of the area it is only possible to visit in the spring and autumn. But it is a fascinating place and well worth the wait. The Malieveld is a large grassed area in the center of The Hague, just near the Central Station. As well as being an excellent place for a picnic, or to enjoy the summer sun, it is also home to many events throughout the year, with a funfair and also a circus in the autumn. In contrast it is a favorite place for protests and political rallies, due to it’s central location. The Park Of Roses Another excellent place to relax is the Rosarium.

It is a very well maintained Park where you can wander among a stunning display of flowers in the summer it is a very peaceful location in which to spend a quiet afternoon. As the name implies it is home to a stunning amount and variety of roses. The Haagse Bos is an ancient forest that reaches right into the middle of the city. Being in such a central location it is a firm favorite among the residents and workers of the area where they are able to spend awhile out of the traffic and buildings and amongst the grass and trees of the forest. It is also home to a large amount of wildlife in the shape of red deer and many different types of birds. Originally covering a much larger area it was reduced, both by the needs of the population, for land for building and wood for the war against the Spanish. But it was protected by a law that was brought in in 1576 and is still in force today. Although the Hague is a very busy place it has many beautiful parks and it is well worth taking the time explore them. Pictures of The Hague The Court | International Court of Justice International Court of Justice The Court The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN).

It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April 1946. The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). Of the six principal organs of the United Nations, it is the only one not located in New York (United States of America). The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies. The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. It is assisted by a Registry, its administrative organ. Its official languages are English and French. 4 Things You Should Know About The Hague | The Huffington Post 4 Things You Should Know About The Hague 08/27/2014 04:47 pm ET | Updated Oct 27, 2014 210 Steven Arrigg Koh International criminal lawyer and scholar, Trial Attorney in the Office of International Affairs, U.S.

Department of Justice Jan Kranendonk via Getty Images "The Hague" conjures up myriad and often mysterious images for people. Some envision international judges in long robes, presiding over somber criminal trials. Others recall quaint Dutch streets, beset by Vermeer-like skies. Many, however, are unsure to what it refers. As an international lawyer who spent three years working in The Hague, I treasured the rare opportunity to practice international law there amongst bright, talented colleagues from around the world. This remarkable experience included fascinating legal work at the International Criminal Court and the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal (officially named the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia). But in explaining The Hague to family and friends alike, I noticed much confusion about the basic facts of my former place of work. To correct such misconceptions, I thus offer four things you should know about The Hague: The Hague is a city in the Netherlands. While you may think The Hague is a court, it is in fact a city. Why should a city have "the" before its name?

That originates from the Dutch appellation "'s-Gravenhage," literally meaning "The Counts' Hedge." With a population of 500,0000, The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and a home to the royal family. Its cultural offerings include Jan Vermeer's famous painting, "Girl With a Pearl Earring." The Hague is the "International City of Peace and Justice." Since the late 19th century, The Hague has played an integral role in diplomacy and international affairs. As early as 1899 and 1907, it hosted international peace conferences. This past March, world leaders convened there to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit on the prevention of nuclear terrorism around the globe. The Hague hosts international courts, some focusing on international crimes. Since the 1920's, international courts have proliferated in The Hague. The oldest is the "World Court," officially named the International Court of Justice, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The courts that capture the most news headlines, however, are those that focus on war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

Each of these courts is distinct from one another; some are affiliated with the United Nations and some are not. The Special Court for Sierra Leone, for example, recently reaffirmed that former Liberian President Charles Taylor is guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity. At the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, well-known trials are proceeding against former Bosnian Serb President Radovan Karadžić and General Ratko Mladić. Several cases are also ongoing at the International Criminal Court. Aside from courts, The Hague is also home to many other international organizations. The Hague hosts over 160 international organizations employing around 14,000 people. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, for example, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its "extensive work to eliminate chemical weapons." Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, assists EU member states in their fight against international crimes and terrorism. So, the next time you read about The Hague in the news, you will know more essentials about its location and identity. Despite challenges, the diverse institutions there boast many international successes.

Indeed, The Hague is an inspirational city that aspires to the high ideals of global peace and justice. More: The Hague | national seat of government, Netherlands | Britannica.com national seat of government, Netherlands Written By: Alternative Titles: Den Haag, La Haye, ’s-Gravenhage Spotlight / Society Learn more about this topic 1 Learn about the seat of the court The Hague, Dutch ’s-Gravenhage or Den Haag, French La Haye, seat of government of the Netherlands . It is situated on a coastal plain, with the city centre just inland from the North Sea . The Hague is the administrative capital of the country and the home of the court and government, though Amsterdam is the official capital. The Hague, Neth. Andrew Ward—Life File/Getty Images The city’s name recalls the hunting lodge of the counts of Holland, which was located in a woodland area called Haghe, or “hedge” (whence ’s-Gravenhage, “the counts’ private enclosure”).

Count William II built a castle there in 1248, around which several buildings—including the Knights’ Hall (1280)—came to be clustered, and these became the principal residence of the counts of Holland. These buildings now form the Binnenhof (“Inner Courtyard”) in the old quarter of the city. About 1350 an artificial lake, the Hofvijver, was dug just to the north of the Binnenhof and still forms one of the many attractions of the city. A commercial district grew up around the Binnenhof in the 13th and 14th centuries. In the 16th century Holland became the chief centre of Dutch resistance to Spanish Habsburg rule, and in 1559 William I , stadtholder of the Netherlands, made The Hague his capital. About 1585 the States-General, along with other bodies of the Dutch Republic’s central government, established themselves in the Binnenhof. William’s son, Prince Maurice of Orange, soon took up residence in The Hague, and at his initiative in 1616 a web of canals was constructed around the city that continued to define its borders to the mid-19th century.

In the 17th century, when the Dutch Republic played a leading role in Europe, The Hague became a centre of diplomatic negotiation. From 1795 to 1808 The Hague served as the capital of the French-controlled republic of Holland, and with liberation from the French the city alternated with Brussels as the meeting place of the States-General of the enlarged Kingdom of the Netherlands from 1815 to 1830. After 1850, when the revenues from the Dutch East Indies started to pour in, the city prospered. As a result of the international conferences ( Hague Convention ) held there in 1899 and 1907, The Hague became a permanent centre of international law. After a long sojourn in Amsterdam, the Dutch central government returned to The Hague in 1913. The city grew rapidly in the 20th century, and new districts linked it with the popular sea resort of Scheveningen, Rijswijk , Voorburg, and other adjoining municipalities. Related Topics William II There is little heavy industry in The Hague, which is basically a centre of government and corporate administration.

The States-General (Parliament) meets in the Knights’ Hall, and government departments and foreign embassies occupy other buildings in the old quarter of the city. Most of the city’s business firms are engaged in trade, banking, insurance, or other services. Several large oil companies also have their international headquarters in the city. The Hague is also a leading centre for international conferences. The city’s industries include printing and publishing, electronics, food processing, and the production of ceramics, furniture, glass, and various luxury consumer items. European Patent Office in The Hague. Metatron The Binnenhof is surrounded by buildings dating from the 15th to the 18th century. Among these historical landmarks are the Great Church of St. Jacob (Jacobskerk; 1399), which has the largest carillon in the Netherlands; the Protestant New Church (1654); the royal palace on the Noordeinde (16th century); the royal palace known as the House in the Wood (Huis ten Bosch; 1645–47); and the old Renaissance-style town hall (1564), which was subsequently enlarged several times.

To the north, the United Nations’ International Court of Justice is housed in the Peace Palace, an imposing building that was completed in 1913 with an endowment from the American industrialist Andrew Carnegie . Among the city’s more striking modern buildings are the headquarters of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group (1941), the KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) building (1949), the United States Embassy (1959), and Dr. Anton Philips Hall (1987), a concert venue . House in the Wood, The Hague; designed by Pieter Post and Jacob van Campen. Erik Baas ’s-Hertogenbosch The numerous museums in the city comprise a wide range of collections. The Royal Picture Gallery, housed in the famous building known as the Mauritshuis (1633–44), has a remarkable collection of the works of the Dutch masters: Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer , Jan Steen , and others. The Bredius Museum also has a fine collection of old paintings. Other notable museums are the Mesdag Museum, the Mesdag Panorama, the Municipal Museum , and the Museum for Communication.

The Royal Library has the most important collection of old books and manuscripts in the country. There are several art academies, and musical life is dominated by The Hague Philharmonic orchestra. The city also has some notable parks and recreation areas (see also Scheveningen ). It has excellent road and rail connections with Rotterdam , Amsterdam, and Utrecht . Pop. (2010 est.) city, 488,553; urban agglom., 1,017,113. Mauritshuis, The Hague; designed by Jacob van Campen. Ellywa World Court Encyclopedia > Social Sciences and the Law > Political Science and Government > United Nations World Court World Court, popular name of the Permanent Court of International Justice, established pursuant to Article 14 of the Covenant of the League of Nations. The protocol establishing it was adopted by the Assembly of the League in 1920 and ratified by the requisite number of states in 1921. By the time of its dissolution in 1945 (when its functions were transferred to the newly created International Court of Justice ), the court had 59 member states.

Established at The Hague, the court was empowered to render judgments in disputes between states that were voluntarily submitted to it and to give advisory opinions in any matters referred to it by the Council or the Assembly of the League. Its functions, thus, were judicial rather than, as in the case of the older Hague Tribunal , purely arbitral and diplomatic. It also differed from the Hague Tribunal in having a permanent group of judges instead of a panel from which judges might be selected to hear a particular dispute. The court originally had 11 judges and 4 deputy judges, but in 1931 its composition was changed to 15 regular judges. Judges were elected for nine-year terms by the Council and the Assembly concurrently; they were selected from a list of nominees of the Hague Tribunal regardless of nationality, except that not more than one citizen of a country might sit on the bench at any one time. Although the United States never joined the court (because the Senate refused to ratify the protocol), there was always an American jurist on the bench. To assure impartiality, the judges were paid salaries and were forbidden to engage in governmental service or in any legal activity except their judicial work.

In the course of its existence, the court rendered 32 judgments and 27 advisory opinions. An important judgment was that which affirmed (1933) Danish sovereignty over the northern coast of Greenland and disallowed Norway's claim. The advisory opinions of the court were important in developing international law. A notable opinion declared (1931) that the proposed customs union of Germany and Austria would violate Austria's pledge to remain independent. The court virtually ceased to function after the German occupation of the Netherlands in 1940. See M. O. Hudson, The Permanent Court of International Justice, 1920–1942 (rev. ed. 1943, repr. 1972); D. F. Fleming, The United States and the World Court (1945, repr. 1968). The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. See more Encyclopedia articles on: United Nations The International Court of Justice The International Court of Justice Picture Credit: UN Photo/Andrea Brizzi This page covers the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN system's highest judicial body.

The ICJ settles legal disputes between states, who must agree to abide by the Court's jurisdiction before their case will be heard. The ICJ also gives advisory opinions on legal questions submitted to it by UN bodies and agencies. Here, particular emphasis is given to the relationship between the ICJ and the Security Council. Many have suggested that the ICJ should have the power of judicial review over the Security Council's actions to ensure that they are consistent with the UN Charter and other instruments of international law. Professor Thomas M. Franck tries to define the ICJ's evolving powers of judicial review and draws some interesting parallels with the American legal system. Articles Human Rights Take a Back Seat to Sovereignty (February 3, 2012) On June 29, 1944, German troops murdered 250 Italian civilians. In 2008, an Italian court ruled that Germany needed to pay reparations to the victims’ families. The decision, however, was overruled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ upheld the principle of foreign state immunity on human rights cases and ruled that individuals have no right to seek reparations.

What this means is that in the future, Iraqi, Afghani, and Ethiopian victims of human rights abusers from foreign nations will not be able to obtain legal justice through international law. (Spiegel) 2011 Thai-Cambodian Troops ‘Must Leave Preah Vihear Temple’ (July 18, 2011) The International Court of Justice ruled that both Thailand and Cambodia must withdraw troops from the disputed Preah Vihear temple area. While the ICJ, in 1962, awarded ownership of the Vihear temple to Cambodia, Thailand and Cambodia have been fighting over the ownership of the surrounding area. In order to end this conflict, it is important that both countries establish a demilitarized zone around the temple and engage in reconciliation talks. The Lasting Effects of Humberto Leal Garcia’s Execution (July 8, 2011) On July 8, 2011, the US state of Texas violated international law by executing Mexican national Humberto Leal Garcia. The execution took place after the US Supreme Court and Texas State Governor, Rick Perry, ignored appeals from President Obama, former President Bush, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay.

In 2004, the International Court of Justice (ICOJ) found that Garcia and fifty other inmates had not been offered consular assistance at the time of their arrest and ruled that the US violated the Vienna Convention of Treaties. Though the US is currently in the process of implementing the ICOJ verdict to offer consular assistance to foreign nationals into its domestic law, the Supreme Court ruled that “pending” legislations do not justify a stay of execution. The US must take active measures to provide judicial review to the forty other inmates that remain on death row in violation of their consular rights, or risk undermining future Mexico-US relations or consular assistance provided to Americans abroad. Five Years After ICJ Ruling, Israel Expands Its Illegal Wall Onto More Palestinian Land (July 2009) In July 2004, the ICJ ruled that Israel's wall of separation in the occupied Palestinian territories was illegal and should be pulled down immediately. Five years later, two-thirds of the wall's planned route has been completed, dramatically affecting the economic and social life of Palestinian communities. Palestinian protests against the wall are systematically met with force, and despite local and international activist campaigns Israel is still ignoring the ICJ's decision.

(Washington Report on Middle East Affairs) Kosovo's Independence Declaration and the International Court of Justice (March 2, 2009) Kosovo declared its independence on February 17, 2008 however, Serbia and other states continue to questions this independence. The International Court of Justice has therefore started an investigation on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence under international law. This article discusses the tension between the right to self-determination and the respect for territorial integrity of states. (Balkan Insight) 2008 Guatemala and Belize Agree to Take Border Dispute to The Hague (December 8, 2008) Guatemala and Belize agreed on December 8, 2008 to take a century long territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Honduras maintains territorial claims on Belize, in spite of the country's official independence in 1981, and the countries cannot agree on their mutual borders. Earlier attempts to solve the dispute diplomatically through the Organization of American States have failed.

(Mercopress) World Court Clash Reopens Wounds (November 20, 2008) Serbia threatens to bring Croatia to the ICJ for ethnic cleansing, after the same court decided in November 2008 that it will hear a Croatian claim accusing Serbia of genocide during the 1991-1995 Croatian war. Announcing that it will include all of Croatia's alleged war crimes during the 20th century, Serbia states that it wants to establish the truth for the sake of both country's future EU membership. However, NGO's fear that the World Court proceedings will only worsen relations between the two countries. (Kuwait Times) 2007 Will Uganda Pay Up for Congo Occupation? (July 26, 2007) Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prepare to reach an agreement on how Kampala should compensate the DRC for plundering its resources and killing civilians during the occupation that lasted between 1996 and 2001. After the ICJ found Uganda guilty in December 2005, DRC demanded a sum of US$10 billion.

The negotiations have not been finalized and international law experts warn that any compensation is almost impossible to implement. Godfrey Wanzira, a Ugandan lawyer, believes that Uganda can easily prolong the process by appealing, and "DRC officials may well suspect that Kampala will never pay reparations." (Institute for War and Peace Reporting) Parts of West African Corruption Case Can Be Judged By World Court, Judges Say (May 24, 2007) The International Court of Justice will adjudicate on parts of a corruption case between Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The dispute is over the arrest and expulsion of Guinean entrepreneur Ahmadou Sadio Diallo in 1996 in the DRC following a court decision which required Congolese oil companies to pay Diallo millions of dollars. Guinea accuses the DRC of accepting bribes from the oil companies to expel Diallo from the country. DRC maintains that it should not be held responsible for former corrupt dictator Mobutu Sese Seko's actions. Moreover, the US$36 billion that Guinea is demanding would be a heavy burden on the DRC economy.

(International Herald Tribune) Genocide Court Ruled for Serbia without Seeing Full War Archive (April 9, 2007) The International Court of Justice allowed Serbia to withhold parts of its military records, leaving out key material that, according to some legal experts and human rights groups, could have proven Belgrade's complicity in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. Serbia successfully argued its case on the grounds of "national security," with one lawyer saying "every country will do everything possible to protect the state." This New York Times article suggests in a similar vein that the ICJ's deal with Belgrade reflects the world court's reluctance to challenge a country's sovereignty. Timid Justice (February 28, 2007) "International law [has] yet to come to grips with the notion of a criminal state," declares this Slate piece. The article suggests that by absolving Serbia of complicity in the Bosnian genocide, the International Court of Justice shied away from making a bold and authoritative ruling, for fear of "offending" Serbian sovereignty.

But the author concedes that the complex legal definition of genocide constrained the ICJ to some extent to choose "the least invasive remedy." The International Court of Justice: Serbia, Bosnia, and Genocide (February 28, 2007) This openDemocracy piece denounces what the author calls the International Court of Justice's denial of "the genocidal character" of Serbia's campaign of violence against non-Serbs in the early-1990s Balkan conflict. The author charges that based on its "narrow understanding" of genocide, the world court failed to fully determine Serbia's role in the systematic mass killings, "despite overwhelming evidence." The article concludes therefore that the ICJ's binding ruling offers little justice to Bosnian survivors of the war. ICJ Bosnia Ruling Sets Important Precedents (February 28, 2007) In the historic case between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia, the International Court of Justice ruled for the first time that a state – and not just individuals – can be responsible for acts of genocide.

Additionally, the landmark ruling drew attention to the legal challenges of proving "specific intent" to destroy an entire group and of distinguishing between genocide and other mass killings. Citing a lack of evidence backing such intent, the world court "cleared" the Serbian government of committing genocide during the 1992-1995 Bosnian war. (Radio France Europe/Radio Liberty) UN Court Gives Landmark Ruling on Bosnian Genocide (February 26, 2007) Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have ruled that while genocide did indeed occur during the 1992-1995 war in the Balkans, Serbia does not bear direct responsibility for the atrocities, as the Bosnian government has charged. However, the 16-judge panel concluded that Belgrade had violated international law by failing to prevent the Srebrenica massacre and by not earnestly committing to capturing high-profile fugitives. While the ICJ's judgment clears Serbia's government of complicity in the genocide, the UN-backed International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia continues in its quest to bring alleged perpetrators of the war crimes to justice.

(Agence France Presse) 2006 The Top UN Court Is Still Short of Vital Law Clerks 60 Years after Its Founding (October 27, 2006) As the number of courts handling international disputes grows, so too does the burden of providing enough resources to maintain the high legal and operational standards in each one. While at tribunals like the International Criminal Court each judge has a law clerk, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) faces a serious shortage of assistance. Given the increasing number of "fact-intensive" cases, such a deficiency can compromise the service that the top UN court awards its clients, says ICJ president Rosalyn Higgins. (UN News) UN Court Says Uruguay Can Proceed with Mills (July 13, 2006) In May 2006, Argentina called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule against Uruguay's plan to build pulp mills on the river bordering the two nations. The Argentine government disputes the environmental impact of the construction project and accuses Uruguay of violating a 1975 bilateral agreement on the river.

The ICJ has denied Argentina's request to stop construction but will evaluate the potential risks of the pulp plants once operations begin. (Associated Press) Court Still Weighing Genocide Case from Milosevic Era (June 18, 2006) The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has yet to tackle its "most complex case" dealing with genocide rather than the usual disputes over sovereignty, territories and diplomatic relations. Divided over the legal definition of genocide, experts anticipate the Court's interpretation of events that took place during the 1992-95 Bosnian war. An ICJ ruling in favor of Bosnia in the country's case against Serbia "would implicate the entire Milosevic government." (New York Times) Nigeria Agrees Bakassi Handover (June 13, 2006) UN-mediated negotiations have brought the border dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon to an end. The accord stipulates a transition period for the withdrawal of Nigerian administration and military forces from the oil-rich and largely-Nigerian populated Bakassi peninsula.

Although previous agreements, in accordance with a 2002 International Court of Justice ruling to cede the territory to Cameroon, have fallen through, mediators believe that this deal reflects a "great achievement in conflict prevention." (BBC) World Court Judges Deliberate in 13-Year-Old Genocide Trial of Serbia (May 9, 2006) Judges will begin deliberations on whether the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has the power to rule in Bosnia's landmark genocide case against Serbia. Despite acknowledging that Bosnia suffered gravely, Serbia refuses to accept responsibility for atrocities committed during the 1992-95 war. Bosnia's advocates argue accountability will allow for a move towards "true peace," while Serbia's representatives point out that anything other than reconciliation might inflame tensions between the two states. (Associated Press) World Court Marks 60th Anniversary, as Its Case-Load Gets Heavier and Tougher (April 11, 2006) The International Court of Justice (ICJ) faces a more challenging and heavy case-load than any time in its history.

The Israeli security barrier in the West Bank case and Bosnian genocide allegations against Serbia demonstrate that the ICJ's has become "more confident of its jurisdiction." ICJ President Rosalyn Higgins states that the increasing case-load signifies the growing trust developing nations have placed in the court. (Associated Press) A Nation on Trial for its Past (March 6, 2006) The Serbia and Montenegro genocide trial at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will have far-reaching political consequences. According to Serbian leaders, "raking over the coals of the past" will have a negative effect on future relations in the Balkans. But Bosnia wants the case to establish an unchallengeable account of the conflict. Commentators affirm that the ICJ will establish a precedent for holding the state responsible for human rights violations. (Christian Science Monitor) Serbia and Montenegro on Trial for Genocide (February 24, 2006) The International Court of Justice will hear Bosnia's case of genocide against Serbia Montenegro. Bosnia however faces difficulty in proving state responsibility for such a complex crime.

This Institute of War and Peace Reporting extensive investigation details the Bosnia's case against Serbia, dicusses issues of jurisdiction and looks at the broader consequences of a ruling in Bosnia's favor. The political stigma for Belgrade will be significant, but other commentators believe a finding for Bosnia will be key to future friendly relations between the two nations. 2005 Blunt Edge of UN's Sword of Justice (December 28, 2005) In a December 2005 landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found Uganda liable for violating the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) territorial integrity between 1998 and 2003. The ICJ ordered Uganda to make substantial financial amends to the DRC for humanitarian wrongs that took place during the occupation. The author draws comparisons to the invasion and occupation of Iraq but does not believe a similar Iraqi claim is foreseeable given the ICJ's limited powers of enforcement and jurisdiction. (East African) We Are No Longer Able to See the Sun Set (July 7, 2005) In July 2004, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared that Israel's wall was illegal.

A year later, this author argues that although Israeli authorities continue to deny ICJ jurisdiction, the Court's decision provides an important framework for the international community to develop political, economic and diplomatic pressures on Israel, and also offers a legal voice to the sovereignty-lacking Palestinian nation. (Al-Ahram) Rwanda in Court over Congo Claims (July 4, 2005) Despite Rwanda's opposition to proceedings, the International Court of Justice begins hearing Kinshasa's allegations of "massive human rights violations" by Rwandan soldiers on Congolese soil. The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed a similar complaint against Uganda, but neither trial seems likely to come to a verdict in the near future. (BBC) Congo Seeks Reparations From Uganda At World Court (April 11, 2005) The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken Uganda before the International Court of Justice to demand compensation for Kampala's involvement in human rights abuses, looting and property destruction during the country's civil war. Uganda has filed a counterclaim accusing the DRC of attacking Ugandan citizens and diplomatic buildings in Kinshasa. The proceedings will likely take years before completion.

(Reuters) US Quits Pact Used in Capital Cases (March 10, 2005) A 1963 US-proposed protocol to the Vienna Convention handed authority to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over cases of jailed foreign citizens who contended they had been denied access to a diplomat. The US was the first country to employ the protocol, over the 1979 hostage crisis in Iran. But the Bush administration has backed out of the agreement, saying it granted the ICJ power over the justice system that they "had not anticipated." Critics say the move could weaken citizens' protections in the US and abroad, and signal that the US will no longer "bow to the ICJ." (Washington Post) 6 things to know about The Hague, dubbed the International City of Peace and Justice, Europe News & Top Stories - The Straits Times The Straits Times ePaper 6 things to know about The Hague, dubbed the International City of Peace and Justice Het Plein, a famous town square in the The Hague, is photographed with the city's skyline in the background.

PHOTO: RENE MENSEN/FLICKR Published Copy A judgment on a case lodged by the Philippines challenging China's claims in the South China Sea will be handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on July 12 . The PCA, an intergovernmental organisation that organises arbitral tribunals to resolve disputes among its 121 member states, is based in The Hague, and the upcoming ruling is often referred to as The Hague ruling. What and where exactly is The Hague? And why is it synonymous with international law, peace and justice? Here are some things to know about the city. 1. The Hague is a coastal city in west Netherlands A painting of a scene by the historic Binnenhof, a complex of buildings in the centre of the city and by the Hofvijver lake, in 1625. PHOTO: HAAGS HISTORISCH MUSEUM The Hague, or Den Haag in Dutch, is the seat of the government of the Netherlands, home to the Dutch royal family and functions as the capital city for the mid-western province of South Holland.

It has a "the" before its name as this originates from the Dutch appellation (title) 's-Gravenhage, which translates to "The Count's Hedge". During the Middle Ages, the city was known for its vast expanse of forests where the counts of Holland would regularly indulge in a spot of hunting. 2. Dubbed the 'International City of Peace and Justice' A view of the Peace Palace in The Hague, taken on Aug 27, 2013. PHOTO: AFP Ever since The Hague hosted two international peace conferences in 1899 and 1907 - known as the Hague Conventions - it has played host to a slew of international courts. Its burgeoning reputation for diplomacy and law was cemented with the opening of the Peace Palace in 1913, which currently houses the PCA, as well as the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Also known as the World Court, the ICJ is the primary judicial arm of the United Nations. United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki Moon delivering a speech during a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the International Court of Justice.

PHOTO: AFP Another bastion of justice in The Hague is the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity. 3. It also hosts over 160 international organisations Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders delivering a speech during the Global Counterterrorism Forum in The Hague on April 13, 2016. PHOTO: AFP High-profile organisations such as Europol (the European Union law enforcement organisation that handles criminal intelligence), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism are all based in The Hague. The number of non-governmental organisations that set up shop there grow with each passing year. Notable ones include Save the Children - which provides aid for children in less developed countries - and Oxfam Navib, an affiliate of the international Oxfam organisation dedicated to eradicating poverty. 4. Is home to over 100 ethnic groups Shoppers inside a grocery store in The Hague. PHOTO: REUTERS Nearly half of The Hague's population of just over half a million are of foreign background.

There are thriving Chinese, Indonesian and Jewish communities within the city, while refugees and migrant workers - mostly Turkish and Moroccan nationals - contribute to a substantial Muslim population. A sizeable chunk of the population consists of Surinamese people, who are considered one of the most ethnically diverse in the world. Suriname, situated on the north-eastern coast of South America, was a former Dutch colony. When Suriname achieved its independence in 1975, one-third of the country's population migrated to the Netherlands, with many settling in The Hague due to its location on the coast. 5. People love studying in The Hague Some 30,000 students live and work in the city, and around 5,000 international students enrol in its education institutes every year. Part of the draw stems from its international standing, with prominent scientists, politicians and researchers all descending on The Hague throughout the year. It also helps that the majority of courses and programmes are conducted in English, and there is a diverse mix of colleges and universities to choose from - from the Royal Academy of Art and Royal Conservatory of The Hague (which specialises in music and dance) to the Leiden University College. 6.

There's lots to see and do The Mauritshuis is The Haag's most famous art museum. PHOTO: RALF ROLETSCHEK With 30 theatres and more than 40 museums to visit, The Hague is regarded as one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the Netherlands. The Mauritshuis, an art museum which houses the Royal Cabinet of Paintings, houses the works of renowned artists such as Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt, while the Louwman Museum features the world's largest collection of historic cars. The modern seaside resort of Scheveningen is also a favourite holiday spot for locals and tourists, who flock there for water sports and art destinations like the Madurodam, a theme park filled with miniature replicas of famous Dutch landmarks. Women in traditional Scheveningen clothing posing with soused herring at the harbour. PHOTO: AFP Sources: The Huffington Post, denhaag.nl Topics:

Question: In whIch Dutch city would you find the International Court of Justice?
Answer: The Hague