In a significant move aimed at reinforcing international law and justice, the United Nations has recently appointed five judges to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the court grapples with an unprecedented influx of cases, including critical issues regarding human rights. This election reflects the UN’s commitment to upholding legal standards and addressing global conflicts. Amid rising tensions, particularly seen in the ongoing situation in Gaza, the newly elected judges will play a crucial role in shaping international legal discourse on justice and accountability.
The United Nations has elected five judges to serve on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for nine-year terms, coinciding with a historic increase in the court’s caseload that includes South Africa’s contentious case against Israel concerning its military actions in Gaza. The election, held on November 4, 2026, at UN headquarters, required candidates to obtain an absolute majority from both the General Assembly and the Security Council.
The judges elected to the 15-member panel include Dapo Akande from the United Kingdom, François Alabrune from France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud from Jordan, Rena Lee from Singapore, and Phoebe Okowa from Kenya. Their terms are scheduled to commence on February 6, 2027.
Initially, the General Assembly and the Security Council reached consensus on four judges; however, the selection of a fifth judge led to multiple voting rounds. The Security Council recommended Ecuador’s Marcelo Vazquez-Bermudez, while the General Assembly supported Okowa. After Vazquez-Bermudez withdrew from the race, Okowa secured approval from both UN bodies.
Voting was conducted through secret ballots held simultaneously yet separately. Each of the ICJ’s judges hails from a different nation, ensuring a diverse representation of legal perspectives. Judges serve nine-year terms, with the opportunity for re-election. To maintain stability within the court, one-third of the bench is elected every three years.
This election is particularly timely as the ICJ encounters a mounting workload, with 24 contentious cases currently pending. ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa informed the General Assembly on October 29 that these cases span complex issues, including territorial disputes, human rights violations, and the interpretation of international treaties.
Notably, the pending cases include South Africa’s allegations against Israel for violating the Genocide Convention during its recent military operations in Gaza. Although the ICJ has previously mandated provisional measures, it has yet to reach a conclusive determination regarding genocide allegations. In a related development, the ICJ is poised to issue a judgment on November 19 concerning The Gambia’s allegation of genocide against Myanmar regarding its treatment of the Rohingya minority.
Established in 1945, the ICJ serves as the principal judicial entity of the UN, tasked with resolving disputes between states and offering advisory opinions on international law matters. The recent appointments emphasize the court’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges and promoting justice on the international stage.