International Court Of Justice Elects Japanese Judge Yuji Iwasawa As President

The present president, Nawaf Salam's term expires on 5 February 2027

The United Nation's highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has appointed Yuji Iwasawa, 70, its president. He has been a member of the court since June 2018.

Iwasawa replaces Nawaf Salam, the new prime minister of Lebanon.

Prior to joining the ICJ, Iwasawa was a professor of international law at the University of Tokyo and chair of the United Nations Human Rights Committee.

Housed in the Peace Palace in The Hague, the ICJ is often called the ‘world court’ for ruling on disputes between nations.

It is currently dealing with several high-profile cases. This includes a case by South Africa that Israel is allegedly committing genocide in its Gaza offensive.

The ICJ is also deliberating a case between Ukraine and Russia over Moscow's 2022 invasion.

The court is also preparing an advisory opinion on the responsibility of nations on climate change.

The president heads the 15-judge bench. However, he largely plays a ceremonial role, delivering speeches, representing the institution worldwide, and reading the ICJ rulings.

Nevertheless, the president's voice carries the same weight as the other judges in judicial deliberations, except in case of a tie, wherein the president has the casting vote.

ICJ is sometimes confused with the International Criminal Court, (ICC) also based in The Hague. The ICC tries individuals for the world's worst offences including suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity.