Mr. Vice-President,

I would like to begin by expressing Germany’s sincere gratitude to you, President Iwasawa. Since taking office in March 2025, you have successfully guided the Court through difficult times with a constantly increasing number of cases on the docket of the Court.

The international legal order is under enormous pressure. We see fundamental disrespect for basic principles such as the sovereign equality of States or the prohibition of the use of force.

Often, we hear the question: is the international legal order eroding? Does international law still matter? Certainly, we are noticing a worrying lack of compliance with basic rules of international law. The standards of International Law count. The International Community measures states’ acts against those standards. One major cornerstone for upholding the international legal order is the International Court of Justice – together with other judicial institutions such as the International Criminal Court, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the ICJ is sought-after more than ever. With 23 contentious cases currently pending before the Court, we have reached a new record height. Germany welcomes this development as it strengthens the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes between states. The development shows the ICJ’s considerable prestige, weight and responsibility.

In addition, we continue to see a shift in the cases before the ICJ. Requests for Advisory Opinions are more frequent. States interaction with the ICJ is at an all-time high. The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion proceedings on Climate Change attracted a record-breaking 91 written statements, the highest number in the court’s history. An even greater number of 107 oral statements from states and international organizations were presented. A rising number of states initiate proceedings in erga omnes settings and claim to advance community interests. It remains to be seen whether this development leads to a more fundamental change of the Court’s role.

Please allow me to briefly address a couple of cases of particular significance to Germany.

I would like to start with the case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar under the 1948 Genocide Convention. Germany commends The Gambia for having brought the matter before the Court. Jointly with our partners, we decided to support the ICJ by submitting our interpretation of the Convention in this case. In March 2025 we submitted our written observations together with Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, the French Republic, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Germany is firmly committed to addressing grave human rights violations wherever they occur. The joint intervention by six states is unique in the history of the ICJ and is a strong sign of our support.

Secondly, we are awaiting further development in the case brought by Ukraine against Russia in relation to the illegal invasion of February 2022. Germany strongly rebuts Russia’s attempt to justify its illegal aggression against Ukraine under the false allegation of a genocide. We welcome the fact that the Court will decide on the allegations against Ukraine by Russia.

Thirdly, Germany participated in the oral proceedings in the ICJ’s advisory proceedings on the obligations of States in respect of climate change. The broad participation of more than 100 States and International Organizations in the oral proceedings reflects the urgency and shared concern regarding this topic. Germany welcomes the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Climate Change as it clarifies the applicability of international law as a whole in the context of climate change. The ICJ underlines that all States have to act in their highest ambitions to mitigate climate change and highlights the necessity of international cooperation. All States must take their obligations with regard to climate change very seriously. Germany does so.

Fourthly, Germany has decided to submit a written statement in the ICJ’s advisory proceedings concerning the Right to Strike under ILO Convention No. 87 and presented its position in the public hearings in October 2025. The question before the ICJ posed an enduring problem for the International Labour Organization. We are firmly convinced that the Court’s advisory opinion will contribute to the settlement of this issue and give the necessary guidance to the organization and its members.

Lastly, we continue to find ourselves before the Court in the ongoing proceedings brought against us by Nicaragua in relation to the Gaza conflict. Germany will continue to actively engage in these proceedings. In the broader context, Germany continuous to support all efforts to work for a political solution that guarantees Israel’s security and gives the Palestinians prospects for the future. It has worked intensively with international partners to contribute to the momentum that has led to the latest peace initiative and will continuously support all efforts to put in place the necessary conditions for lasting peace in the region.

Let me, in closing, commend you, Mr. President, and all of the members of the Court for your important contribution to the peaceful settlement of international disputes. The increase in cases before the Court is an encouraging development. International Law remains the common language in international relations and the normative frame of reference. More than ever, we need an international Court capable of ensuring the peaceful settlement of disputes between States – also when it comes to resourcing the Court. We acknowledge that the growing workload also poses challenges to the Court. Germany is confident that the Court is capable of meeting those challenges. It is our responsibility as UN members to work together in order to ensure that the Court can continue to play its crucial role for upholding International Law.

Thank you.