International Court of Justice
WHAT IS THE ICJ ?
The International Court of Justice was created to act as a supreme judicial authority within the United Nations. It ensures global justice and safeguards nations’ sovereignty by settling legal altercations presented to it by the Member States. It does so by considering previous treaties, international conventions and international law.
The ICJ at ILYMUN will help you view conflicts from a new perspective and will offer insight on international law and the proceedings of judicial cases. The ICJ is perfect for those interested in international relations, law or simply for those who want to try something new.
WHAT IS THIS YEAR’S CASE ?
This year, the ICJ has chosen a case concerning human rights and genocide, in alliance with the theme of the conference: RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS. This is a contentious case that has been carried out in the actual ICJ since 2019. We strongly encourage students to participate in this year’s ICJ. This case is filled with moral dilemmas, conventions of international law, and gives compelling insight on modern day international relations and diplomacy.
The case is as follows:
Gambia v. Myanmar: Alleged Violations of Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention) in Rakhine State against Rohingya Muslims (Feb. 2022)
The two teams of advocates will represent the following groups :
– Applicant party: Gambia
– Respondent party: Myanmar
HOW DOES THE ICJ AT ILYMUN WORK ?
The International Court of Justice is composed of:
- The Presidency:
This year they are represented by Miranda Lee and Theodore de Longeaux.
- The Advocacy:
An Applicant and a Respondent party, both represented by 2 advocates each.
- The Jurisdiction:
A court of 15-19 independent judges.
- The Procedure:
Both advocate parties hold opening speeches, to present both factual and legal evidence to the judges. The judges are given time to question the advocates.
Next, each advocate team presents two to four witnesses. (Witnesses are chosen by the Presidents of the ICJ prior to the conference.) Advocates are given the opportunity to interview witnesses and then judges can also question the witnesses or pose questions to the advocates regarding witnesses.
Then advocates present closing statements. After this, the judges deliberate upon the information presented to them and compose a verdict expressing their judgment concerning the case.
HOW DO ADVOCATES AND JUDGES PREPARE FOR THE ICJ ?
Advocates need to research the case and create a report (called a memorandum). They also suggest and select a list of 3-4 witnesses they would like to have at the trial. Finally, they create an evidence packet. The 2 parties collaborate together to create a stipulation.
In sum, both teams prepare by:
- Writing a memorandum
- Writing a stipulation, together
- Bringing in “witnesses”
- Gathering evidence
The Presidents of the ICJ will offer unbiased help and guidance to the advocates. They will provide templates for the various documents and work in partnership with the advocates to create and polish these documents. The Presidents will then share the documents with the opposing advocates and the judges and/or post them on the ILYMUN website for all to access.
Judges should read the documents shared and posted by the Presidents of the ICJ to become familiar with the case, the witnesses and the evidence. It is expected that judges will be impartial, reflective and innovative.
Presidents of the ICJ will also guide the judges in their deliberation to help them evaluate legal documents and assure the quality of the final verdict.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE ICJ ?
Delegates who want to apply to the ICJ should be confident in their level of English. Advocates in particular should be confident public speakers.
Due to the challenging nature and limited places for this committee we ask delegates to apply for a role in the ICJ, by submitting a letter of motivation which explains:
- Their previous MUN experiences
- What makes them interested and qualified for the role
Delegates should also state which role they prefer (judge or advocate) and if they are open to taking the alternative if they aren’t accepted for their first choice.
Send any questions about the ICJ or letters of application before October 14 to:
Please contact the presidents of the ICJ for more information on applications and positions: