The International Court of Justice (ICJ), established in 1945 by the UN Charter, is the principal judicial body of the United Nations. Located in The Hague, the Netherlands, the ICJ settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the UN or its specialized agencies. The ICJ has a dual role: resolving disputes between countries, such as territorial issues or human rights violations, and offering legal guidance to international bodies and UN member states.

The court operates based on international law, drawing from treaties, conventions, and customary international practices. ICJ decisions are binding on the parties involved, though the court has no direct enforcement power. The ICJ plays a crucial role in promoting peace and justice by ensuring that international disputes are resolved in accordance with the rule of law.