1. Adjudication – Peace Through Law in our Times Colloquium. On 9 – 10 May 2025, the Walther Schücking Institute for International Law at Kiel University will host a colloquium to commemorate the 150th birthday of Walther Schücking. The theme is: ‘International Adjudication – Peace Through Law in our Times’. In 1923, about a century ago, Walther Schücking sat for the first time (as judge ad hoc) on the Permanent Court of International Justice. Throughout this troubled century, many international lawyers have advocated the idea of strengthening international adjudication as a way of achieving ‘peace through law’. Today, there seems to be more international adjudication than ever before, at least at the ICJ, the Permanent Court’s successor. However, it is questionable, whether this always serves the goal of peace (or even the actual settlement of disputes) – and the rule of law. International adjudication is undoubtedly on the rise, but it is also challenged, not only by immense caseloads, but also by divergent expectations. International courts are involved in efforts to save humanity from evils such as climate change or the scourge of war. The rise of strategic litigation has implications beyond the individual case, it aims at structural change, and international courts are gaining the attention of a global public. At stake is whether the international judicial function is structurally stretched to its limits or even beyond – and how international judges can deal responsibly and wisely with the challenges. These will be the overarching questions of our colloquium. More information here. Registration is now open (until April 28, 2025).
EJIL
Unpacking Donald Trump’s Statements – EJIL: Talk! – Go Health Pro
On January 8, 2025, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump questioned Denmark’s legal rights to Greenland, stating, “people don’t really know if Denmark has any legal rights to [Greenland].” While the specific concerns behind his remarks remain unclear, they likely touch on two interrelated issues: Denmark’s historical establishment of sovereignty over Greenland, despite limited effective occupation initially, and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.
This post examines the legal foundations of Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and addresses the Greenlandic people recognized right to self-determination within international law. It concludes that Greenland’s legal status within the Kingdom of Denmark is firmly established. Denmark’s sovereignty is supported by historical legal developments, continuous and peaceful exercise of authority, and the absence of unresolved challenges from other States under international law. Should Greenland choose independence in the future, it would be a matter of political will exercised through democratic processes, not a legal deficiency in Denmark’s title.
The ICC Prosecutor’s Slavery Crimes Policy and Practice Between Conviction and Convenience – EJIL: Talk! – Go Health Pro
In December 2024, the International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor (‘OTP’ or ‘Prosecutor’) adopted a Slavery Crimes Policy (‘Policy’). The Policy communicates the Prosecutor’s commitment to prioritizing investigations concerning contemporary slavery. It envisions a role for the Prosecutor in curbing slavery crimes through the pursuit of criminal accountability for the crimes within the Court’s … Read more
Progress through disruption? What role for the ICJ in the Advisory Opinion on Climate Change – EJIL: Talk! – Go Health Pro
In the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory procedure on international obligations of states in respect of climate change the US government raises the concern that the ICJ could disrupt the cooperative legal system that states have established under the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement (PA) through its interpretation of customary law (written … Read more
A Range of Principles but Few Concrete Prospects – EJIL: Talk! – Go Health Pro
As the public hearings on the request for an advisory opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change drew to a close on 13 December, the Court began its deliberation with much material to reflect on. The request introduced by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2023 – even if not … Read more
