Session I | Global Justice in Conversation: Successes in Nuclear Nonproliferation & Disarmament

Held during International Justice Week in July 2024, this session highlighted successes in nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament, drawing lessons from the Asia-Pacific region. The panel explored the important role of the International Court of Justice in resolving disputes and why all countries should move toward accepting its compulsory jurisdiction.

About This Conversation

International Justice Day, July 17, commemorates the 1998 adoption of the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court. This session was part of an inaugural webinar series examining how international courts and tribunals can complement one another and domestic judicial systems. Panelists discussed the ICJ’s surprisingly high success rate in adjudicated disputes and shared examples of the Court’s achievements in the Asia-Pacific context.

Speakers

• Hon. Matt Robson (New Zealand), President, Aotearoa Lawyers for Peace; Former Minister for Courts and Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control
• Dr. Penelope Ridings (New Zealand), Member, International Law Commission
• Luis Roberto Zamora Bolaños (Costa Rica), Board Member, International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms; Human and Civil Rights Lawyer

Key Themes

• The ICJ’s role in nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament
• Success stories from the Court in the Asia-Pacific region
• The case for universal acceptance of the ICJ’s compulsory jurisdiction
• How international judicial institutions can complement domestic systems on disarmament issues