The International Court of Justice (ICJ) rose from the ashes of the Second World War with the founding of the United Nations.
Set up as its judicial arm, the ICJ has two roles: to settle legal disputes between States, and to give advisory opinions on legal questions. The Court’s first-ever contentious case was brought by the United Kingdom against Albania over mine explosions that damaged British warships passing through the Corfu Channel in 1946.
In their speeches to the judges, officials from both countries voiced confidence in the Court. “It is our profound conviction that in that great task of peace, this tribunal will, in its appointed sphere, play a worthy and an ever-increasing part,” said Hartley Shawcross of the United Kingdom. Khareman Ylli of Albania stressed that “the equality of parties is an essential condition” at the Court. Utilizing material from the 缅北禁地Audiovisual Library, this production offers a unique view into pivotal moments of this historic event.
