STATEMENT BY MINISTER EDWIN TONG SC, MINISTER FOR LAW AND SECOND MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE, ON AGENDA ITEM 72, ON THE REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 29 OCTOBER 2026

Thank you very much, Mr President,

1.       I thank His Excellency Judge Yuji Iwasawa, President of the International Court of Justice (“ICJ”), for his comprehensive presentation on the Court’s activities. I also express Singapore’s deep sadness at the passing of Judge Stephen Schwebel and Judge Kenneth Keith, whose distinguished service and judicial contributions were invaluable.

2.       In April 2026, the Court marked 80 years since its inauguration. In this span of time since 1946, the United Nations (“UN”) membership has grown from 51 to 193. As a result, today, the ICJ, which is well-suited to settle disputes between States from all regions and on a wide range of topics they choose to submit to the Court, more fully embodies its identity as the “World Court”. All States, big or small, old or young, are treated as sovereign equals before the Court.

3.       The Court must reflect the contemporary membership of the UN. Its Judges must be eminently qualified and collectively represent the world’s principal legal traditions. The Court’s task is to interpret and apply international law in a principled and impartial manner. However, the law does not operate in a vacuum. Such diversity in the Judges’ legal traditions, backgrounds, and perspectives sharpens judicial reasoning and strengthens the legitimacy of the Court’s decisions.

4.       In an increasingly contested world, upholding international law and the UN Charter is critical to ensuring that might does not make right, especially for small States. As the UN’s principal judicial organ, the ICJ anchors the rules-based order by peacefully resolving disputes, clarifying the law and safeguarding States’ rights.

5.       Turning specifically to the report of the Court, Singapore is heartened to note that the ICJ will be implementing a case management system to manage its growing volume of case-related documentation, which has been included in its budget proposal. We strongly welcome the Court’s move to a single integrated platform that will allow for electronic filing, distribution and retrieval of case-related material. These digitalization efforts would contribute to better access for States as users of the Court and should be commended. I also wish to congratulate the Registrar of the Court, Mr. Santiago Villalpando, on his election in May this year, and encourage him and his team to continue with these efforts to improve the procedures and working methods of the Court.

My President,

6.       Singapore will continue to be a staunch supporter of the Court, whose work is fundamental to the international legal order. For small States, governance by international law is not a matter of choice but one of survival. It is in this spirit that the Singapore National Group has for the first time nominated a Singaporean, Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee, for election to be a Judge of the Court. Ambassador Lee is an eminently qualified international law practitioner, government legal advisor and diplomat, with experience spanning the law of the sea, climate and environmental law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law amongst other areas of law. As President of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (“BBNJ”), she led negotiations to the consensus adoption of the BBNJ Agreement. If elected, she would bring valuable practical experience and diversity of perspectives alongside legal rigour, including as the first female ICJ Judge from Southeast Asia and from small States.

7.       In closing, I reiterate that an effective and strong multilateral rules-based international order is an imperative for all States. I call on all member States to support this crucial institution that serves as the bedrock of the international rule of law and is fundamental to the peaceful settlement of disputes.

8.       I thank you very much.