The development of the court’s advisory function

In addition to its function of settling disputes between States, the Court has another equally important function: to render advisory opinions at the request of United Nations organs and specialized agencies. An advisory opinion seeks to answer a question of international law that is of interest to the organ or body raising it. For example, the institution concerned may need an answer to the question in order to carry out its functions. In other cases, tension may have surfaced among Member States of the United Nations about a sensitive issue, and the request for an advisory opinion can be an attempt to bring some clarity on that issue from an authoritative judicial institution.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions