The Hague, October 10, 2025 — As the world awaits the announcement of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, growing attention is turning to The Hague, where two global institutions of justice, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), are seen as strong contenders.
Both courts have played crucial roles in confronting war crimes, genocide, and human rights abuses at a time of deepening international unrest. The ICC has been at the forefront of major investigations into alleged atrocities in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar, signaling a renewed global commitment to accountability.
“The ICC has taken courageous steps to pursue justice against those who commit war crimes,” said Dutch legal expert Anneke van der Meer. “Its actions remind the world that impunity cannot stand unchallenged.”
The ICJ, often described as the world’s highest court, has been pivotal in ruling on genocide and territorial disputes, most notably its proceedings involving Israel and Russia. Its decisions have helped frame the international debate on how nations should resolve conflicts within the bounds of law.
“The ICJ stands for the idea that peace cannot be achieved without justice,” said Dr. Karim Hassan, professor of international law at Oxford University. “In an age of increasing global conflict, its role is more vital than ever.”
Still, both courts face ongoing criticism over their limits. The ICC struggles with jurisdictional barriers, as powerful nations like the United States and Russia remain outside its treaty system. The ICJ, meanwhile, has no enforcement power and relies on state cooperation, which often slows implementation of its rulings.
Despite these hurdles, legal experts say a Nobel recognition would reaffirm the global community’s faith in the rule of law. “Awarding the ICC or ICJ would send a powerful signal that justice remains the foundation of peace,” said Norwegian analyst Ingrid Larsen.
The Nobel Peace Prize committee will announce its 2025 laureate later today in Oslo. If either The Hague court wins, it would mark a historic moment, placing the pursuit of international justice at the heart of this year’s global peace narrative.
