With the hope of creating THIMUN into a more accurate representation of the United Nations, the addition of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was vital. In 1993, the former Head of the Board of Directors of the THIMUN conference, David Williams, asked Robert Stern, a teacher who was running his school’s Model United Nations, to help set up the program even though he “did not know much about the ICJ.” Yet, this lack of knowledge did not stop him; the determination to create this committee was prevalent as Stern began researching and familiarizing himself with the topic. Now, 30 years later, the program is still thriving and has become a staple at the THIMUN conference.
Found in room North America, the International Court of Justice helps settle disputes, provide advisory opinions, and solve any and all matters involved with the UN member states. This year, their discussions include the relocation of the United States embassy to Jerusalem and the border dispute between Belize and Honduras involving the sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes. Modeling a real court, the proceedings strive to follow the actual International Court of Justice and its procedures. With fifteen Judges, four Advocates, a President, Deputy President, and Registrar, every student works together to help resolve the conflicts that have risen.
Veers Vähäsarja, the advocate of Belize shares that, “interest in law, and solving these kind of disputes” is something to think of if one decides that the ICJ is something they would enjoy being a part of. Joining the THIMUN International Court of Justice helps provide a chance for students to develop their skills in pursuing a career in law and similar judicial matters.
Photo by Tan Aktan.
