The United Nations continuously aims to be a diplomatic and international organization in which nations converge without fear of unequal representation. The International Court of Justice, being an integral judicial branch of the UN, preaches those exact principles. The ICJ is a court and a neutral ground on which disputes can be solved, and international solidarity can be a reality rather than a dream. Current world issues are addressed, greater knowledge is learned about the court itself, and constant improvement is made.

The ICJ is made up of 16 delegations. There will be 10 participating judges, excluding the Deputy President, Vice President, and I, who will also be participating as judges. There will also be 3 prosecuting advocates and 3 defending advocates, each with their own choice of 2 witnesses. The witnesses, although not participating members of the court, still contribute to it greatly.

Like all IC(s)J, we only discuss trials that have already occurred and are closed cases. This year's case, chosen by Zaina Qaisi, the Vice President, and I, is no exception. We chose this case because we felt it is quite an unconventional one, and will therefore call for innovative and unconventional solutions, and that is what we expect from each and every one of you joining us this year. As you read through the chair report below and do your own research on the topic, I'd like you to remember that just because this is an event of the past does not mean we can't have an impact on it. Even though it is a closed case, we still have the power to influence it. You have the power to influence.

Thank you,

Hana Hazem - President of the International Court of Justice

The chosen trial concerns an international dispute between the nations of Senegal and Belgium. To truly understand what this trial is about, you are going to need to familiarise yourself with the Convention Against Torture. This is a convention under the UN Human Rights Office, signed and ratified by most members, that promotes universal respect and the protection of "All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment", regardless of whether or not the member state is actually involved in said torture.

In this case, that member state is The Kingdom of Belgium, who are now initiating proceedings against the former President of Chad, Mr. Hissène Habré, who now resides in Senegal. Belgium demand that he be brought to justice for acts that they claim fall under the category of "crimes of torture" in the Convention Against Torture and under international law. They therefore call upon the Republic of Senegal to either prosecute Mr. Habré or extradite him to Chad, where he can be tried under their national law.

That is a very brief summary of the trial to be conducted. Please read through the chair report very carefully, as it was created by the chairs for your convenience. And do some of your own research too! We're expecting some revolutionary debating. See you then.