The International Court of Justice threw out Sudan's emergency case against the United Arab Emirates on Monday. The court said it lacks the power to hear claims about the UAE helping armed groups commit genocide in Sudan. Judges voted 14-2 against Sudan's request to make the UAE stop sending weapons to the Rapid Support Forces.
The UAE avoided court authority through its earlier opt-out from parts of the 1948 Genocide Convention. Sudan had accused the UAE of arming fighters who target African ethnic groups like the Masalit in Darfur. The court reminded both nations that they still must follow genocide laws even if the case ends.
Nine judges agreed to remove the case completely from court records, but seven disagreed with this step. Several judges wrote opinions saying this decision might block future attempts to hold countries responsible for serious crimes. Sudan has not answered the ruling publicly.
The court exists as the main UN legal body where countries can settle disputes with each other. It includes 15 judges picked for nine-year terms by UN members.
The UAE avoided court authority through its earlier opt-out from parts of the 1948 Genocide Convention. Sudan had accused the UAE of arming fighters who target African ethnic groups like the Masalit in Darfur. The court reminded both nations that they still must follow genocide laws even if the case ends.
Nine judges agreed to remove the case completely from court records, but seven disagreed with this step. Several judges wrote opinions saying this decision might block future attempts to hold countries responsible for serious crimes. Sudan has not answered the ruling publicly.
The court exists as the main UN legal body where countries can settle disputes with each other. It includes 15 judges picked for nine-year terms by UN members.
