The International Court of Justice will conduct oral hearings on November 24, 2025, regarding Guatemala's request to join the territorial dispute between Belize and Honduras. Guatemala submitted its intervention application in December 2023, citing legal interests that could be affected by the case outcome. The dispute concerns sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes, a group of small islands in Belize's southern maritime area. Belize supports Guatemala's participation while Honduras opposes it, arguing Guatemala lacks direct legal standing. Guatemala maintains historical claims over these islands connected to its separate territorial disagreement with Belize.
Belize filed the original case in November 2022 seeking court recognition of its sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes. Both Belize and Honduras completed their written arguments by December 2023. The court will determine whether Guatemala can participate before resuming the main proceedings. Guatemala argues its involvement would help protect its rights and provide the court with relevant information about overlapping territorial claims in the Gulf of Honduras region.
Belize filed the original case in November 2022 seeking court recognition of its sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes. Both Belize and Honduras completed their written arguments by December 2023. The court will determine whether Guatemala can participate before resuming the main proceedings. Guatemala argues its involvement would help protect its rights and provide the court with relevant information about overlapping territorial claims in the Gulf of Honduras region.
