Juan Manuel Gómez-Robledo elected judge of the International Court of Justice

Juan Manuel Gómez-Robledo is elected judge of the International Court of Justice

• Dr. Gómez-Robledo is the fifth Mexican to be elected to the court as a judge.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that the United Nations today elected Juan Manuel Gómez-Robledo to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a judge for the 2024-2033 term, with 143 votes in the General Assembly and 13 votes in the Security Council. Mr. Gómez-Robledo was first in the elections of both the Assembly and the Council.

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Established in 1945 as a successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice, the ICJ's role is to peacefully settle disputes between UN member states, and to give advisory opinions in accordance with international law. The Court is composed of 15 judges of various nationalities, who serve in their individual capacity. They are nominated by the National Groups of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and elected by simultaneous votes in the UN General Assembly and Security Council. They serve nine-year terms.

Historically, Mexico has played a prominent role in the ICJ. Dr. Gómez-Robledo is the fifth Mexican jurist to be elected to the court. In addition, Mexico has participated in ICJ cases, most notably in the Avena and Other Mexican Nationals case (2004), in which the Mexican delegation was headed by Dr. Gómez-Robledo as Agent. The case resulted in a ruling favorable for Mexico, and set an important precedent for international law in the area of consular protection. Mexico's commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and to strengthening the international justice system is a central aspect of our foreign policy. The election by the international community of a prominent Mexican jurist as an ICJ judge reaffirms Mexico's prestige in this area.

Dr. Gómez-Robledo was nominated by 14 National Groups, including the Mexican National Group of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and endorsed by the Latin American and Caribbean regional group (Grulac). He has served as a distinguished career member of the Mexican Foreign Service, reaching the rank of ambassador. He has held numerous senior positions, including as Legal Advisor (2000-2004); Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights (2006-2015); Ambassador of Mexico to France (2015-2021); and currently as Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations (2021-2023). In addition, he was a member of the International Law Commission where he served as Special Rapporteur on the provisional application of treaties. He clearly has the best credentials for the position, as has been confirmed by the UN membership.

His election confirms the support of the international community for his profile and competency, and Mexico's leadership and prestige in promoting international justice.

The Government of Mexico wishes Judge-elect Juan Manuel Gómez-Robledo every success in this new phase of his career, aimed at promoting peace and global justice.