October 10, 2025 — As the world awaits the announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, two leading institutions of global justice, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), have emerged as strong contenders. Their work in addressing war crimes, genocide, and violations of international law has drawn renewed attention amid a year of global conflict and humanitarian crises.
The ICC, founded in 2002, has taken bold steps under Prosecutor Karim Khan to pursue accountability in war-torn regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. Its investigations into alleged crimes against civilians have been praised for reaffirming the court’s mission to uphold human rights and the rule of law. Critics, however, argue that its reach remains limited because powerful nations, including the United States, China, and Russia, do not recognize its jurisdiction.
“The ICC represents a global commitment to ensure that even in times of war, justice must prevail,” said Professor Anneke van der Meer, a Dutch jurist based in The Hague. “Recognizing it with a Nobel Peace Prize would underline the idea that peace cannot exist without accountability.”
The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, has also been at the center of international attention. It is currently hearing landmark cases involving allegations of genocide, war crimes, and territorial disputes, including proceedings related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The ICJ’s rulings set moral and legal precedents that influence how nations behave,” said Dr. Karim Hassan, a professor of international law at Oxford University. “Its decisions shape global norms even when states refuse to comply.”
Supporters of both institutions believe awarding them the Nobel Peace Prize would highlight the vital role of international law in maintaining peace. The courts, while separate in function, the ICC prosecuting individuals and the ICJ resolving disputes between states, share a unified mission to uphold justice as a pathway to peace.
Despite their achievements, both face challenges. The ICC relies on member states to enforce its arrest warrants, which has hindered progress in several high-profile cases. The ICJ, meanwhile, has no enforcement mechanism, relying on voluntary compliance with its rulings. Still, experts say the moral force of these courts carries immense weight in international relations.
“The ICC and ICJ embody the conscience of the world,” said Ingrid Larsen of the Norwegian Peace Research Institute. “At a time when wars are multiplying, honoring them would reaffirm that justice is not a luxury but a necessity.”
As the Nobel Committee prepares to make its announcement in Oslo, many observers believe this year’s prize could go beyond individuals and recognize the institutions that protect humanity’s shared values. Whether the laureates are in The Hague or elsewhere, the 2025 Peace Prize is expected to send a message that justice and peace remain inseparable goals in a fractured world.
