What is the symbol of the International Court of Justice? Where is the headquarters of the International Court of Justice?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the main judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established in 1945 by the UN Charter and started working in 1946. The ICJ settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues.

The ICJ has 15 judges who are elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. The symbol of the ICJ is a seated woman, Lady Justice, holding a set of balance scales to measure evidence. She wears a toga dress that symbolizes the philosophical attitude for justice, and instead of a sword, she holds a sheaf of grain for development.

Her eyes are not blindfolded but see clearly as if to envision the future with clarity. She is raised on a stone pedestal, flanked by a radiating sun, held by an olive tree for peace and the two world hemispheres. The emblem was crafted in India and is made of brass and copper alloy. It was given as a gift to mark the 40th anniversary of the UN in 1986.

The headquarters of the ICJ is at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. The Peace Palace is also home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which was established in 1899 as the first permanent institution for settling international disputes. The ICJ is the only principal organ of the UN that is not located in New York City, USA. However, the ICJ may hold sessions elsewhere when it considers it desirable to do so.