UK backs Dapo Akande for UN World Court seat
UK Justice Secretary Alex Norris told the UN General Assembly that Britain backs Professor Dapo Akande for a seat on the International Court of Justice, whose judges are elected on 3 November. Norris said the Court needs judges of independence and legal rigour, and that the UK supports the Court financially and through a fellowship programme for young lawyers from developing countries. He also restated opposition to sanctions against the International Criminal Court.
What does it mean?
Britain is pushing for a British law professor to become one of the judges at the world's top court for settling disputes between countries. The judges are chosen by a UN vote on 3 November. The UK is also reminding other countries that it still backs the court's work.
Who is affected?
States in dispute before the International Court of Justice and the judges and staff who work there.