Depositary
STATUS AS AT : 12-12-2025 10:16:03 EDT
CHAPTER I
CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND STATUTE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
4. Declarations recognizing as compulsory the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court
15 October 1946
Status :
States parties having accepted the jurisdiction of the Court: 74. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
:

Note :
Declarations under Article 35, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court as implemented by Security Council Resolution 9 (1946) of 15 October 1946 are deposited with the Registrar of the Court.  For those declarations, see United Nations, Treaty Series, or the Yearbooks of the Court.
States which have made declarations under Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice or whose declarations made under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice are deemed to be acceptances of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. (See paragraph 5 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice.)  
(State names which appear in backets are States having made declarations recognizing as compulsory the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice for specified periods of time and which have been terminated or have since expired. For an explanation thereof, see endnotes at the end of this chapter.)10
Participant
Australia
Austria
Barbados
Belgium
[Bolivia8]
Botswana
[Brazil8]
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
[Colombia5,11]
Costa Rica
Côte d'Ivoire
Cyprus
Democratic Republic of the Congo12
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic11
Egypt
[El Salvador8]
Equatorial Guinea
Estonia
Finland
[France4]
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Greece
[Guatemala8]
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti11
Honduras
Hungary
India
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Ireland
[Israel3]
Italy
Japan
[Kenya13]
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg11
Madagascar
Malawi
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
[Nauru8]
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua11
Nigeria
Norway
Pakistan
Panama11
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal14
Romania
Senegal
[Serbia2,6]
Slovakia
Somalia
[South Africa7]
Spain
Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
[Thailand8]
Timor-Leste
Togo
[Turkey8]
Uganda
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
[United States of America9]
Uruguay11
Texts of the declarations
(The date shown after the name of the State indicates the date of deposit of the declaration.)
a) Declarations made under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice
Australia 15

22 March 2002


       “The Government of Australia declares that it recognises as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations withdrawing this declaration. This declaration is effective immediately.

       This declaration does not apply to:

       (a) any dispute in regard to which the parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement;

       (b) any dispute concerning or relating to the delimitation of maritime zones, including the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf, or arising out of, concerning, or relating to the exploitation of any disputed area of or adjacent to any such maritime zone pending its delimitation;

       (c) any dispute in respect of which any other party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other party to the dispute was deposited less than 12 months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

       DONE at Canberra this 21st day of March two thousand and two.

(Signed) Alexander John Gosse Downer,


Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia
Austria 16

19 May 1971


       I hereby declare that the Republic of Austria recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State which accepts or has accepted the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

       This Declaration does not apply to any dispute in respect of which the parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to other means of peaceful settlement for its final and binding decision.

       This Declaration shall remain in force for a period of five years and thereafter until it will be terminated or modified by a written declaration.

       Done at Vienna on 28 April 1971.

(Signed)   Franz Jonas


The Federal President
Barbados 17

1 August 1980


       “I have the honour to declare on behalf of the Government of Barbados that -

       “The Government of Barbados accepts as compulsory,  ipso facto , and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 [of the Statute] of the Court until such time as notice might be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes arising after the declaration is made, other than:

       (a) disputes in regard to which parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement;

       (b) disputes with the Government of any other country which is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, all of which disputes shall be settled in such manner as the parties have agreed or shall agree;

       (c) disputes with regard to questions which by international law fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of Barbados;

       (d) disputes arising out of or concerning jurisdiction or rights claimed or exercised by Barbados in respect of the conservation, management or exploitation of the living resources of the Sea, or in respect of the prevention or control of pollution or contamination of the marine environment in marine areas adjacent to the coast of Barbados.

       “Accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

( Signed )   H.deB. Forde


Minister of External Affairs”
Belgium 18, 19

17 June 1958


       I declare on behalf of the Belgian Government that I recognize as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the Court, in legal disputes arising after 13 July 1948 concerning situations or facts subsequent to that date, except those in regard to which the parties have agreed or may agree to have recourse to another method of pacific settlement.

       This declaration is made subject to ratification. It shall take effect on the day of deposit of the instrument of ratification for a period of five years. Upon the expiry of that period, it shall continue to have effect until notice of its termination is given.  Brussels, 3 April 1958

(Signed)   V. Larock


Minister of Foreign Affairs
Botswana 20

16 March 1970


       "I, Sir Seretse Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana, have the honour to declare on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Botswana, that it recognises as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court.

       "This Declaration does not extend: "(a) to disputes in respect of which the parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to another means of peaceful settlement; or     "(b) to disputes relating to matters which, by international law, are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the Republic of Botswana."

       "The Government of the Republic of Botswana also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added.

       "Done at Gaborone this 14th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy.

(Signed) Seretse M. Khama


President"
Bulgaria 21, 22

2 December 2015


       "27 November 2015

       I have the honour to inform you that the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted on 5 November 2015 a Law which modifies the Declaration made by the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria on 24 June 1992 concerning the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court. The Law was published in the State Gazette No. 89 of 17 November 2015.

       In accordance with the provisions of this Law, the Declaration made by the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria on 24 June 1992 is modified as follows:

       After the expression “except for” the following text is to be inserted: “disputes arising under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or any other multilateral or bilateral treaty or agreement on the law of the sea, or customary international law on the sea, including but not limited to disputes concerning navigational rights, exploration and exploitation of living and non-living natural resources, protection and preservation of the marine environment, delimitation of maritime boundaries and areas, and for ....”.

       Thereby, the consolidated text of the Declaration of the Republic of Bulgaria recognizing as compulsory the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court should read as follows:

       “In conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice the Republic of Bulgaria recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes arising out of facts and situations subsequent to or continuing to exist after theentry into force of the present Declaration, concerning:

       1. the interpretation of a treaty;

       2. any question of international law;

       3. the existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute  a breach  of an international  obligation;

       4. the nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation,

       except for disputes arising under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or any other multilateral or bilateral treaty or agreement on the law of the sea, or customary international law on the sea, including but not limited to disputes concerning navigational rights, exploration and exploitation of living and non-living natural  resources, protection and preservation of the marine environment, delimitation of maritime boundaries and areas, and for disputes with any State which has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute less than twelve months prior to filing an application bringing the dispute before the Court or where such acceptance has been made only for the purpose of a particular dispute.

       The Republic of Bulgaria also reserves the right at any time to modify the present Declaration, the modifications taking effect six months after the deposit of the notification thereof.

       The present Declaration shall be in force for a period of five years from the date of its deposit with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. It shall continue in force thereafter until six months after a notice of its denunciation is given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

       Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."

       (Signed) Daniel Mitov”
Cambodia 23

19 September 1957


       On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia I have the honour to declare that, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, I recognize as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State Member of the United Nations, accepting the same obligation, that is to say on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the said Court in all legal disputes, other than:

       1. Disputes in regard to which the Parties to the dispute have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement;

       2. Disputes with regard to questions which by international law fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Cambodia;

       3. Disputes relating to any matter excluded from judicial settlement or compulsory arbitration by virtue of any treaty, convention or other international agreement or instrument to which the Kingdom of Cambodia is a party.

       This declaration is valid for ten years from the date of its deposit. It shall remain in force thereafter until notice to the contrary has been given by the Royal Government of Cambodia.

       Phnom-Penh, 9 September 1957

( Signed )  Sim Var
Cameroon 24

3 March 1994


       By order of the Government of the Republic of Cameroon, I have the honour to declare that:

       The Government of Cameroon, in accordance with article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court, recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes.

       This declaration shall remain in force for a period of five years. It shall then continue to have effect unless the Government of the Republic of Cameroon makes a statement to the contrary or submits a written amendment hereto.

( Signed ) Ferdinand Léopold OYONO


Minister for Foreign Affairs"
Canada 25, 26

28 August 2023


       "On behalf of the Government of Canada,

       (1) I give notice that I hereby terminate the acceptance by Canada of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice hitherto effective by virtue of the declaration made on 10 May 1994 in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court.

       (2) I declare that the Government of Canada accepts as compulsory ipso facto and without special convention, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes arising after 10 May 1994, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date, other than:

       (a) disputes in regard to which the parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement;

       (b) disputes with the government of any other country which is a member of the Commonwealth, all of which disputes shall be settled in such manner as the parties have agreed or shall agree;

       (c) disputes with regard to questions which by international law fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of Canada;

       (d) disputes in respect of which any other party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;

       (e) disputes or claims in respect of which the dispute or claim in question has not been notified toCanada by the State or States concerned in writing, including of an intention to submit the dispute or claim to the Court failing an amicable settlement, at least six months in advance of the submission of the dispute or claim to the Court; and

       (f) disputes arising out of or concerning conservation and management measures taken by Canada with respect to vessels fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area, as defined in the Convention on Future Multilateral Co-operation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, 1978, and the enforcement of such measures.

       (3) The Government of Canada also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added.

       It is requested that this notification be communicated to the governments of all the States that have accepted the Optional Clause and to the Registrar of the International Court of Justice.

       Ottawa, August 28, 2023.

       (Signed)

       The Honourable Mélanie Joly, P.C., M.P.

       Minister of Foreign Affairs”
Colombia 5

       [For the declaration made by Colombia ,  see  “ Declarations made under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice. which are deemed to be acceptances of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice ”  in section b).]

5 December 2001


       I have the honour to inform you on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Colombia that its acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International Justice, as formulated in its declaration of 30 October 1937, and therefore of the International Court of Justice, is terminated with effect from the date of this notification.

       The Government of the Republic of Colombia intends to transmit in due course a new declaration accepting the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, the formulation of which is to be determined.

       Accept, Sir the assurances of my highest consideration.

(Signed) GUILLERMO FERNÁNDEZ DE SOTO


Minister for Foreign Affairs
Costa Rica 27

20 February 1973


       The Government of Costa Rica recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes of the kinds referred to in Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice. This Declaration shall be valid for a period of five years and shall be understood to be tacitly renewed for like periods, unless denounced before the expiration of the said period.

(Signed)  Gonzalo J. Facio


Minister for Foreign Affairs
Côte d'Ivoire

29 August 2001


       Concerned on the one hand to ensure the peaceful and equitable settlement of all international disputes, particularly those in which it might be involved, and on the other hand to contribute to the development and strengthening of international law, the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, pursuant to article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, declares that it recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes concerning:

       (a) The interpretation of a treaty;

       (b) Any question of international law;

       (c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

       (d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation;

       with the exception of:

       1. Disputes concerning which the parties have agreed to have recourse to some other method of settlement;

       2. Disputes with regard to questions which by international law fall within the exclusive competence of Côte d'Ivoire.

       The present declaration has been made for an unlimited period, subject to the power of denunciation and modification attached to any obligation assumed by a State in its international relations.

       It will enter into force when it is received by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

(Signed)  Sangaré Abou Drahamane


Minister of State


Minister for Foreign Affairs
Cyprus 28

3 September 2002


       "I have the honour on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to declare, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, that the Republic of Cyprus accepts as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the Court, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, over all legal disputes concerning:

       (a)  the interpretation of any treaty

       I.   to which the Republic of Cyprus became a party on or after 16 August 1960 or

       II.  which the Republic of Cyprus recognizes as binding on it by succession;

       (b) any question of international law;

       (c) the existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation.

       (d) the nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       Provided that this declaration shall not apply:

       i. To disputes in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the                purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

       ii. To disputes relating to questions which fall within the domestic jurisdiction of the Republic of Cyprus.

       2. The Government of Cyprus also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw this Declaration or any of the foregoing reservations or any that may hereafter be added."

(Signed) Ioannis Kasoulides


Minister of Foreign Affairs


Nicosia, 3rd September, 2002
Democratic Republic of the Congo 12

8 February 1989


       By order of the State Commissioner (Minister) for Foreign Affairs of Zaire, I have the honour to make the following declaration on behalf of the National Executive Council (Government) of the Republic of Zaire, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice:

       The Executive Council of the Republic of Zaire recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes concerning:

       (a) The interpretation of a treaty; (b) Any question of international law; (c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation; (d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       It is understood further that this declaration will remain in force until notice of its revocation is given.

(Signed) Bagbeni Adeito Nzengeya


Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary


Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zaire


to the United Nations
Denmark 29

10 December 1956


       In conformity with the Royal Decree of 3 December 1956, I have the honour, on behalf of the Danish Government, to make the following declaration:

       Pursuant to Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, the Kingdom of Denmark recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement the jurisdiction of the Court in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is to say on condition of reciprocity, for a period of five years from 10 December 1956 and thereafter for further periods of five years, if this declaration is not denounced by notice of not less than six months before the expiration of any five-year period.

       New York, 10 December 1956

(Signed) Karl I. Eskelund Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Djibouti 30

2 September 2005


       Desiring, on the one hand, to reach a peaceful and equitable settlement of all international disputes, including those in which it may be involved, and, on the other hand, to make a contribution to the further development and consolidation of international law, the Republic of Djibouti, in accordance with Article 36 (2) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, hereby declares that it recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Jus-tice in all legal disputes concerning:

       (a) The interpretation of a treaty;

       (b) Any question of international law;

       (c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

       (d) The nature and extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation;

       with the reservation, however, that this declaration shall not apply to:

       1. Disputes in regard to which the parties to the dispute have agreed or shall agree to have re-course to some other method or methods of settlement;

       2. Disputes in regard to matters which are exclusively within the domestic jurisdiction of the Republic of Djibouti, under international law;

       3. Disputes relating to or connected with facts or situations of hostilities, armed conflicts, individual or collective actions taken in self-defence, resistance to aggression, fulfillment of obligations imposed by international bodies and other similar or related acts, measures or situations in which the Republic of Djibouti is, has been or may in future be involved;

       4. Disputes concerning the interpretation or application of a multilateral treaty unless all the Parties to the Treaty are also parties to the case before the Court or the Government of Djibouti specially agrees to jurisdiction of the Court;

       5. Disputes with the Government of any State with which, on the date of an application to bring a dispute before the Court, the Government of Djibouti has no diplomatic relations or which has not been recognized by the Government of Djibouti;

       6. Disputes with non-sovereign States or territories;

       7. Disputes with the Republic of Djibouti concerning or relating to:

       (a) The status of its territory or the modification or delimitation of its frontiers or any other matter concerning boundaries;

       (b) The territorial sea, the continental shelf and the margins, the exclusive fishery zone, the exclusive economic zone and other zones of national maritime jurisdiction including for the regulation and control of marine pollution and the conduct of scientific research by foreign vessels;

       (c) The condition and status of its islands, bays and gulfs;

       (d) The airspace superjacent to its land and maritime territory; and

       (e) The determination and delimitation of its maritime boundaries.

       This declaration is made for a period of five years, without prejudice to the right of denunciation and modification which attaches to any commitment undertaken by the State in its international relations.

       It shall take effect on the date of its receipt by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Djibouti, 18 July 2005(Signed)


Mahmoud Ali Youssouf


Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Dominica 31

24 March 2006


       “The Commonwealth of Dominica accepts the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice and makes this Declaration under article 36 (2) of the Statute of the Court.

       This seventeenth day of March 2006.

       Signature:

(Signed)


The Honourable Ian Douglas


Attorney General of the Commonwealth


of Dominica and Minister for Legal Affairs


(Signed)


The Honourable Charles Savarin


Minister for Foreign Affairs of


the Commonwealth of Domininca”
Egypt 32, 33

22 July 1957


       “I, Mahmoud Fawzi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Egypt, declare on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Egypt, that, in accordance with Article 36 (2) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice and in pursuance and for the purposes of paragraph 9 (b) of the Declaration of the Government of the Republic of Egypt dated April 24, 1957 on the "Suez Canal and the arrangements for its operation", the Government of the Republic of Egypt accept as compulsory,  ipso facto , on condition of reciprocity and without special agreement, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes that may arise under the said paragraph 9 (b) of the above Declaration dated April 24, 1957, with effect as from that date.

       18th July, 1957

( Signed ) Mahmoud Fawzi"
Equatorial Guinea

21 August 2017


New York, 25 August 2017


       Sir,

       Subject: Declaration by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea under article 36 (2), of the Statute of the International Court of Justice on all disputes relating to the privileges and immunities of States, senior State officials and State assets.

       On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, for the record, I have the honour to attach herewith the Declaration by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea under article 36 (2), of the Statute of the International Court of Justice on all disputes relating to the privileges and immunities of States, senior State officials and State assets, on the occasion of the trial, in Paris, of the Vice-President of the Republic, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

(signed)


Anatolio Ndong Mba


Ambassador


Permanent Representative


Malabo, 11 August 2017


       Sir,

       I have the honour to transmit, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the attached declaration under article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

       […]

       Declaration of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea under article 36 (2) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

       1. The Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea accepts as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in accordance with of article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court, with regard to all disputes relating to the privileges and immunities of States, senior State officials and State property.

       2. The Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and from the date of this notification, to add to, change or withdraw this declaration.

       Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

(signed)


Agapito MBA MOKUY
Estonia 34

21 October 1991


       "I, Arnold Rüütel, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia, declare on behalf of the Republic of Estonia and in accordance with the Resolution of September 26, 1991 of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia, that the Republic of Estonia recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, provided that this declaration shall not apply to disputes, the solution of which the parties shall entrust to other tribunals by virtue of agreements already in existence or which may be concluded in the future.

       Tallinn

10 October 1991


(Signed) A. Rüütel
Eswatini 35

26 May 1969


       "I, Prince Makhosini Jameson Dlamini, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland to whom His Majesty has delegated responsibility for the conduct of foreign affairs, have the honour to declare on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland, that it recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court.

       "This Declaration does not extend:   "(a) To disputes in respect of which the parties have agreed to have recourse to another means of peaceful settlement; or   "(b) To disputes relating to matters which, by international law, are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Swaziland.

       "The Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland also reserves the right to add to, amend or withdraw this Declaration by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, with effect as from the moment of such notification.

       Mbabane, 9th May, 1969

(Signed) Makhosini Jameson Dlamini


Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs"
Finland 36

21 June 1958


       On behalf of the Finnish Government, I hereby declare that I recognize as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is to say, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the Court, for a period of five years from 25 June 1958. This declaration shall be renewed by tacit agreement for further periods of the same duration, unless it is denounced not later than six months before the expiry of any such period. This declaration shall apply only to disputes arising in regard to situations or facts subsequent to 25 June 1958.

New York, 25 June 1958


(Signed) G. A. Gripenberg


Permanent Representative of Finland


to the United Nations
Gambia 37

22 June 1966


       "In accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, I declare, on behalf of the Government of Gambia, that the Gambia recognises as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes arising in the future concerning: "(a) The interpretation of a treaty; "(b) Any question of international law; "(c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation; "(d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation;  "with the reservation, however, that this declaration does not apply to "(a) Disputes in regard to which the parties have agreed to a settlement other than by recourse to the International Court of Justice;   "(b) Disputes with any country in the Commonwealth; "(c) Disputes which, by international law, fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Gambia.

       Bathhurst, The Gambia

14th June, 1966


(Signed)  A.B. N'jie


Minister of State for External Affairs"
Georgia 38

20 June 1995


       I have the honour on behalf of the Republic of Georgia to declare that, in accordance with paragraph 2 of article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, the Republic of Georgia recognises as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes referred to in paragraph 2 of article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

       Please, accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

       Tbilisi, June 16, 1995

(Signed) Alexander Chikvaidze


Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Georgia
Germany 10, 39

29 October 2025


       “21 October 2025

       “Your Excellency,

       With reference to Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice I have the honour to formulate on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany the following declaration, which will substitute and update with effect from 30 October 2025 the declaration submitted by the Federal Republic of Germany on 30 April 2008. The amendments contained in this declaration are without prejudice and shall not affect proceedings initiated after 30 April 2008 and before 30 October 2025 on the basis of the original German declaration:

       1. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany declares that it recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other state accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations withdrawing the declaration and with effect as from the moment of such notification, over all disputes arising after its original declaration dated 30 April 2008, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to this date other than:

       (i) any dispute which the Parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement or which is subject to another method of peaceful settlement chosen by all the Parties;

       (ii) any dispute which

       (a) relates to, arises from or is connected with the deployment of armed forces abroad, involvement in such deployments or decisions thereon,

       or

       (b) relates to, arises from or is connected with the use for military purposes of the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, including its airspace, as well as maritime areas subject to German sovereign rights and jurisdiction;

       (iii) any dispute in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;

       (iv) any claim or dispute in respect of which the claim or dispute in question has not been notified to the Federal Republic of Germany by the State or States concerned in writing, including of an intention to submit the claim or dispute to the Court failing an amicable settlement, at least six months in advance of the submission of the claim or dispute to the Court.

       2. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added. Accept, your Excellency, the expression of my highest consideration.

       Yours sincerely,

       Johann Wadephul

       (signed)”
Greece 40, 41

14 January 2015


       “Declaration by Greece under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice

       Whereas the Government of the Hellenic Republic made a Declaration under paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice on the tenth day of January one thousand ninety four, in force for a period of five years and effective thereafter until such time as notice may be given to terminate that Declaration.

       The Government of the Hellenic Republic having considered the said Declaration, hereby gives notice effective immediately of the withdrawal of that Declaration and replaces the same with the following Declaration:

       I have the honour to declare, on behalf of the Government of the Hellenic Republic, that I recognize as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice with respect to all legal disputes referred to in Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court, with the exception of:

       a) any dispute relating to military activities and measures taken by the Hellenic Republic for the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, for national defense purposes, as well as for the protection of its national security;

       b) any dispute concerning State boundaries or sovereignty over the territory of the Hellenic Republic, including any dispute over the breadth and limits of its territorial sea and its airspace;

       c) any dispute in respect of which any other party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court only in relation to or for the purpose of that dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

       The Government of the Hellenic Republic may however submit before the Court any dispute, which is hereby exempted, through the negotiation of a special agreement (compromis).

       The Government of the Hellenic Republic further reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, to add to, amend or withdraw this Declaration.

Athens, 13 January 2015


(Signed) Evangelos Venizelos”
Guinea 42

4 December 1998


       I have the honour, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Guinea, to declare that, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, it accepts as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes born since 12 December 1958 and subsequently to the present declaration concerning:

       (a) The interpretation of a treaty;

       (b) Any question of international law;

       (c) Existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

       (d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       The Republic of Guinea makes this declaration on condition of reciprocity on the part of all States. However, Guinea may waive the competence of the Court in regard to:

       (a) Disputes for which the parties have agreed to have recourse to some other method of settlement;

       (b) Disputes with regard to questions which by international law fall within the exclusive competence of the Republic of Guinea.

       Lastly, the Government of the Republic of Guinea reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to withdraw or to amend the present declaration.

       Conakry, 11 November 1998

(Signed)  LAMINE KAMARA


Minister  for Foreign Affairs
Guinea-Bissau 43

7 August 1989


       On behalf of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, I have the honour to declare that, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau accepts as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes referred to in Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute thereof.

       This declaration will remain in force until six months following the date on which the Government of Guinea-Bissau makes known its intention of terminating it.

       Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

(Signed)  Raul A. de Melo Cabral


Chargé d'affaires   a.i.



Honduras 44

6 June 1986


       The Government of the Republic of Honduras, duly authorized by the National Congress, under Decree No. 75-86 of 21 May 1986, to modify the Declaration made on 20 February 1960 concerning Article 36 (2) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice,

       Hereby declares : That it modifies the Declaration made by it on 20 February 1960 as follows:

       1. That it recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes concerning:

       (a) The interpretation of a treaty;

       (b) Any question of international law;

       (c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

       (d) The nature and extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       2. This Declaration shall not apply, however, to the following disputes to which the Republic of Honduras may be a party:   (a) Disputes in respect of which the parties have agreed or may agree to resort to other means for the pacific settlement of disputes; (b) Disputes concerning matters subject to the domestic jurisdiction of the Republic of Honduras under international law;   (c) Disputes relating to facts or situations originating in armed conflicts or acts of a similar nature which may affect the territory of the Republic of Honduras, and in which it may find itself involved directly or indirectly;

       (d) Disputes referring to: (i) Territorial questions with regard to sovereignty over islands, shoals and keys; internal waters, bays, the territorial sea and the legal status and limits thereof;

       (ii) All rights of sovereignty or jurisdiction concerning the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf and the legal status and limits thereof;

       (iii) The airspace over the territories, waters and zones referred to in this sub-paragraph.

       3. The Govnment of Honduras also reserves the right at any time to supplement, modify or withdraw this Declaration or the reservations contained therein by giving notice to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

       4. This Declaration replaces the Declaration made by the Government of Honduras on 20 February 1960.

       National Palace, Tegucigalpa, D.C., 22 May 1986.

(Signed) José Azcona H.


President of the Republic


(Signed) Carlos López Contreras


Secretary of the State for Foreign Affairs
Hungary 45

22 October 1992


       "The Republic of Hungary hereby recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in accordance with article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court in all disputes which may arise in respect of facts or situations subsequent to this declaration, other than:

       a) disputes in regard to which the parties to the dispute have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement;

       b) disputes in regard to matters which by international law fall exclusively within the domestic jurisdiction of the Republic of Hungary;

       c) disputes relating to, or connected with, facts or situations of hostilities, war, armed conflicts, individual or collective actions taken in self-defense or the discharge of any functions pursuant to any resolution or recommendation of the United Nations, and other similar or related acts, measures or situations in which the Republic of Hungary is, has been or may in the future be involved;

       d) disputes in respect of which any other party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court only in relation to or for the purpose of such dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other party to the dispute was deposited less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

       The Government of the Republic of Hungary reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect of six months of such notification to amend, add to or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations or any that may hereafter be added.

       This declaration shall remain in force until the expiration of six months after notification has been given of its termination.

       Budapest, October 7, 1992

(Signed) Géza Jeszenszky


Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary"
India 46, 47

27 September 2019


       "I have the honour to declare, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of India, that they accept, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate such acceptance, as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, and on the basis and condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice over all disputes other than:

       (1) disputes in regard to which the parties to the dispute have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method or methods of settlement;

       (2) disputes with the government of any State which is or has been a Member of the Commonwealth of Nations;

       (3) disputes in regard to matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the Republic of India;

       (4) disputes relating to or connected with facts or situations of hostilities, armed conflicts, individual or collective actions taken in self-defence, resistance to aggression, fulfilment of obligations imposed by international bodies, and other similar or related acts, measures or situations in which India is, has been or may in future be involved, including the measures taken for protection of national security and ensuring national defence;

       (5) disputes with regard to which any other party to a dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice exclusively for or in relation to the purposes of such dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of a party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than 12 months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;

       (6) disputes where the jurisdiction of the Court is or may be founded on the basis of a treaty concluded under the auspices of the League of Nations, unless the Government of India specially agree to jurisdiction in each case;

       (7) disputes concerning the interpretation or application of a multilateral treaty to which India is not a party; and disputes concerning the interpretation or application of a multilateral treaty to which India is a party, unless all the parties to the treaty are also parties to the case before the Court or the Government of India specially agree to jurisdiction;

       (8) disputes with the Government of any State with which, on the date of an application to bring a dispute before the Court, the Government of India has no diplomatic relations or which has not been recognized by the Government of India;

       (9) disputes with non-sovereign States or territories;

       (10) disputes with India concerning or relating to:

       a) the status of its territory or the modification or delimitation of its frontiers or any other matter concerning boundaries;

       b) the territorial sea, the continental shelf and the margins, the exclusive fishery zone, the exclusive economic zone, and other zones of national maritime jurisdiction including for the regulation and control of marine pollution and the conduct of scientific research by foreign vessels;

       c) the condition and status of its islands, bays and gulfs and that of the bays and gulfs that for historical reasons belong to it;

       d) the airspace superjacent to its land and maritime territory; and

       e) the determination and delimitation of its maritime boundaries.

       (11) disputes prior to the date of this declaration, including any dispute the foundations, reasons[,] facts, causes, origins, definitions, allegations or bases of which existed prior to this date, even if they are submitted or brought to the knowledge of the Court hereafter.

       12) This declaration revokes and replaces the previous declaration submitted by the Government of India on 18 September,1974.

       13) The Government of India reserves the right at any time, by means of a written notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to amend or terminate the present declaration.

(Signed)


(Dr. S. Jaishankar)


Minister of External Affairs


New Delhi, 18 September 2019”
Iran (Islamic Republic of)

26 June 2023


       "1 - The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran while reaffirming its commitment to strengthen and support the International Court of Justice to discharge its duty of pacific settlement of disputes as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, accepts as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with Article 36, Paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, only in relation to the following disputes:

       (i) the jurisdictional immunities of the State and State property;

       (ii) immunity from measures of constraint against State or State property.

       2 - Except as provided for in sub-paragraphs 1 (i) and/or 1 (ii), no other dispute shall be entertained by the Court, in particular:

       (i) disputes relating to questions which fall essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the Islamic Republic of Iran;

       (ii) disputes relating to sovereignty, sovereign rights or jurisdiction over land or maritime areas;

       (iii) disputes with any State not recognized by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

       3 - The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right at any time, by means of a written notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to amend, change or withdraw the present declaration.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, Hossein Amirabdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran have signed this Declaration.

       Done at Tehran, this 25 day of June 2023.

       (Signed)

       Hossein Amirabdollahian

       Minister of Foreign Affairs”
Ireland

15 December 2011


       "Ireland hereby declares that it recognises as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other state accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes as specified in Article 36, paragraph 2, with the exception of any legal dispute with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in regard to Northern Ireland.

       The present Declaration shall take effect from the date of its receipt by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

       The Government of Ireland reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to Secretary-General of the United Nations and with effect from the date of such notification, either to amend or withdraw the present Declaration; or to add to, amend or withdraw the foregoing reservation or any other reservations which may subsequently be made.”

       Dublin, 8 December 2011.

(Signed) Eamon Gilmore, T.D.


Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland
Italy

25 November 2014


       Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

       Declaration under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice

       1. The Government of Italy declares that it accepts as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance and with effect as from the moment of such notification, over all disputes arising after the present declaration, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date, other than:

       (i) any dispute [in respect of] which the Parties thereto have agreed to have recourse exclusively to some other method of peaceful settlement;

       (ii) any dispute in respect of which the other Party, or any other Party to the dispute, has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

       2. The Government of Italy also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any other reservation that may subsequently be added.

(Signed) Federica Mogherini
Japan 48

6 October 2015

I have the honour, by direction of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to declare on behalf of the Government of Japan that, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, Japan recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation and on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, over all disputes arising on and after 15 September 1958 with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date and being not settled by other means of peaceful settlement.This declaration does not apply to:(1) any dispute which the parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to refer for final and binding decision to arbitration or judicial settlement;(2) any dispute in respect of which any other party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other party to the dispute was deposited or notified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;(3) any dispute arising out of, concerning, or relating to research on, or conservation, management or exploitation of, living resources of the sea.The Government of Japan reserves the right at any time, by means of a written notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to amend or terminate the present declaration.

(signed) Motohide Yoshikawa

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
Latvia

24 September 2019


       1. The Government of the Republic of Latvia accepts as compulsory ipso facto and without special convention, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with [the] second paragraph of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes arising after the date when the Declaration is deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date, other than:

       (i) any dispute where the Parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement that entails a binding decision;

       (ii) any dispute concerning a treaty, which provides either for recourse to some method of peaceful settlement that entails a binding decision or for a mechanism for monitoring implementation, whether or not they provide for access of Parties or any other persons or entities;

       (iii) any dispute which relates to, arises from or is connected with the deployment of armed forces abroad, involvement in such deployments or decisions thereon, or relates to, arises from or is connected with the use for military purposes of the territory of the Republic of Latvia, including its airspace, as well as maritime areas subject to the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of Latvia;

       (iv) any dispute in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;

       (v) any claim or dispute in respect of which the claim or dispute in question has not been notified to the Republic of Latvia by the State or States concerned in writing, including of an intention to submit the claim or dispute to the Court in case of failure to seek a peaceful settlement, at least six months in advance of the submission of the claim or dispute to the Court.

       2. The Government of the Republic of Latvia also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend, or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added.

       3. This declaration replaces the declaration made on behalf of the Latvian Government to the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice on 31 January 1935 that came into effect on 26 February 1935.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia have signed this Declaration and affixed the official seal.

       DONE at Rīga, this 30 day of August 2019.

(Signed)


Edgars Rinkēvičs


Minister of Foreign Affairs
Lesotho 49

6 September 2000


       “On behalf of the Kingdom of Lesotho, I have the honour to declare that the Kingdom of Lesotho recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in the relation to any other State which accepts or has accepted the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

       This Declaration does not apply to any dispute the solution of which the parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to other means of peaceful settlement for its final and binding decision.

       This Declaration shall remain in force until notice of its termination is given.

       Accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

       DATED at Maseru this 31st day of August 2000.

(Signed) Motsoahae Thomas Thabane


Minister of Foreign Affairs”
Liberia 50

20 March 1952


       "On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Liberia, I, Gabriel L. Dennis, Secretary of State of Liberia, subject to ratification declare that the Republic of Liberia recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State, also a party to the Statute pursuant to Article 93 of the United Nations Charter, which accepts the same obligation (i.e., subject to reciprocity), the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes arising after ratification concerning: "(a) The interpretation of a treaty; "(b) Any question of international law; "(c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation; "(d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       "This declaration does not apply: "(a) To any dispute which the Republic of Liberia considers essentially within its domestic jurisdiction; "(b) To any dispute in regard to which the parties have agreed or may agree to bring before other tribunals as a result of agreements already existing or which may be made in the future.

       "The present declaration has been made for a period of 5 years as from the date of deposit of the ratification and thereafter until notice of termination is given.

"Done at Monrovia this 3rd day of March 1952.


(Signed)  Gabriel L. Dennis


Secretary of State"
Liechtenstein 51, 52

29 March 1950


       The Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, duly authorized by His Serene Highness, the Reigning Prince François Joseph II, in accordance with the Order of the Diet of the Principality of Liechtenstein dated 9 March 1950, which came into force on 10 March 1950,

       Declares by these presents that the Principality of Liechtenstein recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes concerning: (a) The interpretation of a treaty; (b) Any question of international law; (c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation; (d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       The present Declaration, which is made under Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, shall take effect from the date on which the Principality becomes a party to the Statute and shall have effect as long as the Declaration has not been revoked subject to one year's notice.

       Done at Vaduz, 10 March 1950.

       On behalf of the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein

(Signed)  A. Frick


The Head of the Government
Lithuania

Done at Vilnius, 21 September 2012


       With reference to Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, I have the honour to formulate on behalf of the Republic of Lithuania the following declaration:

       1. The Republic of Lithuania declares that it recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations withdrawing the declaration and with effect as from the moment of such notification, over all disputes arising after the present declaration, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to this date, other than:

       (i) any dispute which the parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement or which is subject to another method of peaceful settlement chosen by all the parties;

       (ii) any dispute relating to any matter excluded from compulsory adjudication or arbitration under any treaty, to which the Republic of Lithuania is a party, or other instrument  imposing international obligations to the Republic of Lithuania;

       (iii) any dispute which arises from or is connected with a military operation carried out in accordance with a decision taken by consensus or unanimity by international security and defence organisation or organisation implementing common security and defence policy, to which the Republic of Lithuania is a member;

       (iv) any dispute in respect of which any other party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

       2. The Republic of Lithuania also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added.”

(Signed)


Dalia GRYBAUSKAITÉ


President of the Republic of Lithuania


(Signed)


Audronius AŽUBALIS


Minister for Foreign Affairs


of the Republic of Lithuania
Madagascar 53

2 July 1992


       On behalf of the Government of Madagascar, I declare, in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the  International Court of Justice, that Madagascar accepts as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, and until such time as notification is given of the withdrawal of this acceptance, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes concerning:

       - the interpretation of a treaty;

       - any question of international law;

       - the existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

       - the nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       This declaration does not apply:

       - to disputes in respect of which the parties have agreed to have recourse to another means of settlement;

       - to disputes relating to matters which, by international law, are within the exclusive jurisdiction of Madagascar.

       The Government of Madagascar also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the date of receipt of said notification by the Secretary-General, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations.

Done at Antananarivo on 12 May 1992.


(Signed)  Césaire Rabenoro


Minister for Foreign Affairs
Malawi 54

12 December 1966


       "On behalf of the Government of Malawi, I declare under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice that I recognize as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes which may arise in respect of facts or situations subsequent to this declaration concerning-

       "(a) The interpretation of a treaty;

       "(b) Any question of international law;

       "(c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

       "(d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of international obligation;

       "Provided that this declaration shall not apply to-      (i) Disputes with regard to matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the Republic of Malawi as determined by the Government of Malawi;

       (ii) Disputes in regard to which the parties of the dispute have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement; or  (iii) Disputes concerning any question relating to or arising out of belligerent or military occupation.

       "The Government of Malawi also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to add to, amend, or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations or any that may hereafter be added.  Such notifications shall be effective on the date of their receipt by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

       "Given under my hand in Zomba this 22nd day of November 1966.

(Signed) H. Kamuzu Banda


President and Minister for External Affairs"
Malta 55

6 December 1966


       The Government of Malta accepts as compulsory  ipso facto and without special convention, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes other than:   (i) disputes in regard to which the Parties to the dispute have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement;   (ii) disputes with the Government of any other country which is a Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, all of which disputes shall be settled in such manner as the parties have agreed or shall agree;   (iii) disputes with regard to questions which by international law fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of Malta;   (iv) disputes concerning any question relating to or arising out of belligerent or military occupation or the discharge of any functions pursuant to any recommendation or decision of an organ of the United Nations, in accordance with which the Government of Malta have accepted obligations;   (v) disputes arising under a multilateral treaty unless (1) all Parties to the treaty affected by the decision are also Parties to the case before the Court, or (2) the Government of Malta specially agrees to jurisdiction;   (vi) disputes relating to any matter excluded from compulsory adjudication or arbitration under any treaty, convention or other international agreement or instrument to which Malta is a party;   (vii) disputes in respect of which arbitral or judicial proceedings are taking, or have taken place with any State which, at the date of the commencement of the proceedings, had not itself accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice; and   (viii) disputes in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purposes of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

       The Government of Malta also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations or any that may hereafter be added.

       29 November 1966.

(Signed)    G. Felice


Minister  ad interim


2 September 1983


       I have the honour to refer to the Declaration made by the Government of Malta on 29 November 1966, and notified on 6 December 1966, concerning the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice and to give notice that, with effect from the moment this notification is received by Your Excellency, the acceptance of the Government of Malta of the jurisdiction of the Court shall be limited to all disputes with Malta other than -     (1) the disputes mentioned in paragraphs (i) to (viii), both inclusive, of the Declaration; and   (2) the following categories of disputes, that is to say:   "disputes with Malta concerning or relating to:   (a) its territory, including the territorial sea, and the status thereof;   (b) the continental shelf or any other zone of maritime jurisdiction, and the resources thereof;   (c) the determination or delimitation of any of the above;   (d) the prevention or control of pollution or contamination of the marine environment in marine areas adjacent to the coast of Malta."

       The Government of Malta also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect from the moment of such notification, either to add to, aend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations or any that may hereafter be added.

(Signed) Alex Sceberras Trigona


Minister of Foreign Affairs
Marshall Islands

24 April 2013


       Declaration of Consent to the Jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice

       I have the honor to declare on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands that:

       1) The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands accepts as compulsory ipso facto and without special convention, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes arising after 17 September 1991, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date, other than:

       (i) any dispute which the Republic of Marshall Islands has agreed with the other Party or

       Parties thereto to settle by some other method of peaceful settlement;

       (ii) any dispute in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute.

       2) The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands also reserves the right at any time, by means of notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, to add to, amend or withdraw either of the foregoing reservations or any that may hereafter be added.

       Done at Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands this 15th Day of March, Two Thousand Thirteen.

(Signed) The Honorable Tony A. deBrum


Minister in Assistance to the President and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs”
Mauritius 56

23 September 1968


       "I have the honour to declare, on behalf of the Government of Mauritius, that Mauritius accepts as compulsory  ipso facto and without special convention, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes other than:   "(i) Disputes in regard to which the Parties to the dispute have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement;   "(ii) Disputes with the Government of any other country which is a Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, all of which disputes shall be settled in such manner as the parties have agreed or shall agree;   "(iii) Disputes with regard to questions which by international law fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of Mauritius;   "(iv) Disputes concerning any question relating to or arising out of belligerent or military occupation or the discharge of any functions pursuant to any recommendation or decision of an organ of the United Nations, in accordance with which the Government of Mauritius has accepted obligations;   “(v) Disputes relating to any matter excluded from compulsory adjudication or arbitration under any treaty, convention or other international agreement or instrument to which Mauritius is a party;   "(vi) Disputes in respect of which arbitral or judicial proceedings are taking, or have taken place with any State which, at the date of the commencement of the proceedings, had not itself accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice; and   "(vii) Disputes in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purposes of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of anyher Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

       "The Government of Mauritius also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations or any that may hereafter be added.

       Port Louis, 4 September 1968

(Signed) S. Ramgoolam


Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs"
Mexico 57

28 October 1947


       In regard to any legal dispute that may in future arise between the United States of Mexico and any other State out of events subsequent to the date of this Declaration, the Mexican Government recognizes as compulsory,  ipso facto , and without any special agreement being required therefore, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the said Court, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is, on condition of strict reciprocity. This Declaration which does not apply to disputes arising from matters that, in the opinion of the Mexican Government, are within the domestic jurisdiction of the United States of Mexico, shall be binding for a period of five years as from l March 1947 and after that date shall continue in force until six months after the Mexican Government gives notice of denunciation.

       Mexico, D.F., 23 October 1947

(Signed) Jaime Torres Bodet


Secretary of State for External Relations
Netherlands (Kingdom of the) 58

27 February 2017


       “The Hague, 21 February 2017

       The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and, with reference to the Statute of the International Court of Justice, concluded at San Francisco on 26 June 1945, has the honour to inform the Secretary-General of the following.

       The Kingdom of the Netherlands hereby declares that it recognizes as compulsory the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, until such time as notice may be given to terminate this acceptance, over all disputes arising out of situations or facts that took place no earlier than one hundred years before the dispute is brought before the said Court.

       This declaration replaces, with effect from 1 March 2017, the previous declaration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands of 1 August 1956.

       The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands avails himself of this opportunity to renew to the Secretary-General of the United Nations the assurances of its highest consideration”

       The Minister of Foreign Affairs,

                                                                                                                                                         (Signed) Bert Koenders
New Zealand 59

22 September 1977


       "(I) The acceptance by the Government of New Zealand of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice by virtue of the Declaration made on l April 1940 under Article 36 of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice, and made applicable to the International Court of Justice by paragraph 5 of Article 36 of the Statute of that Court, is hereby terminated:   (II) The Government of New Zealand accepts as compulsory,  ipso facto , and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Court over all disputes other than:   1 Disputes in regard to which the parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement:   2 Disputes in respect of which any other party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute: or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court:   3 Disputes arising out of or concerning the jurisdiction or rights claimed or exercised by New Zealand in respect of the exploration, exploitation, conservation or management of the living resources in marine areas beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea of New Zealand but within 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.

       This Declaration shall remain in force for a period of five years from 22 September 1977 and thereafter until the expiration of six months after notice has been given of the termination of this Declaration provided that the Government of New Zealand reserves the right at any time to amend this Declaration in the light of the results of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea in respect of the settlement of disputes.

(Signed) M.J.C. Templeton


Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations"
Nicaragua 60

[For the declaration made by Nicaragua , see  “ Declarations made under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice. which are deemed to be acceptances of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice ”  in section b).

24 October 2001


       “I have the honour to inform you and, through you, all the States parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat of the Court, of the reservation made to Nicaragua’s voluntary acceptance of the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice by Presidential Decision No. 335-2001 of 22 October 2001, issued by the President of the Republic, Mr. Arnoldo Alemán Lacayo, the text of which is as follows:

       ‘Nicaragua will not accept the jurisdiction or competence of the International Court of Justice in relation to any matter or claim based on interpretations of treaties or arbitral awards that were signed and ratified or made, respectively, prior to 31 December 1901.’

       Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

(Signed) Francisco X. Aguirre Sacasa”


9 January 2002


Objection to the reservation made by Nicaragua:

       On 9 January 2002, the Secretary-General received from the Government of Costa Rica  a communication transmitting the formal objection to the reservation formulated by the Government of Nicaragua.[See note 1 under “Costa Rica” in the “Historical Information” section in the front matter of this volume.}  
Nigeria 61

30 April 1998


       "I have the honour, on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to declare that the acceptance by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice by virtue of the Declaration made on 14th August, 1965 under Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, is hereby amended so as to read as set out in the following paragraph;

       In conformity with paragraph 2 of article 36 of the Statute, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria accepts as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is to say, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the Court over all legal disputes referred to in that paragraph of the Statute other than;

       (i) disputes in respect of which any party to the dispute has accepted the jurisdiction of the Court by a Declaration deposited less than Twelve Months prior to the filing of an Application bringing the dispute before the Court after the date of this amended Declaration;

       (ii) disputes in respect of which any party has filed an Application in substitution for or in lieu of all or any part of any Application to which sub-paragraph (i) refers;

       (iii) disputes relating to matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

       (iv) disputes in respect of which any other party to the dispute has accepted the jurisdiction of the Court only in relation to or for the purposes of the dispute;

       (v) disputes in regard to which the parties have agreed or agree to have recourse to any other method of peaceful settlement;

       (vi) disputes relating to or connected with facts or situations of hostilities or armed conflict, whether internal or international in character;

       (vii) disputes with any State with which the Government of Nigeria does not have diplomatic relations;

       (viii) disputes concerning the allocation, delimitation or demarcation of territory (whether land, maritime, lacustrine or superjacent air space) unless the Government of Nigeria specially agrees to such jurisdiction and within the limits of any such special agreement.

       (ix) disputes in relation to matters which arose prior to the date of Nigeria's independence, including any dispute the causes, origins or bases of which arose prior to that date.

       The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria further reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect from the moment of such notification, to add to, amend or withdraw this Declaration or the reservations contained therein or any that may hereafter be added.

Done at Abuja, this 29th day of April 1998


(Signed) Chief Tom Ikimi


Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs


Federal Republic of Nigeria"
Norway 62

24 June 1996


       "I hereby declare on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Government that Norway recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court, for a period of five years as from 3 October 1976.  This declaration shall thereafter be tacitly renewed for additional periods of five years, unless notice of termination is given not less than six months before the expiration of the current period; provided, however, that the limitations and exceptions relating to the settlement of disputes pursuant to the provisions of, and the Norwegian declarations applicable at any given time to, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 and the Agreement of 4 December 1995 for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, shall apply to all disputes concerning the law of the sea.

It is requested that this notification be communicated to the governments of all the States that have accepted the Optional Clause and to the Registrar of the International Court of Justice"


(Signed) Hans Jacob Biorn Lian


Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations
Pakistan 63

29 March 2017


       "March 29, 2017

       Excellency,

       I have the honor, by direction of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to declare that [the] Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

       Provided that this Declaration shall not apply to:

       a) disputes the resolution of which the parties shall entrust to other tribunals by virtue of agreements already in existence or which may be concluded in the future; or

       b) disputes relating to questions which fall essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan;

       c) disputes relating to or connected with any aspect of hostilities, armed conflicts, individual or collective self-defence or the discharge of any functions pursuant to any decision or recommendation of international bodies, the deployment of armed forces abroad, as well as action relating and ancillary thereto in which Pakistan is, has been or may in future be involved;

       d) disputes with regard to which any other party to a dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice exclusively for or in relation to the purposes of such dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of a party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than 12 months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;

       e) all matters related to the national security of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan;

       f) disputes arising under a multilateral treaty or any other international obligation that the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has specifically undertaken unless:

       i) all the parties to the treaty affected by the decision are also parties to the case before the Court, or

       Ii) the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan specifically agrees to jurisdiction, and

       iii) the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is also a Party to the treaty.

       g) any dispute about the delimitation of maritime zones, including the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf, the exclusive fishery zone and other zones of national maritime jurisdiction or the exploitation of any disputed area adjacent to any such maritime zone;

       h) disputes with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan pertaining to the determination of its territory or the modification or delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries;

       i) all disputes prior to this Declaration although they are filed before this Court hereafter.

       [The] Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan reserves the right at any time, by means of a written notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect from the moment of such notification, either to amend or terminate this Declaration.

       This Declaration revokes and substitutes the previous Declaration made on 12 September 1960.

       (signed)

       Dr. Maleeha Lodhi"
Paraguay 64

25 September 1996


       I HEREBY ACCEPT on behalf of the Government of Paraguay the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, with headquarters at The Hague, reciprocally in relation to other States accepting the same obligation in respect of all disputes as provided for in Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court. The present declaration shall apply only to disputes arising subsequent to the date of this declaration.

(Signed) Rubén MELGAREJO LANZONI


Minister for Foreign Affairs


(Signed)  Juan Carlos WASMOSY


President
Peru 65

7 July 2003


       In accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, the Government of Peru recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation and on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes, until such time as it may give notice withdrawing this declaration.

       This declaration does not apply to any dispute with regard to which the parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to arbitration or judicial settlement for a final and binding decision or which has been settled by some other method of peaceful settlement.

       The Government of Peru reserves the right at any time by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to amend or withdraw this declaration or reservations set out herein. Such notification shall take effect on the day on which it is received by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

       This declaration shall apply to countries that have entered reservations or set conditions with respect to it, with the same restrictions as set by such countries in their respective declarations.

       Lima, 9 April 2003

(Signed) Allan Wagner Tizón


Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru
Philippines 66

18 January 1972


       "I, Carlos P. Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, hereby declare, under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, that the Republic of the Philippines recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes arising hereafter concerning:   "(a) The interpretation of a treaty;   "(b) Any question of international law;   "(c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;   "(d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation;

       Provided, that this declaration shall not apply to any dispute:   "(a) In regard to which the parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement; or   "(b) Which the Republic of the Philippines considers to be essentially within its domestic jurisdiction; or   "(c) In respect of which the other party has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purposes of such dispute; or where the acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction was deposited or ratified less than 12 months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court; or   "(d) Arising under a multilateral treaty, unless (l) all parties to the treaty are also parties to the case before the Court, or (2) the Republic of the Philippines specially agrees to jurisdiction; or   "(e) Arising out of or concerning jurisdiction or rights claimed or exercised by the Philippines:   "(i) In respect of the natural resources, including living organisms belonging to sedentary species, of the sea-bed and subsoil of the continental shelf of the Philippines, or its analogue in anarchipelago, as described in Proclamation No. 370 dated 20 March 1968 of the President of the Republic of the Philippines; or   "(ii) In respect of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines, including its territorial seas and inland waters; and

       "Provided further, that this declaration shall remain in force until notice is given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations of its termination.

       Done at Manila this 23rd day of December 1971.

(Signed)  Carlos Pi Romulo Secretary of Foreign Affairs"
Poland 67

10 July 2024


       On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Poland, I give notice that the Republic of Poland hereby withdraws its consent to the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice communicated on 25 March 1996 in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court. At the same time, I declare that the Republic of Poland shall recognize as of 10 January 2025, in accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned article, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation and subject to the sole condition of reciprocity, in all legal disputes other than:

       a) disputes prior to 25 September 1990 or disputes arisen out of facts or situations prior to the same date,

       b) disputes with regard to territory and State boundaries,

       c) disputes with regard to environmental protection,

       d) disputes about foreign liabilities or debts,

       e) disputes with regard to any State which has made a declaration accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court,

       f) disputes in respect whereof the parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to other method of peaceful settlement,

       g) disputes relating to matters which, by international law, fall exclusively within the domestic jurisdiction of the Republic of Poland,

       h) any claim or dispute of which the Republic of Poland has not been notified by the State or States concerned in writing, including of an intention to submit the claim or dispute to the Court failing an amicable settlement, at least six months in advance of the submission of the claim or dispute to the Court.

       The Government of the Republic of Poland reserves its right to withdraw or modify the present Declaration at any time by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, taking effect six months after the date of notification.

       (Signed) Radosław Sikorski

       Minister of Foreign Affairs
Portugal 14, 21

25 February 2005


       "On behalf of the Portuguese Republic, I declare and give notice that Portugal, continuing to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, amends its declaration made on 19 December 1955, replacing its terms by the following:

       1. Under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, the Portuguese Republic recognizes the jurisdiction of the Court as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation (and to the extent it accepts it), until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, in all legal disputes other than:

       (i) any dispute which Portugal has agreed or shall agree with the other party or parties thereto to settle by some other method of peaceful settlement;

       (ii) any dispute with any State that has deposited or ratified the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction or an amendment thereto so that the dispute became included in its scope less than twelve months prior to the filling of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;

       (iii) any dispute, unless it refers to territorial titles or rights or to sovereign rights or jurisdiction, arising before 26 April 1974 or concerning situations or facts prior to that date;

       (iv) any dispute with a party or parties to a treaty regarding which the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice has, under the applicable rules, been explicitly excluded, irrespective of whether the scope of the dispute refers to the interpretation and application of the treaty provisions or to other sources of international law.

       2. The Portuguese Republic also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added, Lisbon, 18 February 2005"

António Víctor Martins Monteiro


(Minister for Foreign Afairs)
Romania

23 June 2015


       “MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

       Minister

       Bucharest, 15 June 2015

       Your Excellency,

       I have the honour to inform you that the Romanian Parliament adopted the Law no. 137/2015 on the acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. The law was published in the Official Journal of Romania no. 408 of 10 June 2015.

       In accordance with the provisions of this Law, Romania formulates the following Declaration, in conformity with article 36 paragraphs (2) and (3) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice:

       ‘Romania declares that it recognises as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, meaning on the condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in accordance with Article 36 (2) of the Statute of the Court, in relation to all legal disputes related to facts or situations arising after this declaration is made, other than:

       (a) any dispute in regard to which the parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement for its final and binding decision;

       (b) any dispute with any State which has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36 (2) of the Statute less than twelve months prior to filing an application bringing the dispute before the Court or where such acceptance has been made only for the purpose of a particular dispute;

       (c) any dispute regarding to the protection of the environment;

       (d) any dispute relating to, or connected with, hostilities, war, armed conflict, individual or collective self-defence or the discharge of any functions pursuant to any decision or recommendation of the United Nations, the deployment of armed forces abroad, as well as decisions relating thereto;

       (e) any dispute relating to, or connected with, the use for military purposes of the territory of Romania, including the airspace and territorial sea, or maritime zones subject to its sovereign rights and jurisdiction;

       (f) any dispute relating to matters which by international law fall exclusively within the domestic jurisdiction of Romania.

       This Declaration shall remain in force until such time as notice may be given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations withdrawing or modifying this declaration, and with effect from the moment of such notification’.

       I also attach herewith the version of the Declaration in the French Language.

       Please accept, Your Excellency, the expression of my most distinguished consideration.

(Signed) Bogdan Aurescu
Senegal 68

2 December 1985


       I have the honour, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Senegal, to declare that, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, it accepts on condition of reciprocity as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes born subsequently to the present declaration concerning:

       - the interpretation of a treaty;

       - any question of international law;

       - existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

       - the nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       This declaration is made on condition of reciprocity on the part of all States.  However, Senegal may waive the competence of the Court in regard to:

       - disputes concerning which the parties have agreed to have recourse to some other method of settlement;

       - disputes with regard to questions which by international law fall within the exclusive competence of Senegal.

       Lastly, the Government of the Republic of Senegal reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to add, to amend or to withdraw the foregoing reservations.

       Such notification shall be effective on the date of its receipt by the Secretary-General.

(Signed)   Ibrahim FALL


Minister for Foreign Affairs  of the Republic of Senegal"
Slovakia 69

28 May 2004


       "On behalf of the Slovak Republic I have the honour to declare that the Slovak Republic recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court over all legal disputes arising after the date of signature of the present declaration with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date.

       This declaration does not apply to disputes:

       (1) Which the parties have agreed to settle by some other method of peaceful settlement;

       (2) in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or when the declaration recognizing the jurisdiction of the Court on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited less than twelve months prior to the filing of the unilateral application bringing the dispute before the Court;

       (3) with regard to the protection of environment;

       (4) with regard to questions which by international law fall exclusively within the domestic jurisdiction of the Slovak Republic.

       The Slovak republic reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the date of receipt of such notification, to amend or withdraw this declaration.

       Done at Bratislava on 11 May 2004

(Signed)


Rudolf Schuster


President of the Slovak Republic"
Somalia 70

11 April 1963


       "I have the honour to declare on behalf of the Government of the Somali Republic that the Somali Republic accepts as compulsory  ipso facto , and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such times as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all legal disputes arising other than disputes in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purposes of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

       "The Somali Republic also reserves the right at any time by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added.

       Mogadishu

       March 25, 1963.

(Signed) Abdullahi Issa


Minister for Foreign Affairs"
Spain 71

29 October 1990


       The Kingdom of Spain accepts as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, on condition of reciprocity, in legal disputes not included among the following situations and exceptions:

       a) Disputes in regard to which the Kingdom of Spain and the other party or parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement of dispute;

       b) Disputes in regard to which the other party or parties have accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court only in relation to or for the purposes of the dispute in question;

       c) Disputes in regard to which the other party or parties have accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court less than 12 months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;

       d) Disputes arising prior to the date on which this Declaration was deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations or relating to events or situations which occurred prior to that date, even if such events or situations may continue to occur or to have effects thereafter.

       2. The Kingdom of Spain may at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, add to, amend or withdraw, in whole or in part, the foregoing reservations or any that may hereafter be added.  These amendments shall become effective on the date of their receipt by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

       3. The present Declaration, which is deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 4, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, shall remain in force until such time as it has been withdrawn by the Spanish Government or superseded by another declaration by the latter.

       The withdrawal of the Declaration shall become effective after a period of six months has elapsed from the date of receipt by the Secretary-General of the United Nations of the relevant notification by the Spanish Government.  However, in respect of States which have established a period of less than six months between notification of the withdrawal of their Declaration and its becoming effective, the withdrawal of the Spanish Declaration shall become effective after such shorter period has elapsed.

       Done at Madrid on 15 October 1990.

(Signed) Francisco Fernandez Ordoñez


Minister for Foreign Affairs
Sudan 72

2 January 1958


       "I have the honour by direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to declare, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Sudan, that in pursuance of paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice the Government of the Republic of the Sudan recognize as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, until such time as notice may be given to terminate this Declaration, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes arising after the first day of January 1956 with regard to situations or facts subsequent to that date concerning:   "(a) The interpretation of a treaty concluded or ratified by the Republic of the Sudan on or after the first day of January 1956;   "(b) Any question of International Law;   "(c) The existence of any fact, which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation; or   "(d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation;  "but excluding the following:   "(i) Disputes in regard to which the parties to the dispute have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement;   "(ii) Disputes in regard to matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the Republic of the Sudan as determined by the Government of the Republic of the Sudan;   "(iii)Disputes arising out of events occurring during any period in which the Republic of the Sudan is engaged in hostilities as a belligerent.

       30 December, 1957

(Signed) Yacoub Osman


Permanent Representative of the Sudan


to the United Nations"
Suriname 73

31 August 1987


       "I have the honour by direction of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Suriname, to declare on behalf of the Government of Suriname:

       The Government of the Republic of Suriname recognizes, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, with effect from the seventh September 1987, as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the said Court in all disputes, which have arisen prior to this Declaration or may arise after this Declaration, with the exception of:

       A. disputes, which have arisen or may arise with respect to or in relation with the borders of the Republic of Suriname;

       B. disputes in respect of which the parties, excluding the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, have agreed to settlement by means of arbitration, mediation or other methods of conciliation and accommodation.

       This declaration shall be binding for a period of five years and shall continue in force after that period until twelve months after the Government of the Republic of Suriname has given notice of its termination.

(Signed) W. H. Werner Vreedzaam


Chargé d'Affaires of the Permanent  Mission of


the Republic of Suriname  to the United Nations"
Sweden 74

6 April 1957


       On behalf of the Royal Swedish Government, I declare that it accepts as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the said Court for a period of five years as from 6 April 1957.  This obligation shall be renewed by tacit agreement for further periods of the same duration unless notice of abrogation is made at least six months before the expiration of any such period.  The above-mentioned obligation is accepted only in respect of disputes which may arise with regard to situations or facts subsequent to 6 April 1957.

       New York, 6 April 1957

(Signed)  Claes Carbonnier


Permanent Representative  a.i .


of Sweden to the United Nations
Switzerland 75, 76

28 July 1948


       The Swiss Federal Council

       Duly authorized for that purpose by a Federal Order which was adopted on 12 March 1948 by the Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation and entered into force on 17 June 1948,

       Hereby declares

       That the Swiss Confederation recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes concerning:

       a. The interpretation of a treaty;

       b. Any question of international law;

       c. The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

       d. The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       This declaration which is made under Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice shall take effect from the date on which the Swiss Confederation becomes a party to that Statute and shall have effect as long as it has not been abrogated subject to one year's notice.

       Done at Berne, 6 July 1948.

       On behalf of the Swiss Federal Council,

(Signed) Celio


The President of the Confederation


(Signed) Leimgruber


The Chancellor of the Confederation
Timor-Leste

Declaration Recognizing the Jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice as Compulsory

Dili, 21 September 2012


       On behalf of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, I have the honour to declare that the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste accepts as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate this acceptance.  This declaration is effective immediately.

       The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, either to amend the present declaration or to amend or withdraw an[y] reservation that may hereafter be added.

(Signed) Kay Rala Zanana Gusmão


Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste”
Togo 77

25 October 1979


       The Togolese Republic,

       Represented by His Excellency Mr. Akanyi-Awunyo Kodjovi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of  Togo to the United Nations,

       Acting pursuant to the provisions of Article 36, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, annexed to the Charter of the United Nations,

       Guided by its constant concern to ensure the peaceful and equitable settlement of all international disputes, particularly those in which it might be involved, and desiring to contribute to the strengthening of the international legal order based on the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations,

       Declares that it recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is, subject to reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all disputes concerning:   (a) The interpretation of a treaty;   (b) Any question of international law;   (c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;   (d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

       The present declaration has been made for an unlimited period subject to the power of denunciation and modification attached to any obligation assumed by a sovereign State in its international relations.  It will enter into force on the day on which it is received by the United Nations Secretariat.

       New York, 24 October 1979

(Signed)   Akanyi-Awunyo Kodjovi
Uganda 78

3 October 1963


       "I hereby declare on behalf of the Government of Uganda that Uganda recognises as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, and on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court.

       New York, 3rd October 1963

(Signed)    Apollo K. Kironde


Ambassador and Permanent Representative


of Uganda to the United Nations"
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 79

22 February 2017


       “22 February 2017

       Dear Secretary-General,

       I have the honour, by directions of Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, to notify you, on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, that the United Kingdom's declaration under paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice dated 30 December 2014 is hereby replaced, with immediate effect, by the attached declaration.

       (Signed) Matthew Rycroft

       Declaration of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland under Article 36(2) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice

       1. The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accept as compulsory ipso facto and without special convention, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes arising after 1 January 1987, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date, other than:

       (i) any dispute which the United Kingdom has agreed with the other Party or Parties thereto to settle by some other method of peaceful settlement;

       (ii) any dispute with the government of any other country which is or has been a Member  of  the Commonwealth;

       (iii) any dispute in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the disputewas deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;

       (iv) any claim or dispute which is substantially the same as a claim or dispute previously submitted to the  Court by the same or another Party;

       (v) any claim or dispute in respect of which the claim or dispute in question has not been notified to the United Kingdom by the State or States concerned in writing, including of an intention to submit the claim or dispute to the Court failing an amicable settlement, at least six months in advance of the submission of the claim or dispute to the Court;

       (vi) any claim or dispute that arises from or is connected with or related to nuclear disarmament and/or nuclear weapons, unless all of the other nuclear-weapon States Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons have also consented to the jurisdiction of the Court and are party to the proceedings in question.

       2. The Government of the United Kingdom also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added.

       22 February 2017”
(b) Declarations made under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice. which are deemed to be acceptances of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (All data and footnotes concerning these declarations are reprinted from the International Court of Justice Yearbook, 1971-1972.)
Colombia 5

30.X.37


       The Republic of Colombia recognizes as compulsory, ipso facto and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International Justice, in accordance with Article 36 of the Statute.

       The present Declaration applies only to disputes arising out of facts subsequent to January 6th, 1932.

       Geneva, 30 October 1937.

(Signed) J. M. Yepes


Legal Adviser of the Permanent Delegation


of Colombia to the League of Nations
Dominican Republic

30.IX.24


       On behalf of the Government of the Dominican Republic and subject to ratification, I recognize, in relation to any other Member or State accepting the same obligation, that is to say, on the sole condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the Court as compulsory, ipso facto and without special convention.

       Geneva, 30 September 1924.

(Signed)


Jacinto R. de Castro


       The instrument of ratification was deposited on 4 February 1933.
Haiti

4.X.21


       On behalf of the Republic of Haiti, I recognize the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International Justice as compulsory.

(Signed) F. Addor


Consul
Luxembourg 80

15.IX.30


       The Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg recognizes as compulsory, ipso facto, and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting hte same obligation, that is to say on condition or reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the Court in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute, in any disputes arising after the signature of the present declaration with regard to situations or facts subsequent to this signature, except in cases where the parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to another procedure or to another method of pacific settlement. The present declaration is made for a period of five years. Unless it is denouced six months before the expiration of that period, it shall be considered as renewed for a further period of five years and similarly thereafter.

       Geneva, 15 September 1930

(Signed) Bech
Nicaragua 81

24.IX.29


       On behalf of the Republic of Nicaragua, I recognize as compulsory unconditionally the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International Justice.

Geneva, 24 September 1929


(Signed) T. F. Medina
Panama 82

25.X.21


       On behalf of the Government of Panama, I recognize, in relation to any other Member or State which accepts the same obligation, that is to say, on the sole condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the Court as compulsory,  ipso facto and without any special convention.

       Paris, 25 October 1921

(Signed) Ri A. Amador


Chargé d'Affaires
Uruguay 83, 84

Prior to 28.I.21


       On behalf of the Government of Uruguay, I recognize in relation to any Member or State accepting the same obligation, that is to say, on the sole condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the Court as compulsory,  ipso facto and without special convention.

(Signed) B. Fernandez Y. Medina
End Note
1A declaration recognizing as compulsory the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice had been deposited on 26 October 1946 with the Secretary-General on behalf of the Republic of China (registered under No. 5. For the text of that declaration, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1, p. 35).  In a communication received by the Secretary-General on 5 December 1972, the Government of the People’s Republic of China indicated that it does not recognize the statement made by the defunct Chinese government on 26 October 1946 in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice concerning the acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court.
2In its resolution 47/1 of 22 September 1992, the General Assembly, acting upon the recommendation of the Security Council in its resolution 777 (1992) of 19 September 1992, considered that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, today Serbia (see note 2 under "Yugoslavia", note 1 under "Serbia and Montenegro" and note 1 under "Serbia" in the Historical Information Section), could not continue automatically the membership of the former Yugoslavia in the United Nations, and decided that it should accordingly apply for membership in the Organization. The Legal Counsel, however, took the view at that time that this resolution of the General Assembly neither terminated or suspended the membership of the former Yugoslavia in the United Nations, and that the Secretary-General, as depositary, was not in a position either to reject or to disregard the claim of Serbia that it continued the legal personality of the former Yugoslavia (see document A/47/485). For more information in this regard, see note 1 under "former Yugoslavia" in the Historical Information Section (click on the tab "Status of Treaties" and then on "Historical Information").

Against this background, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, by its note of 25 April 1999, submitted a declaration recognizing as compulsory the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, which was deposited with the Secretary-General on 26 April 1999.  Article 36, paragraph 2 limits such declarations to the parties to the Statute.  Parties to the Statute include all members of the United Nations, pursuant to Article 93(1) of the United Nations Charter.

The text of the declaration reads as follows:

26 April 1999

I hereby declare that the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia recognizes, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to anyother State accepting the same obligation, that is on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the said Court in all disputes arising or which may arise after the signature of the present Declaration, with regard to the situations or facts subsequent to this signature except in cases where the parties have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to another procedure or to another method of pacific settlement. The present Declaration does not apply to disputes relating to questions which, under international law, fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, as well as to territorial disputes.

The aforesaid obligation is accepted until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance.

(Signed) Vladislav Jovanovic

Chargé d'affaires a.i. of

the Permanent Mission of

Yugoslavia to the United Nations

New York, 25 April 1999

Following the admission of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the United Nations on 1 November 2000, pursuant to General Assembly resolution A/55/528, a review was undertaken of the multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General, in relation to many of which the former Yugoslavia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had undertaken a range of treaty actions.  With respect to the status of the declaration by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia recognizing as compulsory the jurisdiction of the Court, which was deposited on 26 April 1999, the depositary decided to await the outcome of matters which were then pending before the Court.

In a letter dated 31 January 2007, the Registrar of the Court notified the depositary that in its Judgment of 15 December 2004 the Court concluded that Serbia and Montenegro was not a member of the United Nations and therefore was not a party to the Statute of the Court at the time that it filed its application to institute the proceedings before the Court on 29 April 1999. In the light of the above-mentioned letter from the Registrar of the Court clarifying the status of Serbia with respect to the Statute, and after confirmation from Serbia on 13 May 2008, that it did not recognize the declaration of 26 April 1999 made by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the name of Serbia was removed from the list of States which have made declarations under Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute.

See note 1 under "Serbia" in the Historical Information section (click on the tab "Status of Treaties" and then on "Historical Information").
3In a notification received by the Secretary-General on 21 November 1985, the Government of Israel gave notice of the termination of the declaration of 17 October l956. For the text of the declaration see United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 252, p. 301. The declaration of 17 October 1956 replaced that of 4 September 1950, which was published in the United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 108, p. 239. An amending declaration was received on 28 February 1984 and registered on that date under No. 3571. See United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 1349, p. 326.

The notification of termination of the declaration of 17 October 1956 received from the Government of Israel on 21 November 1985 (dated 19 November 1985), reads as follows:

"On behalf of the Government of Israel, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Israel has decided to terminate, with effect as of today, its declaration of 17 October 1956 as amended, concerning the acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice."

Benjamin Netanyahu

Ambassador
4In a notification received by the Secretary-General on 10 January 1974, the Government of France gave notice of the termination of the declaration of 20 May 1966 (registered under No. 8196).  For the text of that declaration and for the notice of termination, see United Nations,  Treaty Serie s, vol. 562, p. 71 and vol. 907, p. 129, respectively. For the text of the declaration made on 10 July 1959 (registered under No. 4816), see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 337, p. 65. For the text of the declaration made on 18 February 1947 (registered under No. 378), see United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 26, p. 91.
5On 30 October 1937, the Government of Colombia deposited an instrument of ratification.  Ratification was not required under the terms of the Optional Clause, the act of signature itself sufficing to make the undertaking binding except where the declaration had been made expressly subject to ratification. Nevertheless, certain States, which had signed without any such reservation, subsequently ratified their declaration. The declaration of 5 December 2001 was registered under No. 37819, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2166, p. 3.
6Registered under No. 36941; see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2121, p. 193. In this regard, the Secretary-General received on 28 May 1999, the following communication from the Governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: "[The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia] should like to refer to [...] the Declaration under Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice made by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) on 25 April 1999.  [The Declaration] states that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) lodged the [declaration] by which it recognised the jurisdiction ipso facto , of the said Court in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the Court. [The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia] would like to express [their] disagreement with the content of the above-quoted [Declaration]. The [Declaration] can have no legal effect whatsoever, because the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) is not a State Member of the United Nations, nor is it a State Party to the Statute of the Court, that could make a valid declaration under Article 36, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the Court. Consequently, there was no legal basis for acceptance or circulation of the invalid document in question. In this connection, [The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Government of the Republicof Slovenia and the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia] would once again like to draw the attention to the Security Council’s resolution 777 (1992) and the General Assembly’s resolution 47/1 (1992) .  Both of these resolutions explicitly stated that the state known as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had ceased to exist and that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) could not automatically continue the membership of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the United Nations and that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) should apply for membership in the United Nations.  Until the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) has complied with the requirements of those resolutions, it could not be considered as a State Member of the United Nations. Since a new application for membership in the United Nations, pursuant to Article 4 of the Charter, has not been made by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) to date, and it has not been admitted to the United Nations, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia therefore cannot be considered to be ipso facto a party to the Statute of the Court by virtue of Article 93, paragraph 1 of the Charter of the United Nations.  Neither has the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) become a Contracting party of the Statute of the Court under Article 93, paragraph 2, which states that a non-member State can only become a Contracting Party of the International Court of Justice’s Statute under conditions set by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council on a case by case basis.  Furthermore, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) has not accepted the jurisdiction of the Court under the conditions provided for in Security Council Resolution 9 of 15 October 1946, and adopted by the Security Council by virtue of powers conferred on it by Article 35, paragraph 3, of the Statute of the Court. The reference to "Yugoslavia (Original member)" in the list of States Members of the United Nations entitled to appear before the Court pursuant to Article 35, para 1, of the Statute of the Court and Article 93, paragraph 1, of the United Nations Charter (I.C.J. Yearbook 1996-1997) refers to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) and not to one of its successor States.  By using the abbreviated name "Yugoslavia" the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) deliberately manipulates the situation and tries to create an erroneous assumption that the State party to the Statute, namely Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, is the same as one of the five successor States, namely the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), only. Because the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), which made the declaration under Article 32, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the Court is not the same legal entity under international law as a State which was the original Party to the Statute of the Court, namely, Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, it is the opinion of our Governments that the notification is null and void." See also note 1 under  "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "Croatia", "former Yugoslavia", "Slovenia", "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" and "Yugoslavia" in the "Historical Information" section in the front matter of this volume.
7In a communication received by the Secretary-General on 12 April 1967, the Government of South Africa gave notice of withdrawal and termination, with effect from that date, of the declaration of 12 September 1955 (registered under No. 2935).  For the text of the said declaration, which was deposited with the Secretary-General on 13 September 1955, and for the notice of termination, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 216, p. 115, and vol. 595, p. 363, respectively.
8The declarations recognizing as compulsory the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice deposited with the Secretary-General by the Governments of Bolivia, Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nauru, Thailand and Turkey were made for specified periods of time which have since expired.  For the text of those declarations, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 16, p. 207 (Bolivia, registered under No. 261); vol. 15, p. 221 (Brazil, registered under No. 237); vol. 899, p. 99 (El Salvador, registered under No. 12837.  Subsequently, a declaration was received on 3 July 1974 from the Government of Honduras objecting to the declaration made by El Salvador and, on  9 September 1974, a second declaration was received from the Government of El Salvador, both registered under No. 12837 and published in vols. 942 and 948, respectively. The Government of El Salvador, by notification received on 27 November 1978, extended its acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice for a period of 10 years as from 26 November 1978 with the following declaration:  El Salvador still reserves the right at any time to modify, add to, explain or derogate from the exceptions under which it accepted such jurisdiction. The declaration  (See, C.N.303.1978.TREATIES-1 of 22 December 1978) was  registered on 27 November 1978 under No. 12837 and published in vol. 1119, p. 382. For El Salvador's declaration recognizing the compulsory jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International Justice, see  Yearbook of the International Court of Justice 1972-1973, p. 39);  vol. 1, p. 49 (Guatemala, registered under No. 12); vol. 1491, p. 199 (Nauru, registered under No. 25640, renewed and extended for a period of five years as from 29 January 1993); vol. 65, p. 157  (Thailand, registered under No. 844), and vol. 4, p. 265 (Turkey, registered under No. 50) and  vol. 191, p. 357, vol. 308, p. 301, vol. 491, p. 385, and vol. 604, p. 349 (Turkey, renewals).
9Registered under No. 3; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1, p. 9.  A declaration of 6 April 1984 was made by the United States of America modifying the said declaration and was registered on that date under No. 3.  For the text of the declaration as modified, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1354, p. 452. Subsequently, In a notification received by the Secretary-General on 7 October 1985, the Government of the United States of America gave notice of the termination of its declaration of 26 August 1946, which was registered on 7 October and published in vol. 1408, p. 270.
10Registered on 1 May 2008 under No. 44914; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2515, p. 255.
11State having made a declaration under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice.
12Registered under No. 26437; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1523, p.299
13On 24 September 2021, the Government of Kenya notified the Secretary-General of the withdrawal of its declaration under article 36 (2) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice circulated in CN.51.1965.TREATIES-1 of 10 May 1965 and registered under No. 7697 (see United Nations Treaty Series, vol. 531, p. 113). See CN.281.2021.TREATIES-I.4 of 28 September 2021 for the notification.
14See note 3 under “China” and note 1 under “Portugal” regarding Macao in the “Historical Information” section (click on the tab "Depositary" and then on "Historical Information").
15Registered under No. 38245, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2175, p. 493. This declaration replaces that of 17 March 1975 registered under No. 13809, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 961, p. 183.  For the declaration of 6 February 1954 registered under No. 2484, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 186, p. 77.
16Registered under No. 11092; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 778, p. 301.
17Registered under No. 19017; see United Nations,  Treaty Series,  vol. 1197, p. 7.
18The instrument of ratification was deposited on 17 June 1958. See C.N.101.1958.TREATIES-2
19Registered under No. 4364; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 302, p. 251.  The previous declaration, registered under No. 260 and valid for a period of five years, was deposited by Belgium on 13 July 1948: see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 16, p. 203.
20Registered under No. 10359; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 721, p. 121.
21Registered on 25 February 2005. This declaration replaces a previous declaration dated 19 December 1955 and registered under No. 3079; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 224, p. 275.
22The declaration received by the Secretary-General on 2 December 2015 amends the declaration received on 24 June 1992 which reads as follow:

24 June 1992



On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria, I have the honour to declare that in conformity with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice the Republic of Bulgaria recognizes as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes arising out of facts and situations subsequent to or continuing to exist after the entry into force of the present Declaration, concerning:

1. the interpretation of a treaty;

2. any question of international law;

3. the existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

4. the nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation,

except for disputes with any State which has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute less than twelve months prior to filing an application bringing the dispute before the Court or where such acceptance has been made only for the purpose of a particular dispute.

The Republic of Bulgaria also reserves the right at any time to modify the present Declaration, the modifications taking effect six months after the deposit of the notification thereof.

The present Declaration shall be in force for a period of five years from the date of its deposit with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. It shall continue in force thereafter until six months after a notice of its denunciation is given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Sofia, 26 May 1992

( Signed ) S. Ganev



The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria
23Registered under No. 3998, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 277, p. 77; Registered under No. 1844, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 137, p. 11.
24Registered under No. 30793; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1770, p. 27.
25Registered under No. 30941; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1776, p. 9. This declaration replaces the declaration made on 10 September 1985, registered under No. 23508; see United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 1406, p. 133 which replaced the declaration made on 7 April 1970, registered under No. 10415; see United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 724, p. 63.  For the original declaration made on 20 September 1919; see  Yearbook of the International Court of Justice  1968-1969 , p. 46.
26The declaration received by the Secretary-General on 28 August 2023 revokes and replaces the declaration made by Canada on 10 May 1994 which was circulated in C.N.158.1994.TREATIES-3 of 24 June 1994.
27Registered under No. 12294:  see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 857, p. 107.
28Registered under No. 38851, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2195, p. 3. This declaration replaces that one made on 29 April 1988, registered under No. 25909 and published in United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1502, p. 337 and which was terminated with effect on 3 September 2002.
29Registered under No. 3646; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 257, p. 35.  This declaration replaces that of 10 December 1946; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. l, p. 45.
30Registered under No. 41783; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2332, p. 3.
31Registered under No. 42528; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2363, p. 325.
32A declaration  (with letter of transmittal to the Secretary-General of the United Nations) on the Suez Canal and the arrangements for its operation dated of 24 April 1957 was registered under No. 3821; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 265, p. 299.
33Registered under No. 3940; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 272, p. 225.
34Registered under No. 28436; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1653, p. 59.
35Registered under No. 9589; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 673, p. 155.
36Registered under No. 4376; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 303, p. 137.
37Registered under No. 8232; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 565, p. 21.
38Registered under No. 31938; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1870.
39The declaration received by the Secretary-General on 29 October 2025 replaces the declaration made by Germany on 30 April 2008 which read as below:

30 April 2008



"The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany declares that it recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other state accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations withdrawing the declaration and with effect as from the moment of such notification, over all disputes arising after the present declaration, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to this date other than:

(i) any dispute which the Parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to have recourse to some other method of peaceful settlement or which is subject to another method of peaceful settlement chosen by all the Parties.

(ii) any dispute which

(a) relates to, arises from or is connected with the deployment of armed forces abroad, involvement in such deployments or decisions thereon, or

(b) relates to, arises from or is connected with the use for military purposes of the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, including its airspace, as well as maritime areas subject to German sovereign rights and jurisdiction;

(iii) any dispute in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior tothe filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

2. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added.

Accept, Mr. Secretary General, the expression of my highest consideration.

(Signed)



Frank-Walter Steinmeier"
40Registered under No. 30624; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1761, p. 99.
41This declaration received by the Secretary-General on 14 January 2015 amends the declaration of 10 January 1994 which reads as follows:

10 January 1994



I declare, on behalf of the Greek Government, that I recognize as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, on condition of reciprocity, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes referred to in Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court. However, the Greek Government excludes from the competence of the Court any dispute relating to defensive military action taken by the Hellenic Republic for reasons of national defence.

This declaration shall remain in force for a period of five years. Upon the expiry of that period, it shall continue to have effect until notice of its termination is given.

Athens, 20 December 1993

(Signed) Karolos PAPOULIAS



Minister for Foreign Affairs"
42Registered under No. 36940; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2121, p. 189.
43Registered under No. 26756; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1543, p.39.
44Registered under No. 24126, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1427, p. 335. This declaration replaces that one made on 20 February 1960, received by the Secretary-General on 10 March 1960 and registered under No. 236; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 353, p. 309.  For the declaration of 2 February 1948 and subsequent renewal of 19 April 1954, also registered under No. 236, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 15, p. 217, and vol. 190, p. 377.
45Registered under No. 29191; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1692, p. 477.
46Registered under No. 13546; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 950, p. 15.  The declaration of 14 September 1959, deposited with the Secretary-General on the same date, registered under Number 4871 and superseded by the declaration reproduced herein, is reproduced in United Nations  Treaty Series , vol. 340, p. 289. A declaration of 7 January 1956, registered under Number 3116, is reproduced in United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 226, p. 235.
47The declaration received by the Secretary-General on 27 September 2019 revokes and replaces the previous declaration made by India on 18 September 1974 which was circulated in C.N.257.1974.TREATIES-4 of 10 October 1974.
48On 9 July 2007, the Secretary-General received from the Government of Japan a notification of termination of its declaration of 15 September 1958 which was registered under No. 4517; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 312, p. 155;  see also note 2 in chapter I.3.

On 6 October 2015, the Secretary-General received from the Government of Japan a declaration that replaces the declaration of 9 July 2007 which read as follows:

9 July 2007

"I have the honour, by direction of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to declare on behalf of the Government of Japan that, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, Japan recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation and on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, over all disputes arising on and after 15 September 1958 with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date and being not settled by other means of peaceful settlement.

This declaration does not apply to disputes which the parties thereto have agreed or shall agree to refer for final and binding decision to arbitration or judicial settlement.

This declaration does not apply to any dispute in respect of which any other party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

This declaration shall remain in force for a period of five years and thereafter until it may be terminated by a written notice."



New York, 9 July 2007

(Signed) Kenzo Oshima

Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
49Registered under No. 36911; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2120, p. 467.
50Registered under No. 2145; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 163, p. 117.
51Liechtenstein became a party to the Statute of the International Court of Justice on 29 March 1950; see also note I in chapter I.3.
52Registered under No. 759; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 51, p. 119.
53Registered under 29011; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1679, p. 57.
54Registered under No. 8438; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 581, p. 135.
55The declaration of 2 September 1983 completes that one made on 6 December 1966 (registered under No. 8423 and published in United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 580, p. 205) and replaces that one communicated on 23 January 1981 (also registered under No. 8423 and published in United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1211, p. 34). A declaration of 22 November 1966 was registered on 12 December 1966 under Number 8438.
56Registered under No. 9251; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 646, p. 171.
57Registered under No. 127; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 9, p. 97.
58The declaration received by the Secretary-General on 27 February 2017 amends the declaration made on 1 August 1956 which read as follows:

1 August 1956



I hereby declare that the Government of the Kingdom of The Netherlands recognizes, in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, with effect from 6 August 1956, as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, that is on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the said Court in all disputes arising or which may arise after 5 August 1921, with the exception of disputes in respect of which the parties, excluding the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, may have agreed to have recourse to some other method of pacific settlement.

The aforesaid obligation is accepted for a period of five years and will be renewed by tacit agreement for additional periods of five years, unless notice is given, not less than six months before the expiry of any such period, that the Government of the Kingdom of The Netherlands does not wish to renew it.

The acceptance of the jurisdiction of the Court founded on the declaration of 5 August 1946 is terminated with effect from 6 August 1956.

New York, l August 1956

(Signed)  E. L. C. Schiff



Acting Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations
59Registered under No. 15931; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1055, p. 323.  This declaration replaces the one of 8 April 1940, made under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice. For the text of that declaration, as well as the text of the notice of termination given on 30 March 1940 in respect of a previous declaration of 19 September 1929, see League of Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. CC, pp. 490 and 491.  For the text of the declaration of 19 September 1929, see  ibid. , vol. LXXXVIII, p. 277.  For the text of a reservation formulated on 7 September 1939 in respect of the declaration of 19 September 1929, see  Permanent Court of International Justice, Series E, No. 16, p. 342.
60Registered under No. 37788, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2163, p. 73.
61The declaration deposited on 30 April 1998 (and registered on the same day under No. 34544; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2013, p. 507) amends the declaration deposited on 3 September 1965 (registered under No. 7913; see United Nations  Treaty Series , vol. 544, p. 113). In a communication received on 1 December 1998, the Government of Nigeria notified the Secretary-General of an error in its declaration of 30 April 1998 and requested that the word "only" appear after the words "the Court" and before the words "in relation to" in line 2 of paragrapah (iv).
62Registered under No. 32901; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1928, p. 85. This declaration amends the one made on 2 April 1976 and registered under No. 15035; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1024, p. 195. For the declaration of 19 December 1956 registered under No. 3642, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 256, p. 315.
63The declaration received by the Secretary-General on 29 March 2017 amends the declaration made on 12 September 1960 which read as follows:

"I have the honour, by direction of the President of Pakistan, to make the following declaration on behalf of the Government of Pakistan under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice:

The Government of Pakistan recognize as compulsory  ipso facto and without special agreement in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in all legal disputes after the 24th June, 1948, arising, concerning:  

(a) The interpretation of a treaty;

(b) Any question of international law;

(c) The existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation;

(d) The nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation;

Provided, that the declaration shall not apply to:

(a) Disputes the solution of which the parties shall entrust to other tribunals by virtue of agreements already in existence or which may be concluded in the future; or

(b) Disputes relating to questions which by international law fall exclusively within the domestic jurisdiction of Pakistan;

(c) Disputes arising under a multilateral treaty unless  

    (i) All parties to the treaty affected by the decision are also parties to the case before the Court, or

    (ii) The Government of Pakistan specially agree to jurisdiction; and

provided further, that this Declaration shall remain in force till such time as notice may be given to terminate it.

Pakistan Mission to the United Nations

New York, September 12th, 1960

(Signed) Said Hasan

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Permanent Representative of Pakistan  to the United Nations"



Registered under No. 5332; see United Nations,  Treaty Series, vol. 374, p. 127.  The preceding declaration replaced that of 23 May 1957 (registered under Number 3875), in respect of which the Government of Pakistan gave notice of termination on 13 September 1960; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 269, p. 77, and vol. 374, p. 382.  For the declaration of 22 June 1948 and the notice of its termination, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 16, p. 197, and vol. 257, p. 360.
64Registered under No. 33154, see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1935, p. 305.
65Registered under number 39480; see United Nations, T reaty Series , vol. 2219, p. 303.
66Registered under No. 11523; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 808, p. 3.  This declaration replaces that of 21 August 1947, in respect of which a notice of withdrawal was given on 23 December 1971; for the text of that declaration see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 7, p. 229.
67On 10 July 2024, the Secretary-General received from the Republic of Poland a declaration made under article 36 (2) of the Statute of the Court. The declaration was circulated by C.N.286.2024.TREATIES-I.4 on 11 July 2024 and replaces the previous declaration of 25 March 1996 circulated by C.N.95.1996.TREATIES-1 on 14 May 1996.



Registered under No. 32728, see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1918, p. 41.This declaration replaces a previous declaration which was received on 25 September 1990 and registered under No. 27566; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1579.
68Registered under No. 23644; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1412, p. 155.  This declaration replaces a previous declaration which was received on 3 May 1985 and registered on that date under No. 23354, and published in United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1397, p. 639, and which was identical in essence to the new declaration received on 2 December 1985, except that this last declaration applies only to disputes born subsequently to the said declaration.
69Registered under No. 40363; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2265, p. 147.
70Registered under No. 6597; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 458, p. 43.
71Registered under No. 27600; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1581, p.167.
72Registered under No. 4139; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 284, p. 215.
73Registered under No. 25246; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1480, p. 211.
74Registered under No. 3794; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 264, p. 221.  This declaration replaces that of 5 April 1947 registered under Number 16, which was made for a period of ten years; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 2, p. 3.
75Registered under No. 272; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 17, p. 115.
76Switzerland became a party to the Statute of the International Court of Justice on 28 July 1948;  upon the recommendation of the Security Council, adopted on 15 November 1946, the General Assembly by resolution 91 (I) adopted on 11 December 1946, and in pursuance of Article 93, paragraph 2, of the Charter, determined the conditions upon which Switzerland could become a party to the Statute of the International Court of Justice. On 28 July 1948, a declaration accepting these conditions was deposited with the Secretary-General on behalf of Switzerland (registered under No. 271, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 17, p. 111) and accordingly on that date Switzerland became a party to the Statute of the International Court of Justice.
77Registered under No. 18020; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 1147, p. 189.
78Registered under No. 6946; see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 479, p. 35.
79The declaration received by the Secretary-General on 22 February 2017 amends the declaration received on 31 December 2014 which read as follows:

1. The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accept as compulsory ipso facto and without special convention, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes arising after 1 January 1984, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date, other than:

(i) any dispute which the United Kingdom has agreed with the other Party or Parties thereto to settle by some other method of peaceful settlement;

(ii) any dispute with the government of any other country which is or has been a Member of  the Commonwealth;

(iii) any dispute in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court;

(iv) any dispute which is substantially the same as a dispute previously submitted to the Court by the same or another Party.

2. The Government of the United Kingdom also reserves the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, oranythat may hereafter be added.



This declaration received by the Secretary-General on 31 December 2014 amends the declaration of 5 July 2004 which reads as follows:

"1. The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accept as compulsory ipso facto and without special convention, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes arising after 1 January 1974, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date, other than:

(i) any dispute which the United Kingdom  has agreed with the other Party or Parties thereto to settle by some other method of peaceful settlement;

(ii) any dispute with the government of any other country which is or has been a Member of the Commonwealth;

(iii) any dispute in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

2. The Government of the United Kingdom also reserve the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effect as from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added."

(Signed) Emyr Jones Parry





Registered on 5 July 2004. This declaration amends the declaration of 1 January 1969 registered underNo. 9370 (see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 654, p. 335) which reads as follows:

"I have the honour, by direction of Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, to declare on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland that they accept as compulsory  ipso facto and without special convention, on condition of reciprocity, the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in conformity with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the Statute of the Court, until such time as notice may be given to terminate the acceptance, over all disputes arising after the 24th of October 1945, with regard to situations or facts subsequent to the same date, other than:

(i) any dispute which the United Kingdom

 (a) has agreed with the other Party or Parties thereto to settle by some other method of peaceful settlement; or

 (b) has already submitted to arbitration by agreement with any State which had not at the time of submission accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice.

(ii) disputes with the Government of any other country which is a Member of the Commonwealth with regard to situations or facts existing before the 1st of January, 1969.

(iii) disputes in respect of which any other Party to the dispute has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice only in relation to or for the purpose of the dispute; or where the acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction on behalf of any other Party to the dispute was deposited or ratified less than twelve months prior to the filing of the application bringing the dispute before the Court.

2. The Government of the United Kingdom also reserve the right at any time, by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and with effects from the moment of such notification, either to add to, amend or withdraw any of the foregoing reservations, or any that may hereafter be added.

United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations.

New York, 1 January 1969

(Signed)  L. C. Glass"



The preceding declaration replaces that of 27 November 1963, registered under No. 6995, in respect of which notice of withdrawal was given on 1 January 1969; for the text of that declaration, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 482, p. 187.  For declarations preceding that of 27 November 1963, registered under Nos. 2849, 2973, 3814 and 4577, see United Nations,  Treaty Series , vol. 211, p. 109; vol. 219, p. 179; vol. 265, p. 221, and vol. 316, p 59, respectively.
80The Government of Luxembourg had in 1921 signed the Optional Clause subject to ratification.  That declaration was, however, never ratified.
81According to a telegram dated 29 November 1939, addressed to the League of Nations, Nicaragua had ratified the Protocol of Signature of the Statute of the  Permanent Court of International Justice (16 December 1920), and the instrument of ratification was to follow.   It does not appear, however, that the instrument of ratification was ever received by the League of Nations.
82An instrument of ratification was deposited on 14 June 1929 (in this connection, see remark in note 8 ).
83An instrument of ratification was deposited on 27 September 1921.
84The date (prior to 28.I.21) is the date on which this declaration (undated) was first published in a League of Nations document.
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