International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN), responsible for adjudicating disputes between states according to international law, providing advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the UN General Assembly, Security Council, or other authorized UN organs and specialized agencies, and contributing to the development and clarification of international law.
Meet Your President
Maria del Mar Mantilla
Maria del Mar Mantilla
President, International Court of Justice
Dear Delegates,
My name is Maria del Mar Mantilla and It is a pleasure to welcome you to the XXIV edition of BAMUN. I am honored to preside over the International Court of Justice committee but most of all I am notably enthusiastic to meet, guide, and collaborate with each of you during this meaningful Model United Nations conference.
To successfully engage in discussions, reach agreements, and generate innovative ideas during the event, we strongly suggest you explore this issue of nuclear weapons trials and proliferation further. As well as the ICJ committee’s history and past actions for a better insight of its dynamics. If we all commit to preparing diligently for this event and approach it not only academically but also with passion, attitude, and spirit, our minds can collectively contribute to the advancement of our global community. Remember thinking outside the box is invaluable. Do not hesitate to voice your thoughts even if they seem irrational or unconventional. If you believe in your ideas, express them with confidence regardless of others' judgment.
As presidents, we will strive to create an environment where everyone feels free to express themselves without fear of making a mistake. We also encourage different perspectives, innovation, and creativity to reach a well-rounded conclusion to this controversial matter.
If you have any doubts or questions please reach out to me at mantilla.maria@marymountbq.edu.co. We will be happy to provide support and guidance to you during this exciting journey. It is a pleasure to meet you all, and I hope to see you soon.
Committee Topics
The topic of nuclear regulation in the International Court of Justice revolves around understanding the complex legal, ethical, and global security implications associated with nuclear weapons. Since their devastating invention in 1945, nuclear arms have been a focal point in international treaties aimed at limiting their proliferation, use, and modernization. Nations with nuclear capabilities argue over fairness in the nuclear order, with nuclear-armed states modernizing arsenals and non-nuclear states voicing security concerns. Historical cases, like the Marshall Islands’ efforts to hold nuclear states accountable, reflect the struggles of enforcing nuclear disarmament obligations. The Korean Peninsula conflict highlights state-sponsored proliferation, where North Korea’s program demonstrates the influence of support from countries like the former Soviet Union and China. Beyond security, delegates must consider the severe humanitarian and environmental impacts seen in Hiroshima and Chernobyl, and how international law might regulate nuclear weapons’ use in self-defense. Whether the goal should be complete prohibition or stricter regulation, the debate extends to ensuring compliance and exploring measures to foster a balanced, effective approach for global nuclear security, weighing the feasibility of total disarmament against national self-defense and stability.