4 Legal Acts, 4.3 Military and Paramilitary Activities in and Against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v United States of America), Merits, Judgment, [1986] ICJ Rep 14

Subject(s):

Judges — Membership of international organizations — International organizations, practice and procedure — Responsibility of international organizations

International organizations can contribute to the formation of international law as can be seen from the Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua case. The legal nature and effects of acts of international organizations, in relation to the principles of non-intervention and the non-use of force, are discussed having reference to the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, of the Organization of American States, and to the Helsinki Final Act. The impact and effect of unilateral acts of international organizations are analyzed in a wide context—that of international law-making and the sources of international law. Focus is put on the twofold relationship between acts of international organizations and customary international law, that is as evidence of customary law and with respect to its impact on its creation. Remarks are also made on the role of these acts in treaty interpretation.