LAW not War: Support Courtrooms over Battlefields

Team fundraiser

Teresa Bergman and 2 others are organising this fundraiser on behalf of World Federalist Movement - Institute for Global Policy, Ltd.

Tax deductible

Hello friends. Welcome to our LAW not War crowdfunding page!

LAW not War is a new global campaign to enhance the jurisdiction and use of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in order to assist countries resolve international disputes peacefully rather than through recourse to the threat or use of force.

This campaign is led by three established organizations: Citizens for Global Solutions, the World Federalist Movement-Institute for Global Policy and the World Future Council, and supported by nearly 100 civil society organizations globally. Our campaign is non-partisan and does not advocate for or against any particular State or cause other than to enhance the jurisdiction and use of the Court.

We do this by:

Advocating for States to accept the jurisdiction of the Court over all disputes;
Helping support better use of the Advisory Opinion process, such as the current unprecedented proceedings around climate change;
Providing pro bono counsel for small and developing States to take cases to the Court;
Championing efforts for improvements to the Court’s working methods, including adequate resourcing and election of high caliber judges.

Please help us to kickstart this important work.

The Vision

LAW not War - our name is our vision. We aim to achieve a world where international conflicts are resolved peacefully through the rule of law. Legal processes and solutions to international disputes are not only available - in most cases when used, they work.

The challenge is tough, to convince all countries to choose diplomacy and LAW, not war, to resolve international disputes and achieve security. With armed conflict raging in many parts of the globe, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But we believe it’s possible and we have brought together experts and respected organizations to help make it happen.

A world governed by LAW not War is a vision we can achieve in our lifetimes. We need your help to get there. Join us.

Choosing Courtrooms over Battlefields

The team at LAW not War actively works to prevent war, strengthen international law, advance justice, achieve accountability for heinous atrocities and international crimes and to resolve the most critical issues plaguing our planet. Our legal and political experts do this by advocating for better use of the international legal ecosystem - in particular the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

You may recently have seen the International Court of Justice in the news. Since its establishment in 1945 it has considered 192 cases. Today, It is busier than ever before, including hearing three genocide cases and an unprecedented case to hold States accountable for climate justice. The Court sits in the Hague and is one of the most effective organs of the United Nations.

An analysis of ICJ cases by Judge C.G. Weeramantry (former Vice-President of the ICJ), indicated that about 90% of ICJ cases are implemented in practice - either fully or in large part.

The ICJ currently has 20 cases on its docket, more than at any point in its history. This includes three cases regarding allegations of genocide (The Gambia v Myanmar, Ukraine v Russia and South Africa v Israel), and requests for Advisory Opinions on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change and the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. A part of LAW not War’s work is to help the general public (non-lawyers) to understand and utilize such cases.

What will LAW not War do with this funding?

Advocacy: Engaging directly with States to encourage and help them to make better use of the jurisdiction of the court.
Education: Spreading information about the ICJ, current cases, previous successful cases and their implementation.
Promotional Events: Promoting the ICJ at the United Nations, inter-parliamentary and treaty body assemblies, civil society conferences and international law events.

Rewards!

All supporters will be offered regular insights into our work through our newsletter.
You will be given special access to our legal experts via exclusive community zoom calls where you can learn directly about our efforts.
We're also excited to feature your names in a 'hall of fame' on our new website, acknowledging your crucial support.