Judge Julia Sebutinde of Uganda has been elected vice president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), just weeks after she alone dissented against the court’s emergency orders to Israel over Gaza. The controversial decision saw some question her sympathy. Yet the vote of confidence from her peers installed Sebutinde as the second-highest judge at the UN’s top tribunal.
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As the only dissenter among 17 ICJ justices, Sebutinde rejected all six provisional measures ordered upon Israel to protect civilians and avoid genocide in Gaza. She argued that Israeli statements showed intent to target Hamas, not civilians. Her view contradicted the court and drew criticism internationally.
But her election as vice president for a three-year term signals faith in Sebutinde’s decade-long record on the court. She has extensive expertise in prosecuting war crimes like ex-Liberian president Charles Taylor. The current ICJ president hails from Lebanon, whose tensions with Israel shape sensitivities.
Sebutinde found herself in the spotlight after the December opinion accused Israel of over 13,000 civilian deaths. While largely favouring South Africa’s case against Gaza operations, the court referenced the Israeli minister’s threats to unleash total war.
Yet Sebutinde insisted ample warnings and focused strikes on militants lacked genocidal intent. She highlighted Israel facilitating humanitarian aid despite the blockade argued to cause civilian harm. Her lone dissent strained Uganda’s denial. It reflected national views.
Regardless, Sebutinde emerges as a decisive voice on fractious world court cases. She will steer critical debates on Ukraine and climate change as vice president. It spotlights her willingness to issue unpopular decisions unfazed by external pressures.
That independence, reinforced by her latest election, may draw Sebutinde fresh controversy on charged rulings. But peer validation suggests her impartiality holds respect on the global stage.
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