The Hague hosts the headquarters of the International Court of Justice.
The International Court of Justice, or ICJ, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It is based in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, and began work in 1946 as the successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice.
The court settles legal disputes submitted by states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred by authorised United Nations bodies and agencies. Only states can be parties in contentious cases; individuals do not bring cases directly before the ICJ.
The Hague is sometimes confused with Geneva because both cities host important international institutions. The city is also home to the International Criminal Court, which is separate from the ICJ and prosecutes individuals for certain serious crimes.