Define the International Court of Justice (ICJ) .

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and an instrument of mediation and justice.

In what year did the ICC come into being?

The ICC came into being in 2002 .

Both Armenia and Azerbaijan had the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination before bringing their dispute to the ICJ.

Both Armenia and Azerbaijan had ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination before bringing their dispute to the ICJ.

True or False? The decisions of the ICJ are binding and can be directly enforced.

False. ICJ decisions are binding but not enforceable, so the Court relies on the goodwill of the states involved.

Which two UN Security Council members notably did not accept the ICC's jurisdiction?

The two Security Council members that did not accept the ICC's jurisdiction were China and the USA .

Define the International Criminal Court (ICC) .

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent court that puts individuals, rather than states, on trial for crimes such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

What was a key achievement of the ICTR (Rwanda tribunal)?

A key achievement of the ICTR was setting important legal precedents on genocide , securing 62 convictions from the 93 individuals it indicted.

In the 1994 Rwandan genocide around 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed in just days.

In the 1994 Rwandan genocide around 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed in just 100 days.

True or False? Special UN tribunals such as the ICTY and ICTR are permanent courts.

False. Special tribunals are temporary, unlike the permanent ICC.

Why were special tribunals such as the ICTY and ICTR set up instead of relying on national courts?

Special tribunals were set up because national courts were unwilling or unable to prosecute those responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Define the European Court of Human Rights .

The European Court of Human Rights was established in 1959 to investigate and prosecute violations of the Convention on Human Rights.

The Convention on Human Rights gave legal force to many of the human rights first outlined in the UN's of Human Rights.

The Convention on Human Rights gave legal force to many of the human rights first outlined in the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

What criticisms were made of the ICTY (Yugoslavia tribunal)?

The ICTY was criticised for its high costs, long trials and limited deterrence , despite indicting 161 individuals and securing over 90 convictions.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was the first attempt to direct international cooperation towards the climate change crisis.

The IPCC was established by the United Nations Programme.

The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Define the tragedy of the commons .

The tragedy of the commons is a situation where individuals overuse a shared resource for personal benefit, leading to its depletion or damage, even though this harms everyone in the long term.

True or False? The IPCC conducts its own original scientific research into climate change.

False. The IPCC does not conduct scientific research but reports on the findings of reputable institutions.

What were the two main goals of the UNFCCC?

The two main goals of the UNFCCC were to reduce greenhouse gases and slow down climate change.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a UN body created to assess the science related to climate change.

What did the UNFCCC recognise the world to be?

The UNFCCC recognised the world to be a global commons .

True or False? The UNFCCC was the first acknowledgement by the international community of a global climate crisis affecting all states.

True. It was the first acknowledgement that there was a global climate crisis that would impact all states and that working interdependently was needed.

Why is sovereignty described as an obstacle to addressing climate change?

Sovereignty is an obstacle because many states act in their own self-interest and prioritise economic growth over the long-term impact on the environment.

Define politicisation .

Politicisation means using human rights for political gain.

What does the case of South Africa v Israel reveal about the ICJ's power?

The case of South Africa v Israel, brought in December 2023, reveals the ICJ's lack of enforcement power , as its rulings rely on state compliance.

The growth of wind and solar power by 13% each year since 2020 is cited as evidence that climate action is .

The growth of wind and solar power by 13% each year since 2020 is cited as evidence that climate action is effective .

Define the International Court of Justice (ICJ) .

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) settles legal disputes between states using international law.

True or False? The Paris Accord of 2015 is legally binding on the states that signed it.

False. The Paris Accord is not legally binding, but it requires transparency and regular updates on progress.

Which convention did South Africa accuse Israel of breaching in Gaza?

South Africa accused Israel of breaching the Genocide Convention in Gaza.

Define shallow green ecology .

Shallow green ecology is an approach whose purpose is to benefit humanity, rather than fostering a deep respect for the environment where all life is equal.

The estimate that a quarter of all cars produced in 2025 were EVs shows that many states have changed their to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The estimate that a quarter of all cars produced in 2025 were EVs shows that many states have changed their laws and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Which UN climate body has the United States withdrawn from?

The United States has withdrawn from the UNFCCC .

True or False? The USA supported South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ.

False. The USA defended Israel, while states such as Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, Bolivia and Namibia supported South Africa.

Define the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) .

The UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) was established by the UN to tackle climate change, threats to biodiversity, pollution and other threats to environmental stability.

What does South Africa v Israel show about the speed of ICJ justice?

It shows that the ICJ process is very slow , as a final judgement in South Africa v Israel is not expected until 2027.

Which 1997 agreement focused on the duties of highly industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gases?

The Kyoto Protocol of 1997 focused on the duties of highly industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gases.

Sovereignty means that states have the right to govern themselves without outside interference.

How can state sovereignty act as an obstacle to international co-operation?

State sovereignty can act as an obstacle because states may resist international rules that limit their domestic control , as when China and India argue that climate targets threaten their right to develop.

Least developed countries produce under of global emissions but suffer most from climate change.

Least developed countries produce under 1% of global emissions but suffer most from climate change.

Define common but differentiated responsibilities .

Common but differentiated responsibilities is the principle that recognises states have unequal blame for and capacity to tackle global problems.

True or False? Donald Trump withdrew the USA from the Paris Agreement in 2017.

True. The USA withdrew under Donald Trump in 2017 and rejoined in 2021.

What UN foreign aid target do few rich states consistently meet?

Few rich states consistently meet the UN target of 0.7% of GNI on foreign aid .

Define Amnesty International .

Amnesty International is an NGO that monitors human rights by investigating abuses such as torture, political imprisonment and discrimination.

Developed states produced around of historical CO₂ emissions.

Developed states produced around 70% of historical CO₂ emissions.

How can climate change scepticism act as an obstacle to international co-operation?

Climate change scepticism can act as an obstacle because questioning the existence or severity of climate change reduces support for international agreements and weakens commitment .

Greenpeace is an environmental NGO that investigates and exposes activities that damage the environment, such as pollution, deforestation and climate change.

How do social movements such as Black Lives Matter seek to protect human rights?

Social movements such as Black Lives Matter seek to protect human rights by raising awareness and campaigning for policy reform and greater accountability , for example within policing and criminal justice systems.

True or False? Civil society and non-state actors can ultimately enforce human rights law without state support.

False. Without the support of state government laws will not be changed, as it is the power of the state to enforce and protect human rights.

A LevelPoliticsEdexcelFlashcardsComparative Politics: Global Politics (Option Unit)Global Governance: Human Rights & Environmental

Global Governance: Human Rights & Environmental (Edexcel A Level Politics): Flashcards

Exam code: 9PL0

1/48

0Still learning

Know0

FrontHuman Rights Governance
Define the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Was this flashcard helpful?

Cards in this collection (48)

Define the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and an instrument of mediation and justice.
In what year did the ICC come into being?
The ICC came into being in 2002.
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan had the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination before bringing their dispute to the ICJ.
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan had ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination before bringing their dispute to the ICJ.
True or False?
The decisions of the ICJ are binding and can be directly enforced.
False.
ICJ decisions are binding but not enforceable, so the Court relies on the goodwill of the states involved.
Which two UN Security Council members notably did not accept the ICC's jurisdiction?
The two Security Council members that did not accept the ICC's jurisdiction were China and the USA.
Define the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent court that puts individuals, rather than states, on trial for crimes such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
What was a key achievement of the ICTR (Rwanda tribunal)?
A key achievement of the ICTR was setting important legal precedents on genocide, securing 62 convictions from the 93 individuals it indicted.
In the 1994 Rwandan genocide around 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed in just days.
In the 1994 Rwandan genocide around 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed in just 100 days.
True or False?
Special UN tribunals such as the ICTY and ICTR are permanent courts.
False.
Special tribunals are temporary, unlike the permanent ICC.
Why were special tribunals such as the ICTY and ICTR set up instead of relying on national courts?
Special tribunals were set up because national courts were unwilling or unable to prosecute those responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Define the European Court of Human Rights.
The European Court of Human Rights was established in 1959 to investigate and prosecute violations of the Convention on Human Rights.
The Convention on Human Rights gave legal force to many of the human rights first outlined in the UN's of Human Rights.
The Convention on Human Rights gave legal force to many of the human rights first outlined in the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
What criticisms were made of the ICTY (Yugoslavia tribunal)?
The ICTY was criticised for its high costs, long trials and limited deterrence, despite indicting 161 individuals and securing over 90 convictions.
Define the UNFCCC.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was the first attempt to direct international cooperation towards the climate change crisis.
In which year was the IPCC created?
The IPCC was created in 1988.
The IPCC was established by the United Nations Programme.
The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Define the tragedy of the commons.
The tragedy of the commons is a situation where individuals overuse a shared resource for personal benefit, leading to its depletion or damage, even though this harms everyone in the long term.
True or False?
The IPCC conducts its own original scientific research into climate change.
False.
The IPCC does not conduct scientific research but reports on the findings of reputable institutions.
What were the two main goals of the UNFCCC?
The two main goals of the UNFCCC were to reduce greenhouse gases and slow down climate change.
Define the IPCC.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a UN body created to assess the science related to climate change.
What did the UNFCCC recognise the world to be?
The UNFCCC recognised the world to be a global commons.
True or False?
The UNFCCC was the first acknowledgement by the international community of a global climate crisis affecting all states.
True.
It was the first acknowledgement that there was a global climate crisis that would impact all states and that working interdependently was needed.
Why is sovereignty described as an obstacle to addressing climate change?
Sovereignty is an obstacle because many states act in their own self-interest and prioritise economic growth over the long-term impact on the environment.
Define politicisation.
Politicisation means using human rights for political gain.
What does the case of South Africa v Israel reveal about the ICJ's power?
The case of South Africa v Israel, brought in December 2023, reveals the ICJ's lack of enforcement power, as its rulings rely on state compliance.
The growth of wind and solar power by 13% each year since 2020 is cited as evidence that climate action is .
The growth of wind and solar power by 13% each year since 2020 is cited as evidence that climate action is effective.
Define the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) settles legal disputes between states using international law.
True or False?
The Paris Accord of 2015 is legally binding on the states that signed it.
False.
The Paris Accord is not legally binding, but it requires transparency and regular updates on progress.
Which convention did South Africa accuse Israel of breaching in Gaza?
South Africa accused Israel of breaching the Genocide Convention in Gaza.
Define shallow green ecology.
Shallow green ecology is an approach whose purpose is to benefit humanity, rather than fostering a deep respect for the environment where all life is equal.
The estimate that a quarter of all cars produced in 2025 were EVs shows that many states have changed their to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The estimate that a quarter of all cars produced in 2025 were EVs shows that many states have changed their laws and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Which UN climate body has the United States withdrawn from?
The United States has withdrawn from the UNFCCC.
True or False?
The USA supported South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ.
False.
The USA defended Israel, while states such as Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, Bolivia and Namibia supported South Africa.
Define the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP).
The UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) was established by the UN to tackle climate change, threats to biodiversity, pollution and other threats to environmental stability.
What does South Africa v Israel show about the speed of ICJ justice?
It shows that the ICJ process is very slow, as a final judgement in South Africa v Israel is not expected until 2027.
Which 1997 agreement focused on the duties of highly industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gases?
The Kyoto Protocol of 1997 focused on the duties of highly industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gases.
Define sovereignty.
Sovereignty means that states have the right to govern themselves without outside interference.
How can state sovereignty act as an obstacle to international co-operation?
State sovereignty can act as an obstacle because states may resist international rules that limit their domestic control, as when China and India argue that climate targets threaten their right to develop.
Least developed countries produce under of global emissions but suffer most from climate change.
Least developed countries produce under 1% of global emissions but suffer most from climate change.
Define common but differentiated responsibilities.
Common but differentiated responsibilities is the principle that recognises states have unequal blame for and capacity to tackle global problems.
True or False?
Donald Trump withdrew the USA from the Paris Agreement in 2017.
True.
The USA withdrew under Donald Trump in 2017 and rejoined in 2021.
What UN foreign aid target do few rich states consistently meet?
Few rich states consistently meet the UN target of 0.7% of GNI on foreign aid.
Define Amnesty International.
Amnesty International is an NGO that monitors human rights by investigating abuses such as torture, political imprisonment and discrimination.
Developed states produced around of historical CO₂ emissions.
Developed states produced around 70% of historical CO₂ emissions.
How can climate change scepticism act as an obstacle to international co-operation?
Climate change scepticism can act as an obstacle because questioning the existence or severity of climate change reduces support for international agreements and weakens commitment.
Define Greenpeace.
Greenpeace is an environmental NGO that investigates and exposes activities that damage the environment, such as pollution, deforestation and climate change.
How do social movements such as Black Lives Matter seek to protect human rights?
Social movements such as Black Lives Matter seek to protect human rights by raising awareness and campaigning for policy reform and greater accountability, for example within policing and criminal justice systems.
True or False?
Civil society and non-state actors can ultimately enforce human rights law without state support.
False.
Without the support of state government laws will not be changed, as it is the power of the state to enforce and protect human rights.

Sign up to unlock flashcards

By signing up you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Previous:Global Governance: Political & EconomicNext:Power & Developments