United Nations General Assembly A/RES/61/37 Distr.: General 18 December 2006 Sixty-first session Agenda item 79 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 4 December 2006 [on the report of the Sixth Committee (A/61/455)] 61/37. Commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the International Court of Justice The General Assembly, Mindful that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, all Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered, Bearing in mind the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations 1 and the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, 2 Recognizing the need for universal adherence to and implementation of the rule of law at both the national and international levels, Recalling that the International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, and reaffirming its authority and independence, Noting that 2006 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the inaugural sitting of the International Court of Justice, Noting with appreciation the special commemorative event held at The Hague in April 2006 to celebrate the anniversary, Solemnly commends the International Court of Justice for the important role 1. that it has played as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations over the past sixty years in adjudicating disputes among States, and recognizes the value of its work; Expresses its appreciation to the Court for the measures adopted to operate 2. an increased workload with maximum efficiency; Stresses the desirability of finding practical ways and means to strengthen 3. the Court, taking into consideration, in particular, the needs resulting from its workload; _______________ 1 2 06-49665 Resolution 2625 (XXV), annex. Resolution 37/10, annex.