Singapore's Rena Lee elected first ICJ judge from the city-state

· Politics · Singapore

Ms Rena Lee, 57, was elected to the International Court of Justice, becoming the first Singaporean judge on the UN's top court, CNA reported. She secured the highest number of votes in the UN General Assembly with 151 out of 191 votes, and the joint-highest number in the Security Council with 13 out of 15 votes. The ICJ hears disputes between states, including boundary and maritime cases, and its judges serve nine-year terms.

Why it matters：Her election gives Singapore a voice on the court that settles inter-state disputes, a significant step for a small state that relies on international law.

Key points

  • Rena Lee is the first Singaporean elected to the ICJ.
  • She won 151 of 191 General Assembly votes and 13 of 15 Security Council votes.
  • ICJ judges serve nine-year terms.

Sources (original reporting)

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