Summary

From the Peace of Westphalia, the nation-centred theory first appeared in international law, according to which only nations could be subjects of international law. Today, other organisations also have their role to play in the international arena. After World War II, non-government organisations, individuals, government organisations and minorities have also played an important role on the international level. Non-governmental organisations have played an important role in many international conferences and in the adoption of international conventions, for instance the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This does not mean that nations no longer occupy an important place in international law. The nation-centred theory is still there, but other factors having a significant impact on international law have appeared alongside the nations.
This article analyses the participation of non-governmental organisations in the International Court of Justice. This will be done mainly through the institution of amicus curiae. The article provides a brief description of the nature of amicus curiae and analyses whether and on which bases non-government organisations may participate as amicus curiae in the International Court of Justice.