What is the role of the International Court of Justice?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) primarily serves as the principal judicial body of the United Nations and is responsible for adjudicating disputes between sovereign states. Its main function is to provide legal rulings based on international law, resolving cases that arise between member nations regarding conflicts or disagreements over treaties, territorial disputes, and issues of international responsibility. The ICJ's jurisdiction extends to only those cases that are presented by states, ensuring that nations have a platform to seek resolution through legal means, rather than resorting to conflict or unilateral actions.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of the ICJ. It does not mediate disputes between individuals, which is typically handled by national courts or other forms of legal adjudication. The Court does not directly engage in overseeing UN financial matters, as that is the domain of bodies like the General Assembly or the UN Secretariat. Furthermore, while the ICJ may consider cases related to human rights within the context of state obligations, it is not tasked with monitoring human rights violations in the same manner as dedicated human rights organizations. The ICJ operates specifically within the realm of state-to-state legal disputes, emphasizing the importance of international law and harmony among nations.