The Hague: The Capital of Peace and Justice

Did you know that The Hague is one of the most important cities of the world? With institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, the city has a long history of being the capital of peace and justice. Here are some of the ways that you can learn about the city's global importance. 

City of Peace and Justice

The Hague is one of the most expat-oriented cities in The Netherlands. When walking through the streets of town, you'll hear multiple languages being spoken. The city revolves around its large international community. In fact, it is also home to some of the most important legal and global institutions in the world. Both the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are headquartered in the city. As former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Boutros Boutros-Ghali once described, The Hague is the "Legal capital of the world."

The Hague has a long history of peace and justice, spanning back more than 750 years. In The Hague famous jurist, Hugo Grotius, published his book on Mare Liberum (1609) and established the basis for modern international law. Seventeenth-century philosopher, Baruch Spinoza, also spent his final years living and working in The Hague.

Through its remarkable legal roots, The Hague continued to develop into one of the most important cities of the world. In 1899, the world's first Peace Conference was held in The Hague, followed by a second one in 1907. These conferences were important global precedents in the effort to bring countries together and arbitrate for peace. In fact, following the conferences, the city came to be referred to as the "international city of peace and justice".

During the 20th century the establishment of the Peace Palace, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the ICJ further solidified the city's global importance. The city had grown to become the Second United Nations city of the world. With the creation of the ICJ in 1946 and the ICC in 2002, it also became one of the most important capitals for international law.

Discovering the City of Peace and Justice

Because I am studying international relations, I have always been fascinated by The Hague's global importance. There are so many monumental legal institutions to visit and learn about in the city. Two of my favorite places to visit, are the Peace Palace and the ICC.

The Peace Palace is known as the temple of peace of and justice. A few weeks ago, my friend and I booked tickets to visit the interior of the palace. If you have seen how beautiful it looks from the outside, you can just imagine how breathtaking it is from the inside. The entire building is decorated by gifts from all around the world. One of the highlights of the visit, is viewing the beautiful state donations that together joined to create the prestigious palace.

Another highlight of the palace tour, is visiting some of the legal institutions, including the ICJ and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. During the tour, you will get the chance to sit in the courtrooms and learn about their various functions.

Along with the Peace Palace, another important institution to visit is the ICC. As the world's first permanent criminal court, the ICC is a global leader in the fight against impunity. During the visit to the Court, you will get the chance to learn about the ICC's important legal mandate and attend an ongoing legal trial. Unlike a trip to the Peace Palace, visits to the ICC are completely free and available every day of the week!

Explore the City!

If you are studying in The Hague, do not forget to take advantage of the city's amazing highlights. You are living in one the most important legal and global cities of the world! With around 160 international organizations based in The Hague, you will never run out of places to visit. So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of the city and time to get exploring!