François Alabrune: France’s candidate for the position of judge at the International Court of Justice for the 2027-2036 term

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François Alabrune, a diplomat and lawyer, was selected by France’s national group in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, following consultations among the supreme courts and many French universities, to be the French candidate for the position of judge at the International Court of Justice for the 2027-2036 term. This election will be held in November 2026, both at the Security Council and at the United Nations General Assembly.

What is his background in international law?

Between 1988 and 2022, François Alabrune was an adviser in international public law, particularly as legal adviser at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE). He has taken part in many cases brought before international courts such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and various courts of arbitration, as well as in negotiations for treaties, resolutions and declarations.

His career has provided him with a thorough knowledge of legal questions that concern the United Nations and other international organizations. Currently Ambassador of France to the Netherlands, he works with international jurisdictions located in the Hague.

Representing the tradition of continental law, he has consistently worked with representatives of other legal traditions throughout his career.

For more information: Curriculum vitae (PDF -1.3 Mo)

Commitments: independence, diversity, professionalism

As required by the Statute of the ICJ, François Alabrune has recognized competence in international law and meets all the criteria of professionalism, independence, impartiality and integrity required to perform the duties of judge at the ICJ.

Committed to legal and linguistic diversity within the Court, he intends to be a judge that listens to all States, attentive to the precision of case law, the effectiveness of trials and the spirit of collegiality among judges.

What is his vision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

François Alabrune sees the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as an institution that can greatly serve the international community. This usefulness comes first and foremost from the quality of its case law: precise, independent and transparent interpretation of international law, attentive to the contemporary realities of relations between sovereign States. In accordance with the principle of consent to its jurisdiction, the Court must be attentive to the expectations of States and the needs of global societies.

With the rise in its activities, the Court must have suitable resources and continue to grow to respond within reasonable timeframes to the petitions sent to it. This implies constantly adjusting its methods, its Rules and its practices. In that respect, prudent use of technology can also help improve its efficiency and control costs.

François Alabrune is also greatly committed to dialogue: between the judges and the Registry, with the States that appear before it, with other international, regional and national courts, and the political bodies of the United Nations. The Court is not an isolated body: as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, it informs the Security Council and the General Assembly through its advisory opinions and is part of a global legal and institutional architecture.

Lastly, he believes that the variety of legal systems represented within the Court, effective bilingualism and the opening up of the Court to other official languages strengthen the legitimacy and reach of its action.

More information about his candidacy: Brochure (PDF - 1 Mo)

Press statement announcing François Alabrune’s candidacy

Support from France

Follow the campaign on social media

LinkedIn account of the ambassador: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran%C3%A7ois-alabrune-5803583b/

X account of the ambassador: https://x.com/f_alabrune?lang=fr