What is the primary role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

The primary role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is to settle legal disputes in accordance with international law. Established in 1945, the ICJ serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and is tasked with resolving disputes between states. It interprets and applies international law to cases brought before it, ensuring that legal matters are adjudicated based on established treaties and customary international law.

Additionally, the ICJ provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN organs and specialized agencies, further reinforcing its role as a key mechanism for promoting the rule of law on an international scale. By doing so, the ICJ helps to maintain peaceful relations between countries and provides a forum for the resolution of issues that might otherwise escalate into conflict.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the functions of the ICJ: enforcing international laws with penalties falls outside its purview, as it does not have the authority to impose sanctions; ensuring compliance with WTO regulations relates to trade and economic issues, which is not the ICJ's focus; and managing international charities is unrelated to the court's mandate entirely.