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

The primary function of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is to settle legal disputes between states. Established in 1945 as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the ICJ's role is to provide a forum where countries can resolve their conflicts through legal means rather than through force. This encompasses a wide range of issues including territorial disputes, maritime boundaries, diplomatic relations, and violations of international treaties.

The ICJ also provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the UN General Assembly or other UN bodies, which further contributes to its function in clarifying international law.

Other options, while related to the broader framework of international law and human rights, do not accurately reflect the ICJ's primary mandate. For instance, the enforcement of human rights treaties relies on various mechanisms and bodies, rather than being within the direct purview of the ICJ. Similarly, while the court plays a crucial role in legal processes between states, it does not provide legal assistance to individuals, as its jurisdiction is limited to cases involving states. The imposition of sanctions is typically within the domain of bodies like the UN Security Council, rather than the ICJ, which focuses on judicial resolution rather than punitive measures.