Jordan’s Mahmoud Hmoud Elected to International Court of Justice

by Chrispus C.Macauley

In a unanimous vote of confidence, Ambassador Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan has been elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), following simultaneous ballots held today in both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.

Judge Hmoud received overwhelming support, securing 178 votes in the General Assembly and the required absolute majority in the Security Council.

The election, which was uncontested, was held to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Judge Nawaf Salam, who stepped down on January 14, 2025, after being appointed Prime Minister of Lebanon.

Ambassador Hmoud, who until now served as Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was formally nominated by his government earlier this year. His candidacy was widely welcomed across regional and legal circles for his deep experience in international law and diplomacy.

Before his UN posting, Hmoud held numerous senior positions in Jordan’s foreign service and legal advisory offices. His appointment to the ICJ marks a significant moment for Jordanian diplomacy, reinforcing the country's longstanding commitment to international legal frameworks.

The International Court of Justice, seated in The Hague, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It is responsible for settling legal disputes between states and giving advisory opinions on legal questions referred by UN organs and agencies.

Judge Hmoud will serve the remainder of Judge Salam’s original term and join the bench at a time when the Court is playing an increasingly prominent role in matters of international peace, accountability, and humanitarian law.