Singapore's Rena Lee elected to International Court of Justice
Rena Lee became the first Singaporean judge on the International Court of Justice, securing the highest votes in both the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
Singapore has secured a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after Rena Lee was elected by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council on Nov. 3. Lee received 151 of 191 votes in the General Assembly and tied for the most votes in the Security Council, reflecting broad support from the international community.
Senior Minister and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said the election "reflects both her personal standing and the respect Singapore has internationally through our longstanding commitment to international law and a rules-based international order." Simon Chesterman, David Marshall Professor of Law at the National University of Singapore, noted that international law is essential to Singapore’s security and prosperity and that independent jurists are needed to uphold the legal framework amid challenges.
Former ambassador Tommy Koh added that Lee’s presence on the ICJ bench signals Singapore’s commitment to respecting the court’s decisions. The election marks the first time a Singaporean and only the second person from Southeast Asia has joined the world court, the previous Southeast Asian judge having served until 1976.
Lee, who will begin a nine-year term on Feb. 6, 2027, has a three-decade background in international law, including roles as Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law and as president of the UN Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. She was instrumental in the adoption of the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty.
In a LinkedIn post, Lee said she does not take the responsibility lightly and pledged to serve with impartiality, integrity and independence.