A distinguished Australian National University professor has become the first woman from this country to be elected to the International Court of Justice.
The long-time human rights scholar and international law expert, Hilary Charlesworth, is just the fifth female judge from anywhere in the world to be elected to the United Nations court.
A veteran judge, Distinguished Professor Charlesworth has worked with non-governmental human rights organisations on ways to implement international human rights standards, and is recognised and respected around the world.
She played a leading role in the development of the ACT's human rights legislation, and has previously served as a judge ad hoc for the International Court of Justice in a case about whaling in the Antarctic.
The court, based in The Hague in the Netherlands, is sometimes referred to as the "World Court".
It settles legal disputes between countries and gives advisory opinions on legal questions that have been referred to it by other United Nations bodies.
Distinguished Professor Charlesworth, who leads the Centre for International Governance and Justice at the ANU, was elected to the court on Friday with an absolute majority of votes cast by the 193 member states of the United Nations.
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She will sit on the court for the next two years, replacing fellow Australian judge James Crawford following his death in May.
The ANU's vice-chancellor, Professor Brian Schmidt, congratulated Distinguished Professor Charlesworth on her election to "the court of courts".
He said he had no doubt she would make "a vital and profound contribution".
"This appointment is an incredible honour and well-deserved recognition of Distinguished Professor Charlesworth's long and remarkable career as a judge and scholar," Professor Schmidt said.
"Over many years, she has made her mark not only as a researcher but as an inspiration for those who want to improve the law and use it to improve our world and our lives.
"She epitomises the very best of ANU and our core mission as a university that exists to ensure we leave the world in better shape than we found it.
"Through her tireless work, unwavering commitment and endless passion, she has tackled some of the biggest challenges in the world of international justice and human rights.
"We are all incredibly proud of her achievements and are so fortunate to call her a colleague."
The judge also holds an appointment as professor of international law in the ANU College of Law, and is currently Melbourne Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne.
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