ENGLISH MEBY

国際司法裁判所、貧困、そして宗教:複雑に絡み合う現代的課題」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, grapples with a diverse range of complex legal issues. While often associated with interstate disputes, the ICJ’s jurisdiction extends to matters deeply intertwined with global poverty and religious freedom. Consider, for instance, cases involving resource exploitation in developing nations, where allegations of environmental damage and human rights violations are frequently accompanied by claims of religious persecution against minority groups. These cases highlight the intricate relationship between poverty, religious practices, and international law. Poverty often exacerbates existing religious tensions. Economic hardship can fuel social unrest, making vulnerable populations more susceptible to extremist ideologies that exploit religious differences. Conversely, religious institutions, while sometimes playing a crucial role in providing social support and community cohesion, may also inadvertently contribute to social stratification or discrimination, further entrenching poverty. The ICJ, in adjudicating such disputes, must navigate these sensitive socio-religious dynamics while upholding international legal principles. The court’s decisions inevitably carry significant implications for affected populations, potentially impacting access to resources, religious practices, and long-term economic development. The ICJ’s role is not merely reactive. Through its advisory opinions and judgments, it actively shapes the international legal framework concerning poverty and religious freedom. However, the court’s effectiveness is constrained by several factors. Firstly, the ICJ’s jurisdiction relies on the consent of states, and many nations, particularly those implicated in human rights violations or facing internal conflict, may be reluctant to submit to its authority. Secondly, enforcing the ICJ’s decisions presents significant challenges, requiring cooperation from states and often involving intricate political negotiations. Thirdly, the complexities of intertwined socio-economic and religious issues require a nuanced understanding, demanding that the ICJ collaborate closely with other international organizations and engage in broader diplomatic efforts. Ultimately, the ICJ’s engagement with issues of poverty and religious freedom is a crucial, albeit complex, aspect of its mandate. It represents a continuing effort to address profound global challenges through the lens of international law, demonstrating both the potential and the limitations of legal mechanisms in resolving deeply rooted social and political issues.

1. According to the passage, what is one way poverty exacerbates religious tensions?

2. What is a significant constraint on the ICJ's effectiveness in addressing poverty and religious freedom issues?

3. What role does the ICJ play in shaping the international legal framework concerning poverty and religious freedom?

4. Which of the following best describes the overall tone of the passage?