Which statement accurately describes advisory opinions issued by the ICJ?

• A. They are binding on all UN member states
• B. They decide disputes between individuals
• C. They require a national referendum to be issued
• D. They are provided by the ICJ to UN organs or specialized agencies

Answer: (D)

Advisory opinions are non-binding, persuasive interpretations of international law issued by the International Court of Justice when a UN organ or a specialized agency asks a legal question. They help clarify how international law should be understood and applied, guiding states and other international actors without creating enforceable obligations.

The statement that best describes this is that advisory opinions are provided by the ICJ to UN organs or specialized agencies. These opinions are requested by bodies like the General Assembly or the Security Council (and various UN specialized agencies) and are not decisions resolving disputes between states. They are not binding on states or UN organs, and they do not require a national referendum to be issued.