Rule of law stands between peace and brutal power struggle Guterres

From the smallest village to the global stage, the rule of law (ROL) is everything that stands between peace and stability, and a brutal struggle for power and resources., he said, arguing that it protects the vulnerable; prevents discrimination; builds trust in institutions; supports inclusive economies and societies; and is the first line of defense against atrocity crimes.

Serious risk of anarchy

The UN chief painted a grim picture of civilians around the world suffering from devastating conflict, growing poverty and increasing hunger, warning that we are at grave risk of a state of anarchy.

From the illegal development of nuclear weapons to the unauthorized use of force, states continue to flout international law with impunity, he continued.

Secretary-General Antnio Guterres addresses members of the UN Security Council on the rule of law between nations.

Mr. Guterres cited the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the unlawful killings of Palestinians and Israelis; gender apartheid in Afghanistan; the illegal nuclear weapons program of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; violence and serious human rights violations in Myanmar; and a deep institutional crisis in Haiti.

As these examples illustrate, respect for the rule of law is more important than ever. All member states have a responsibility to uphold it at all times, the senior UN official said.

A role to play

Highlight the International Court of Justice (ICJ), human rights council and its various commissions of inquiry, he recalled that UN entities and mechanisms promote and implement ROL.

Around the world, the UN is mobilized against impunity and committed to holding perpetrators accountable through fair and independent judicial proceedings, the UN chief said.

We also strengthen the rule of law by supporting victims and survivors and providing them with access to justice, remedies and reparation.

Describing the ICJ as an aspiration to accountability for the most serious crimes, he noted the importance of accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court and stressed that the Security Council bears a particular responsibility in this regard.

Member States

The Secretary General explained how Member States can strengthen the Organization in promoting ROL by respecting the UN Charter, Declaration of Human Rights and International Law; settle disputes peacefully; to defend equal rights for all; and commitment to the self-determination of peoples and the sovereign equality of member states.

While the challenges are many, the primacy of the rule of law is essential to the maintenance of international peace and security and for peacebuilding efforts, he stressed.

Negotiation, investigation, mediation, conciliation and arbitration are all important tools for enforcing the legal framework, according to the UN chief.

A demolished house in the village of Beit Sira, in Ramallah, in the central West Bank.

At the national level, he said it builds trust between people and institutions; reduces corruption; and allows societies and economies to function smoothly.

Conversely, without legal rules in place, impunity prevails, organized crime thrives and the risk of violent conflict is high.

He said the legal framework reinforces efforts to achieve the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), affirming that poverty, injustice and exclusion can only be fought through effective, non-discriminatory and inclusive public policies.

The United Nations stands ready to support Member States through its country teams around the world.

Look forward

The Our common program report a model of global cooperation and reinvigorated multilateralism calls for a new common acceptance of legal rules that offers an opportunity to reset and strengthen them at all levels in the UN.

It draws the links between the rule of law, human rights and development, and calls for a people-centred approach in which laws and justice are accessible to all.

This will also be reflected in the new Agenda for Peace.

The rule of law is key to addressing current and future challenges, from nuclear disarmament and the climate crisis, to biodiversity collapse, pandemics and dangerous diseases, the UN chief said, adding that it must adapt to changes in the environment and to technological advances.

Exceptional position of the UN

In conclusion, he observed that the legitimacy, convening power and normative impact of the UN place it in a unique position to promote innovation and progress in accordance with legal rules.

The security Council also plays a vital role in expanding the ROL: Together, let us commit to advancing the rule of law to create a more stable and secure world for all.

Joan E. Donoghue (on screen), President of the International Court of Justice, addresses the Security Council meeting on the rule of law among nations.

No white flag

Focusing on the peaceful settlement of international disputes, ICJ President Joan Donoghue said that The behavior of States largely determines whether the rule of law is respected.

After proclaiming their loyalty internationally, the judge explained that they cannot settle their differences by using or threatening to use force and must be prepared to have the legality of their conduct assessed by international courts and tribunals. .

Recognizing that States value their autonomy and strive to safeguard any power they wield, she asserted that internationally, the concept of the rule of law is in constant struggle against these competing tendencies, but assured that it was not time to wave the white flag of surrender.

Shelving a Dysfunctional Board

From the University of Oxford, Professor of Public International Law Dapo Akande, drew attention to the individual members of the Security Council whose ultimate responsibility, along with all states, is to ensure respect for international law.

When the Council collectively fails to discharge its responsibilities, other organs of the United Nations, such as the General Assembly or the Secretariat, must assume responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of the rule of law, he said.

States must fulfill their duty to take lawful measures to put an end to serious violations of the most important obligations of international law.