United Nations Security Council: Open Debate on Reaffirming International Rule of Law: Pathways to reinvigorating peace, justice, and multilateralism

For 80 years we have worked together to establish an international system based on justice and respect for international legal obligations. 

This system, developed through cooperation and state consent, underpins our collective security and prosperity. It is universal and inclusive. 

Respect for that system is critical to prevent a world where ‘might is right’.

A core principle of the UN is the sovereign equality of states. This foundational concept, enshrined in the UN Charter, provides that international law applies to all states equally – not according to their size, population or military strength.

New Zealand considers that the voices of small states matter as much as those of the more powerful. 

We know the system is not perfect. This is why New Zealand has taken a leadership role in the UN80 reform process. 

But New Zealand remains resolute in our defence of the UN Charter and in support of the international judicial institutions which uphold it.  

In response to the question how we can uphold the international rule of law. 

1. The starting point must be that states uphold their international obligations and perform them in good faith.
2. In line with the UN Charter, we must all refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
3. We must use diplomacy - the building block of relations between states – to prevent emerging conflict and settle disputes. This includes using the UN’s ‘good offices’ functions. 
4. We must remain resolute in our support for international judicial institutions that support the peaceful settlement of disputes and work to end impunity for the most serious international crimes. 
5. The Security Council should be at the forefront of our efforts. The Council’s uneven record in fulfilling its mandate undermines its authority and effectiveness. Those states which enjoy additional privileges, by virtue of their permanent membership of this Council, have a particular responsibility in this regard.
   The use of the veto to prevent Council action, and thus block effective responses to emerging conflicts and accountability for violations of international law, impacts every Member State. We recall Article 27(3) of the Charter, which obliges ‘parties to a dispute’ to abstain from voting on relevant Chapter VI resolutions.  
6. We must continue to support the development of international law to respond to the most challenging issues of our times. New Zealand reaffirms our support for the International Law Commission as an engine room of thought for addressing contemporary challenges. Its recent work on sea-level rise demonstrates this. 

History has shown that our prosperity and security is served by respect for the international rule of law, not retreat from it. 

Thank you, President.