The following is a lightly edited version of remarks to the security council open debate on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security in New York on January 12, 2023.

The cornerstone of the rule of law is that all people, institutions, and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable.

From the smallest village to the global stage, the rule of law is all that stands between peace and stability and a brutal struggle for power and resources. It protects the vulnerable. It prevents discrimination, harassment, and other abuses. It is our first line of defence against atrocity crimes, including genocide. It creates and bolsters trust in institutions. It supports fair, inclusive economies and societies. And it is the basis of international cooperation and multilateralism.

As the Charter says: “We the people of the United Nations [are] determined… to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained.”

The 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States and the 2012 declaration on the rule of law at the national and international levels, further develop the principles stated in the charter. The body of international humanitarian law saves lives and reduces suffering amid conflict. The Geneva Conventions, agreed after the horror of the Second World War, demonstrate that even wars have laws.

Today’s debate sends a strong message that ensuring the rule of law is our priority and all countries must adhere to international standards.

All stakeholders – member states, regional organisations, civil society, and the private sector – have a responsibility to contribute to building and upholding the rule of law. But the international situation shows that we still have far to go.

We are at grave risk of the rule of lawlessness.

In every region of the world, civilians suffer the effects of devastating conflicts, loss of human life, and rising poverty and hunger. From the illegal development of nuclear weapons to the illegal use of force, states continue to flout international law with impunity. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe, traumatised a generation of children, and accelerated the global food and energy crises. Any annexation of a State’s territory by another State resulting from the threat or use of force is a violation of the charter and international law.

The year 2022 was a deadly year for both Palestinians and Israelis. We condemn all unlawful killings and acts by extremists. There is no justification for terrorism.

At the same time, the expansion of settlements by Israel, as well as home demolitions and evictions, are driving anger and despair. I am also very concerned by the unilateral initiatives that we have seen in recent days. The rule of law is at the heart of achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-State solution, in line with UN resolutions, international law, and previous agreements.

Unconstitutional changes in Government – coups d’état – are regrettably back in fashion. They are particularly worrying in places that are already enduring conflict, terrorism, and food insecurity, namely in the Sahel. The UN is ready to support regional efforts to strengthen democratic governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.

The unlawful nuclear weapons programme being pursued by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a clear and present danger, driving risks and geopolitical tensions to new heights. The onus is on the DPRK to comply with its international obligations and return to the negotiating table.

In Afghanistan, unprecedented, systemic attacks on women’s and girls’ rights and the flouting of international obligations are creating gender-based apartheid. This deliberately undermines the development of a country that desperately needs the contributions of all in order to return to sustainable peace.

The breakdown of the rule of law in Myanmar since the military takeover in 2021 has led to a cycle of violence, repression, and severe human rights violations. I urge the authorities to listen to their people and return to the democratic transition.

The situation in Haiti is characterised by a deep institutional crisis and weak rule of law, widespread human rights abuses, soaring crime rates, corruption, and transnational crime. I call on Haitian stakeholders to work together to restore inclusive democratic institutions and the rule of law.

As these examples illustrate, adherence to the rule of law is more important than ever. All member states have a responsibility to uphold it at every turn. It is foundational to efforts by the UN to find peaceful solutions to all these conflicts, disasters, and crises, and more, and to support the most vulnerable people and communities around the world.

The strong and mutually reinforcing relationship between the rule of law, accountability, and human rights is reflected in my Call to Action on Human Rights. Ending impunity is fundamental.

From the International Court of Justice to the Human Rights Council and its fact-finding missions and Commissions of Inquiry, UN entities and mechanisms promote and implement the rule of law. The International Court of Justice, with its unique mandate, occupies a special place. I note the importance of accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the court and call on all member states to do so without any reservations.

Members of the Security Council bear a special responsibility here and should take a leading role.

Around the world, the UN is mobilised against impunity and committed to holding perpetrators to account through fair, independent judicial proceedings. We also strengthen the rule of law by supporting victims and survivors and providing access to justice, remedy, and reparation. The courts and tribunals established by this council in the 1990s and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals have held to account a number of those responsible for atrocity crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Today, the International Criminal Court is the central institution of the international criminal justice system.

I now turn to how member states can further strengthen the UN and its organs with a view to promoting the rule of law.

First and foremost, I urge all member states to uphold the vision and the values of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to abide by international law; settle disputes peacefully, without recourse to the threat or use of force; recognise and promote the equal rights of all people; and commit to non-intervention in domestic affairs, self-determination of peoples, and the sovereign equality of member states.

Disputes in one area must not prevent progress elsewhere. While the challenges are many, the primacy of the rule of law is essential to the maintenance of international peace and security and for peace-building efforts. This includes clear rules governing the threat or use of force as set out in article 2, paragraph 4, and chapter VII of the charter.

Second, I urge member states to make full use of the rule of law as a preventive tool.

At the international level, the charter devotes an entire chapter to the Pacific Settlement of Disputes, including through negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement. This is prevention in action, rooted in international law.

At the national level, the rule of law builds trust between people and institutions. It reduces corruption and creates a level playing field. It enables societies and economies to run smoothly for the benefit of all.

Conversely, when the rule of law is weak, impunity prevails, organised crime flourishes, and there is a high risk of violent conflict.

Third, I urge member states to reinforce the rule of law as a key enabler to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Goal 16 on access to justice for all and effective, inclusive, and accountable institutions is a critical enabler for the other SDGs. Poverty, injustice, and exclusion can only be addressed through effective, non-discriminatory, inclusive public policies.

Democratic legitimacy can never be used as a rationale for measures that weaken or undermine the rule of law. Civil society and other stakeholders have an essential role to play here.

The UN stands ready to support member states through our country teams around the world.

António Guterres is secretary general of the United Nations