Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • International
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • International
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
  • Latest
  • Business
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • All Woman
  • Career & Education
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Classifieds
  • Design Week
Strengthening the rule of law
Columns
António Guterres  
January 12, 2023

Strengthening the rule of law

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

Antonio Guterres

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

A conversation with stilt walkers at carnival
Latest News, Observer+ News
A conversation with stilt walkers at carnival
May 11, 2025
Carnival isn’t just home to revellers, the Jamaica Observer spotted some towering figures at road march 2025 and snagged a quick Q and A with Simone H...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer", "value-added-section":"Value Added Section"}
Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
Latest News, News
Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
May 10, 2025
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A man died as a result of injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on the Winston Jones Highway in Mandeville on Saturday af...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, News
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information says it’s “outraged and deeply saddened”, by the brutal rape and murder of nine year-old Kels...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, News
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lobby group Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) is condemning the brutal rape and murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon on Friday May...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
Latest News, Regional
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
May 10, 2025
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Five Islands Campus will host the second installation of its 5IR Artificial Int...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Micah shows off his swag with ‘Drip Like My Dad’
Entertainment, Latest News
Micah shows off his swag with ‘Drip Like My Dad’
May 10, 2025
Few cultural artifacts capture the Apple phone-Tik-Tok era virality than the 'drip'. That's why eight year-old dancehall rapper Micah's debut single, ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
PNP mourns brutal murder of 9-year-old girl
Latest News, News
PNP mourns brutal murder of 9-year-old girl
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica   —Opposition Spokesperson on Gender, Disabilities and Inclusion, Denise Daley, has expressed “deep sorrow and outrage”, in the wake...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Gov’t offers $2m reward in 9-y-o girl’s murder in Spanish Town
Latest News, News
Gov’t offers $2m reward in 9-y-o girl’s murder in Spanish Town
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of National Security has announced a $2 million reward for information leading to the capture of the perpetrator(s) o...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Reading, learning for a better Jamaica
Editorial
Reading, learning for a better Jamaica
May 9, 2025
Surely no greater tribute can be paid to the power and joy of reading than that delivered by Sekela Msafiri, a grade five student at Cockburn Gardens ...
Telegram
{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Savour & Sip Soirée toasts moms
Entertainment, Music, Splash
Savour & Sip Soirée toasts moms
May 9, 2025
Randy Bowman, co-conceptualiser of Savour & Sip Mother’s Day Soirée, promises that the inaugural staging will be the perfect treat to mark the occasio...
Telegram
{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Crucial Flamez toasts ‘working man’s anthem’
Entertainment, Music, Splash
Crucial Flamez toasts ‘working man’s anthem’
BY KEDIESHA PERRY Observer writer entertainment@jamaicaobserver.com 
May 9, 2025
Recording artiste Crucial Flamez is steadily building his name on the music scene with the release of his most recent single Wuk Fi Pay. The track was...
Telegram
{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Recent Posts

A conversation with stilt walkers at carnival
Latest News, ...
A conversation with stilt walkers at carnival
May 11, 2025
Carnival isn’t just home to revellers, the Jamaica Observer spotted some towering figures at road march 2025 and snagged a quick Q and A with Simone H...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer", "value-added-section":"Value Added Section"}
Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
Latest News, ...
Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
May 10, 2025
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A man died as a result of injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on the Winston Jones Highway in Mandeville on Saturday af...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, ...
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information says it’s “outraged and deeply saddened”, by the brutal rape and murder of nine year-old Kels...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, ...
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lobby group Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) is condemning the brutal rape and murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon on Friday May...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
Latest News, ...
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
May 10, 2025
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Five Islands Campus will host the second installation of its 5IR Artificial Int...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

A conversation with stilt walkers at carnival
Latest News, ...
A conversation with stilt walkers at carnival
May 11, 2025
Carnival isn’t just home to revellers, the Jamaica Observer spotted some towering figures at road march 2025 and snagged a quick Q and A with Simone H...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer", "value-added-section":"Value Added Section"}
Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
Latest News, ...
Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
May 10, 2025
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A man died as a result of injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on the Winston Jones Highway in Mandeville on Saturday af...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, ...
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information says it’s “outraged and deeply saddened”, by the brutal rape and murder of nine year-old Kels...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, ...
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lobby group Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) is condemning the brutal rape and murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon on Friday May...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
Latest News, ...
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
May 10, 2025
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Five Islands Campus will host the second installation of its 5IR Artificial Int...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct