‘Law of the Jungle’ Replacing Rules-based Order, Secretary-General Warns, as Speakers Push Security Council to Reform, Ensure Accountability

(Note: A complete summary of today's Security Council meeting[ will be available at a later time.)

The rule of law is being replaced by "the law of the jungle" around the world, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned the Security Council today, citing a brazen disregard for international law that has helped humanity avoid a third world war for the past 80 years.

"From Gaza to Ukraine, from the Sahel to Myanmar, in Venezuela and elsewhere, the rule of law is being treated as an à la carte menu," he said, as he opened a debate joined by more than 80 delegations.

Somalia, which holds the Council presidency for January, organized today's debate, outlining in its concept note that despite "solemn commitments" repeatedly reaffirmed by the Security Council and the General Assembly, the international community continues to face serious challenges in upholding the rule of law.

For Africa - and for all countries that have experienced the costs of conflict and inequality - the international rule of law is "the guarantor of sovereignty, dignity and justice", the note states. The United Nations Charter's eightieth anniversary offers a timely opportunity for the Council to reflect on progress made and challenges that remain.

Mr. Guterres described the many ways States are flouting the rule of law with impunity - from the illegal use of force and attacks on civilian infrastructure, to human rights violations, the unlawful development of nuclear weapons, unconstitutional changes of Government and denial of humanitarian aid. He insisted on maintaining "a relentless push for just and sustainable peace", "firmly anchored in international law" and enduring because it addresses the root causes of conflict, not just its symptoms.

Security Council Must Lead the Way

He stressed the important role played by the Council in this regard, noting no other body or ad-hoc coalition can legally require all Member States to comply with decisions on peace and security or authorize the use of force under international law. "We must act without delay to enhance the representation and effectiveness of this Council," he emphasized.

He called for action on three priorities.

First, countries must keep their promises and uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter - settling disputes peacefully, protecting human rights and dignity, and maintaining respect for international law, self-determination and sovereign equality.

Second, Member States must fully use the Charter's dispute-settlement tools to prevent conflict, including negotiation and mediation under Article 33, while strengthening partnerships with regional organizations.

Third, States must promote fair, independent justice by strengthening international courts. He called on all countries to accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, respect its rulings, ensure accountability, and allow the International Criminal Court to operate independently.

Africa Calls for Political Courage, Institutions that Reflect Current Realities

"These principles define the identity of Africa," said Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, noting that African troops make up a large percentage of the world's peacekeepers, and the African Union Peace Fund helps fund such operations. African States are increasingly leveraging the International Court of Justice, regional jurisdictions and other peaceful mechanisms to resolve their conflicts. "Law must prevail over force," he insisted.

However, he pointed out that the Security Council still has not added a permanent seat for Africa to correct a serious historical injustice. "Breathing new life into multilateralism requires more than rhetoric," he stressed, calling for the political courage to reform institutions that fail to reflect current realities.

Abdulqawi Yusuf, former judge of the International Court of Justice and founding President of the African Institute of International Law, reminded the Council that "the vitality of a legal order is for the long haul". There will always be periods of turbulence, he acknowledged, but the dangers lurking behind that instability should convince States to "stay the course" and uphold the rule of law because the alternative is much less desirable.

The international rule of law gave rise to thousands of bilateral and multilateral treaties and served as an engine of growth and prosperity for people throughout the developing world, he said, emphasizing: "The old expression 'might is right' has never helped humanity to live together in peace and harmony."

Complete Live Blog coverage of today's meeting can be found here.