Delivered By: Fatema Yousuf, Acting Deputy Permanent Representative

Thank you, Mr. President,

I welcome the opportunity to offer remarks on this important topic.

I thank Secretary-General Guterres, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the President of the African Institute of International Law, Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf – for sharing their valuable insights and expertise.

From the outset, I would like to strongly reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to upholding the international rule of law.

Promoting the rule of law is more than a moral obligation; it is a practical necessity for harmonious cooperation within and among States. It is the cornerstone of accountability – a principle at the heart of our international system.

Without the rule of law, justice becomes a selective tool, peace is hard to sustain, and multilateralism falters.

In this context, I would like to make three points.

First, upholding the rule of law requires political will, especially at times of heightened geopolitical tension.

Member States’ actions should be guided by the UN Charter. States and relevant UN organs must respond appropriately in the face of any violations of bedrock principles of international law – regardless of the interests or regions affected.

To do otherwise risks tearing the delicate fabric of our multilateral system.

The Security Council should uphold international law in a consistent manner, and guard against the use of the veto in cases where its use would undermine international law.

Second, the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes must remain paramount whenever contentions arise between States.

In such cases, States are provided with a range of dispute-resolution mechanisms, including recourse to the International Court of Justice.

The high volume of advisory proceedings and contentious cases handled by the Court reflects the confidence States place in the Court’s ability to discharge its mandate effectively.

However, Member States should approach the Court responsibly and not burden it with frivolous cases.

Finally, it is critical that States are able to strengthen their capacity to ensure that international legal obligations are properly understood and upheld.

When Member States come together to establish rules or standards, the ability of States to meet those standards is not always considered.

We have a shared interest in ensuring that States can meet their legal obligations, because non-compliance leads to erosion of the rule of law.

As such, the international community should continue providing technical support to States, in line with their national priorities.

Mr. President,

When they are well aligned, international law and politics reinforce each other.

States shape international law, not only through treaty-making, but through the political choices they make to uphold the international rule of law.

It is therefore incumbent on all Member States to demonstrate their full and consistent support for international law.

Thank you.