Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. Madam Chair, the African Group reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law at the national international level, and it is pleased that this item is once again included on our agenda. The Group thanks the Secretary General for its report containing document A80 99, which provide information on effort to promote and strengthen the rule of law at the national and international level, as well as on the coordination of United nations rule of law assistance. Madam Chair, As a United Nations Marxist 80th anniversary, the African Group underscored that the rule of law at both national and international level remains fundamental to maintaining peace and security, promoting justice, equality and development, and upholding human rights. However, many developing countries continue to face barriers to meaningful participation, including limited resources, insufficient technical expertise and structural inequities. These challenges perpetuate power imbalance and hinder the international legal order from being truly representative and just. The African Group emphasized that addressing this obstacle must remain a priority to ensure an inclusive, equitable and effective rule of law. As we celebrate 8th decade of the United nations, our experience demonstrates that strengthening legal institutions, upholding accountability and ensuring equal access to justice are essential for sustainable development. The same principle must guide our approach at the international level, where inclusivity, equity and transparency are vital for a just international legal order. In this context, all states, regardless of size, military capability or economic status, must have an equal voice in shaping the norm and role that govern the global community. Through such inclusive participation, we can create an international legal order that reflects the shared value and aspiration of all nations. Building between leaders, institutions and the people is central to reimagining the social contract and ensuring legitimacy at all level. Responsive and accountable institutions are key to building such trust. Yet mistrust, whether within society or among states, undermines the rule of law and weakens international cooperation. Rebuilding confidence must therefore remain a shared priority to achieve a just, inclusive and effective global order. Madam Chair, the African Group reaffirms the principle of sovereign equality in this regard. The Group remains deeply concerned by incidents of foreign interference in the affair of developing countries by certain states, including in judicial institutions. Such action undermined amongst other the independence of national courts and tribunals as well as democratic value, erode confidence between state and jeopardized the very principle of the rule of law they claim to uphold. The Group strongly condemned these practices and stressed the need for it to be decisively addressed. The attitude of acting as self appoint overseers over the judicial processes of sovereign state runs counter the ideals of the rule of law and must be rejected. In the same way, extensive interpretation of international law that could justify external intervention under the pretext of defending the rule of law are practices to be prohibited in contemporary international relations. The African Group believe that respect for international law is founded on the conviction that international conduct must be good governed not by individual interest of state or their allies, but instead through a set of universally applicable rules and principles that all states have a responsibility to uphold. Madam Chair, today multilateralism is in deep crisis. When the United nations was created and its charter adopted, the world envisioned a system based on peace, security, development and respect for human rights principle that will form the foundation of a true community of state. Yet recent global events remind us that war, violence and a blatant disregard for international law are harsh reality that we must confront with renewed determination. Indifference to human suffering is alarming, the plight of migrants remain a grave concern and terrorism continues to ravage inter region with total contempt for human life and rights. We are concerned of the repeated assault of multilateralism, true resurgence, unilateralism, extremism, double standard interference in the affair of other states, weaponization of certain institution or organization and selective sensitivity in case of international conflicts. We are also deeply concerned at the ongoing weakening of the effectiveness of multilateral organization and treaty regime, obstruction of reform, flagrant violation of international law, a disturbing disregard for human rights in ongoing conflict compelled us to question the very essence, purpose and relevance of our collective effort to build peaceful, just and inclusive society grounded in the rule of law. Madam Chair, the African Group offered the following key recommendation to promote the rule of law at the national and international level strengthen capacity building and technical assistance. The African Group urged the international community to invest in capacity building initiative and provide technical assistance to developing countries. This will enable all States to engage fully and effectively in international legal processes, including fish negotiation, dispute resolution and participation in international court and tribunals. Strengthening the legal ability of all Member States is essential to level the playing field and foster a more inclusive and effective international order. Promote equitable access to international dispute settlement mechanism and representation in international institutions. Particular attention should be paid to the concern regarding the cost and complexity of the mechanism and procedure of international dispute settlement mechanism for states with limited resources. Also, efforts should be made to ensure that international legal institutions, including courts and tribunals as well as other bodies, reflect the diversity of the global community. Ensure fair and consistent application of international law the international legal order must operate consistently. Selective application or inconsistent enforcement of international law undermines trust, erode the rule of law and diminish accountability. State must commit to apply international legal standards fairly and consistently, irrespective of political, economic or strategic interest. Promote inclusivity at the national level to support international law Rule of law effort national institution governance structure and legal framework should be strengthened to uphold justice, accountability and human rights. Inclusive and transparent legal system at the national level Reinforce broader effort to strengthen the rule of law and contribute to the development of states. Upholding the Rule of law at the International level the African Group emphasized that a stable, predictable and just international system depends on adherence to the rule of law. All States must respect cardinal rule of law, including the principle of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and political independence. Strengthening the rule of law Ensure collective security promote peaceful dispute resolution and foster cooperation in addressing global challenges, including conflict prevention, climate change and national threats. Reaffirm the central role of multilateralism as a driver for the rule of law at the international level. We call for multilateral terrorism that promotes the international rule of law to protect a fair and just international legal system. Uphold the authority and unity of the international law offer more institutional public goods to all countries through cooperation and mutual understanding and improve the institutionalization of a global community with a shared future for humanity by enhancing global governance and ensuring that no one and no country is left behind. I thank you for your attention.


I thank the distinguished representative of Cameroon speaking on behalf of the African Group. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends with the rule of law. Austria, you have the floor. Thank you, Madam Chair.


It's an honor to deliver this statement.


On behalf of over 50 members from.


All regional groups of the Group of.


Friends of the Rule of Law. The Group of Friends would like to thank the Secretary General for his latest report on strengthening and coordinating United nations rule of law activities contained in A80 99. We are also grateful to the Secretary General for continuously placing a high priority on the rule of law as a matter of system wide policy coordination, in particular in these challenging times. Madam chair, at the 80th anniversary of the United nations, it is timely to reflect on the state of the rule of law at the national and international level. The rule of law is not an abstract legal concept. It is the very foundation the UN was built on 80 years ago.


To quote the Secretary General, the rule.


Of law is the bedrock of multilateral and the foundation for just and peaceful societies. The Group of Friends could not agree more. The rule of law is a cornerstone.


For lasting peace, security, the realization of.


Human rights, economic development and social progress.


It is also a core objective for.


The full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as enshrined in SDG.


The rule of law ensures that no.


One is above the law.


At the national level, it is the.


Foundation of just and peaceful societies. At the international level, our community of States represented in this room made a choice 80 years ago. The rule of law, instead of might, makes right. The rule of law fosters multilateralism and justice. Eroding the rule of law would risk.


An erosion of multilateralism itself.


At its 80th anniversary, the challenges to the rule of law on the national and international level are real and present at the same time. The latest report by the Secretary General contains an impressive snapshot of the indispensable work of the United nations in promoting and strengthening the rule of law both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, the report underscores major achievements in the codification and development of international instruments, norms, standards and rules, as well as the high level of judicial activity of international and hybrid courts and tribunals. Reflecting the UN's unwavering commitment to legal.


Accountability, international justice and an international order.


Based on the rule of law.


The.


Group of Friends strongly supports the International Court of Justice as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Decisions of the ICJ are binding on the parties to a case and must be complied with. We also recall the ICJ's contributions on legal questions through advisory opinions. The Group of Friends also strongly supports the indispensable work of the UN human rights treaty bodies. As independent guardians of the core human rights treaties. The rule of law and human rights are mutually reinforced. Madam chair, at its 80th anniversary, let.


Us uphold the UN Charter and ensure.


That the rule of law is a universal and fundamental principle. The Group of Friends will continue to give utmost priority to this subject and stress the importance of the rule of law and its principles. I thank you.


I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. I now give the floor to the European Union on behalf of the EU and its members. You have the floor.


Gracias, Senora Presidenta. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The candidate countries, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, both Leonard Zegovina and Georgia, as well as Monaco and San Marino, align themselves with this statement. We thank the Secretary General for his comprehensive report on strengthening and coordinating United nations rule of law activities. Once again, the report provides a wealth of examples, best practices and inspiration for our debate. The 80th anniversary of the United nations offers the opportunity to reflect on the state of the rule of law, both national and international levels, to take stock of what has been achieved and what still remains to be accomplished. Indeed, this anniversary finds us at the moment when the international legal order suffers a level of strain which is unprecedented since the end of World War II and the creation of the United Nations. We are facing increasing and diverse threats to international peace and security. These include grave violations of the UN Charter, such as acts of aggression and violation of territorial integrity, as well as egregious breaches of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We all have a duty to stand up for the UN Charter and the fundamental rules and principles of international law that are now increasingly violated. We are also witnessing setbacks for human rights, democracy and the rule of law in many countries, with the targeting of political opposition, human rights defenders, journalists and the media threats to the independence of the judiciary and attempts to undermine or blur the separation of powers. These are not and should not be considered merely internal affairs. They touch the core of the rule of law also at the international level, and often lead to further instability in the relevant regions or at global level. Therefore, it is our common duty to take action to prevent this from happening and remain open to dialogue and cooperation to find adequate solutions. In this respect, the Secretary's General Report does not only confirm the pervasive and indispensable role of the UN system and its unwavering commitment to promoting the rule of law globally. It also provides a reminder to all of us, individually and collectively, that we all have an important role to play in upholding the rule of law at home and at the international level. Madam Chair for the European Union the rule of law is a cornerstone of our integration project. As one of our founding values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union. The rule of law is essential to making our societies and economies function while ensuring fundamental rights are protected and corruption is tackled. This is why the rule of law is also a key criterion for candidate countries wishing to join our Union. Over the years we have established and strengthened a robust architecture to address risks and challenges to the rule of law across our member states. These include the EU's rule of law toolbox, which continuously monitors developments and supports member states in their effort to uphold the rule of law. The EU Rule of Law Report, published annually since 2020, examines developments in four key the justice system, the anti corruption framework, media pluralism and media freedom and other institutional issues related to checks and balances. The 2025 report includes concrete recommendations to all EU Member States, building on previous years assessment and addressing new challenges. We have also strengthened our capacity to effectively respond to breaches of the rule of law within the European Union through infringement procedures, the conditionality for the protection of the EU budget, relying of course on the Court of Justice of the eu. In parallel, we continue to refine and expand our EU legislative framework. For example, we are modernizing our current legal framework on combating corruption. Recently we also introduced new instruments to protect media pluralism and freedom of expression. The European Media Freedom act, fully applicable as of August 2025, put in place a new set of rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the eu, ensuring that media, public and private, can operate more easily across borders in the EU internal market without undue pressure and taking into account the digital transformation of the media space. Since May 2024, another new EU legislation, Directive 20241069 has been in place to counter strategic abusive lawsuits against persons who engage in public participation, such as journalists and human rights defenders, including in cross border situation. At the international level. As the magnitude of challenges facing the UN system widens, the units Member States reiterate their support for an effective multilateralism and the international legal order with the UN at its core and oppose efforts to undermine or erode it. This is reflected in our Support for the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of SDG 16 on access to justice for all, as well as in our commitment to the implementation of the Pact for the future and its annexes, which we were pleased to see well referenced in the Secretary General's report. Peace and prosperity as well as the achievement of the SDGs go hand in hand with respect for democracy, the rule of law and all human rights. To be effective, the rule of law requires ensuring international justice and accountability for all violations of international law. We welcome the Report's reference to the role of the International Court of Justice, which the EU strongly supports as one of the main pillars of international justice system. We recall that the ICJ's orders and judgments are binding on the parties to the dispute and must be implemented in full. We also reaffirm our unwavering support for an international criminal justice system, particularly to the International Criminal Court, as well as our commitment to upholding the Rome Statute and preserving the ICC's independence and integrity. We also support the other international criminal courts and tribunals and the other international accountability mechanisms mentioned in the Report and their efforts in completing their workload to ensure international accountability and support international criminal justice. It is also important to learn from their experience and preserve their legacy for future generations. Ensuring accountability may also require setting up new instruments, such as the Register of Damages Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which is recalled in the report. 44 states, out of which 26 are EU member states and the European Union have become members of the Register of damages. The EU and 26 EU member states have also actively participated in the negotiations on the establishment of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine and of the Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. We will continue to work closely with the Council of Europe to finalize these efforts in order to reaffirm our joint commitment to justice, accountability and the international legal order. We call on all UN Member States to join in these efforts as all the underlying instruments are open for cross regional participation of States which support these important accountability efforts. We will also continue to promote and support initiatives aimed at developing international law. The recent achievement of the required threshold of ratifications for the entry into force of the BB&J agreement, a crucial tool to protect our ocean beyond borders, stands as a shining victory for multilateralism. As the Secretary General noted, in two years we turned commitment into action proving what is possible when nations unite for the common good. This should inspire us as we embark on the processes for the negotiation of a Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity and on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters, which we agreed to launch last year in this Committee. As noted in the Report, both processes are based on the work of the International Law Commission. We take this opportunity to reaffirm the important role of the ILC in the codification and development of international law and stress the need for the IHLC to be given sufficient resources to fulfill its mandate. The EU and its member States also remain committed to protecting democracy, including elections, from foreign information manipulation interference by state or non state actors. We will work with partners toward a global strategy for countering foreign information manipulation interference, supporting the UN global principles for information integrity and actively promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Rule of law and democratic principles in the Digital space. Madam Chair, to conclude, the rule of law is essential for the functioning of our societies, economies and international order. It is the foundation on which the EU stands firm. In a world where the international legal order and respect for fundamental rights in democratic systems are increasingly under pressure, we remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding and promoting the rule of law within our borders, in our neighborhood and globally. We look forward to continue to work with the UN actors and all member states to achieve this common goal and build a more just, peaceful and prosperous world for all. We must ensure that at future anniversaries we can celebrate achievements and solutions rather than acknowledge persistent challenges or setbacks. I thank you.


I thank the distinguished delegate of the European Union for his statement and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Oman who will be speaking on behalf of the Arab Group. You have the floor.


Thank you. Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the Arab Group would like to emphasize that the rule of law represents the cornerstone of the guarantee of freedom and justice and equality. It is a key cornerstone in enhancing international peace and security as per the provisions of the first Article of the UN Charter, which emphasizes the need to settle international disputes peacefully in accordance with the principles of international solidarity. The Charter also emphasizes the importance of protecting political and economic and cultural rights and Article 3 of the paragraph 3 of Article 33 emphasizes the importance of such rights. The rule of law nationally and internationally requires respecting the obligations as per paragraph 2 of Article 2 of the charter, which emphasizes that States must fulfill their obligations with intentions and the role of the UN is also emphasized in enhancing States capacities to ensure accountability in accordance with GA resolutions on the rule of law. Madam Chair, the Arab Group calls for an end to the war of genocide and the continuous and systemic violations carried out by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinians in occupied Palestinian territory, especially the Gaza Strip. This was all documented in the reports of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Palestinian Occupied Territory. And this is all in the document Ahrch 55, 73 and a number of other reports have also found that there is due reason to believe that the Occupying Power is committing genocide as per the second Article of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide for the year 1948 documents also launched in 2025 have found that there is a clear intention to eliminate an entire category of people on the basis of religion or ethnicity and the Occupying Power is responsible for failing to prevent this genocide and is actually committing genocide and has failed to hold accountable those perpetrating genocide in the Gaza Strip in a flagrant violation of the provisional measures mandated by the ICJ and the Convent on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide. The Group also emphasizes that the documented acts, including the deliberate killing of civilians and clear physical and psychological damage, and forcing collective punishment that is trying to eliminate an entire group, along with measures that make births particularly difficult, all contribute to genocide. And this is also a violation of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, especially Articles 147 and the fourth convention concerned with the protection of civilians in times of war and which also prohibit the destruction of civilian properties. All these grave violations are tantamount to crimes of war. The Occupying Power also violates human rights conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Oppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid and the Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Inhuman or Cruel or Humiliating Punishment. Madam Chair, the Arab Group renews its call for an immediate end to the war of genocide against the Gaza Strip. We call for an end to the illegal occupation of the State of Palestine and an end to Israeli aggression against Lebanon and continued hostilities against Syria, including continuous violations of Syria's sovereignty through infiltration of Syrian territory. We also emphasize the importance of protecting civilians and providing urgent humanitarian assistance and preventing the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis. And we strongly condemn continuous Israeli violations to international rule of law and the orders of the International Court of Justice, in addition to Israel's forced displacement of the Palestinian people and starvation of the Palestinian people in clear violation of the 4 Geneva Convention, Israel's continued illegal occupation and continued violation of the resolutions of the GA and the Security Council, including Resolution 224 and Resolution 338 and Resolution 2334, and the advisory opinion of the ICJ for 2004 with regards to the legal effect of building the Wall, all point to the illegality of the acquisition of land through force, which was also enshrined in Article 2, paragraph 4 of the Charter. And this is all a violation of international law. We also remind of the Advisory opinion of the ICJ in 2024 on the legal implications of the continued occupation of Israel of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which emphasize that the Occupying Power continues to violate the UN Charter and the basic principles of the international law, including the Palestinian people's right to self determination, along with the prohibition of the use of force in international relations and the principle that land may not be acquired through force. All of the makes Israel's presence in a Palestinian territory illegal. And this Occupying Power has an obligation to end its illegal presence as quickly as possible. And it must put an end to all settlement efforts. It must dismantle settlements and remove settlers from Palestinian land. And international law also dictates that the Occupying Power must provide compensation for real and natural persons who have suffered damages. It also has an obligation to enable and empower Palestinian people to exercise the right to self determination. And there must be no recognition of any legitimacy of the continued Israeli presence in Occupied Palestinian territory. There must be no assistance that prolongs this situation. This would eventually lead to entire to the full Israeli withdrawal from Occupied Palestinian territory. This would also lead to compliance with the measures dictated by the icj. And this would lead to the justice we aspire to in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. Madam Chair, the Arab Group is emphasizing the importance of holding accountable the Occupying Power for all its crimes against the Palestinian people, including before the ICJ and all relevant legal mechanisms. The Arab Group emphasizes that accountability represents a part and parcel of the principle of the rule of international law. And the current case by South Africa against Israel as the Occupying Power that is violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of genocide of 1948 is proof that the international community is able to prevent impunity. And we emphasize that any attempts to displace Palestinians from their lands will be responded to very firmly as this crime is condemnable and unacceptable. And it is also in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention. And if Israel continues with impunity, this will drag the entire region into a regional war and further violence. And we emphasize that the impacts will not exclusively affect our region. They will spill over to a much larger area. We commend the measures taken by some countries based on their effort, their obligations under international law, including sanctions and limiting relations with the authorities of the occupation. In response to grave violations in Palestine, we call upon all countries to take similar measures in order to put an end to the siege and protect civilians. The Group emphasizes the importance of implementing Resolution 2730 which mandates the protection of those working in the humanitarian field and which condemns attacks against the UNRWA as a clear violation of the hundredth article of the UN Charter which mandates the independence and protection of staff working for the un. And we also condemn Israel's Latest statements that declare the UNRWA terrorist organization which is an infringement upon the immunities and privileges according to the UN in accordance with the relevant Convention. And we also remind recall the unalienable rights, inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the rights of self determination and right of return and right to independence, in accordance with the advisory opinions of the ICJ and other relevant bodies. Madam Chair, we emphasize that the protection of international sovereignty is important and double standards in the implementation of international law undermine multilateralism. We also warn against any attempts to politicize international humanitarian law or any use of this law in violation of the principles of equality before the law. We welcome the adoption of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question. And we commend the efforts of France and Saudi Arabia in their leadership of this Conference. We assure you of our support for countries doing mediation efforts such as Qatar and Egypt and the us. This is to put an end to the aggression against the Gaza strike. The Group also welcomes the sincere efforts of the American President Donald Trump and his call upon Israel, the occupying power, to put an end to its strikes immediately and to reach a comprehensive agreement that guarantees the unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza as guarantees that people will not be displaced from Gaza without also anything that would undermine the protection of civilians. This would also guarantee the total return of hostages and the total withdrawal of Israel from Gaza, which would allow authorities to retake control of Gaza and to reunify Gaza and the West Bank. And this would also allow for a mechanism that allows the protection of Palestinian people's rights. And we emphasize that the achievement of these objectives is a key step towards putting an end to the occupation and guaranteeing the independence of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. This would allow just and inclusive peace on the basis of the two state solution in line with international law. In conclusion, we reaffirm that the rule of law is not an abstract principle, but rather is a moral and legal obligation. And the international community's inability to protect people in Gaza and in Lebanon is a collective failure of the international community to apply the first article of the Geneva Conventions, which makes it incumbent upon countries to respect the rule of law under all circumstances. Thank you, Madam Chair.


We thank the distinguished delegate of Oman, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group. Thank you for your statement. Next we give the floor to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who is speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in defence of the Charter of the United Nations. You have the floor. Thank you very much. Madam Chair, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honour of taking the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in defence of the UN Charter Chair we reiterate the importance of the commitment to of all States to the United Nations Charter, including its principles and purposes, as well as to the rule of law and fundamental elements such as the principle of sovereign equality, the duty of States to comply in good faith with obligations contrived therein pursuant by the UN Charter, the obligation to respect the sovereign and legal rights of States pursuant to international law and the provisions of the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning friendly relations and cooperation among States in accordance with the United Nations Charter. Bearing all of this in mind, it would be irresponsible on our part to address this agenda item without referring to the current situation in the Middle East. In this regard, we wish to seize this opportunity to express our most profound concern over the ongoing attempts by Israel, the Occupying Power, to ignite and cause the Middle Eastern region as a whole to explode. As they have shown, among other things, through their repeated and grave violations of international law, including their provocations and violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries of the region, this shows their intention to aggravate tensions on the ground at the expense of the human rights of the Palestinian people as well as other Arab peoples of the occupied territories and other peoples in the region. It goes without saying that these aggressions, including the genocide that is unfolding in Palestine, are a clear and deliberate affront to the rule of law, both nationally as well as internationally. Currently, the rule of law is in danger due to the brutal and unbridled attack attacks by Israel against the Palestinians and other peoples in the region. Israel, the Occupying Power, has killed more than 65,000 people, including women and children. Israel has also injured thousands more, and many people are still buried under the rubble. Israel has displaced millions of people in addition to deliberately cutting their access to essential humanitarian aid, food, water and shelter. The rule of law would be nothing but words expressed in complete ignorance if the international community as a whole didn't re establish beginning by the immediate halt to the attacks and the horrendous and atrocious crimes perpetrated by Israel against innocent civilians in Gaza and beyond. We continue to most strongly condemn the atrocious crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people and other peoples in the region. And we reiterate that the international community must not allow Israel, the Occupying Power, to act with impunity. The international community must demand that Israel be held fully accountable and bring them to justice for all of the crimes that they have perpetrated. Madam Chair, the Group of Friends in defence of the United Nations Charter condemns and denounces in the most strongest terms possible the atrocious, unjustifiable and premeditated attack perpetrated by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran on 13 June 2025 where we saw a series of coordinated large scale attacks, including airstrikes against many locations in Iran which led, among other things, to the death and injury of hundreds of civilians, including women and children, as well as scientists, university professors and high level Iranian civil servants, some of them alongside members of their families whilst they were in their homes. The Member States of the Group of Friends and defense of the UN Charter strongly condemned the deliberate attacks by Israel against civilians and areas populated by civilians where millions of people live and insist that persistent, systematic and widespread attacks against women and children, the grave physical injuries inflicted against them and the military attacks against residential areas, as well as the assets and properties of civilians by Israel as part of their criminal actions in the region, including their recent attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, are proof once again of the total disregard on the part of Israel for any law, norm or even the mens rea of the commission of such brutal crimes. The Group of Friends also condemns the deliberate attacks against Iranian officials and scientists and we also call out the Israeli attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities that are used for peaceful purposes. The Group expresses its profound concern over the fact that these brutal attacks and harm are causing a grave risk of radioactive material being released and are a grave threat to the civilian population and the environment. And at the same time we express our concern over the fact that the Israeli attacks continue to compromise the security of civil aviation in the region. In this context we underscore that these reprehensible attacks constitute fragrant violations of the United Nations Charter of international law and including of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and also gravely violate the fundamental principles of international law, including the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prohibition of the threat or the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of States. Madam Chair, given all of the above, we wish to seize this opportunity to express our profound concern over the ongoing threats to the United Nations Charter derived, among other things, to neo colonial practices that some Governments use to try and exercise their domination over sovereign and independent states in flames. Flagrant violation of the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the increasingly frequent, systematic and unprecedented imposition of unilateral coercive measures and attempts to establish the so called rules based order, which is a vague notion that has the potential to undermine the rule of law internationally as well as the principles and purposes enshrined in the UN Charter, which today is the only system of universally accepted norms that govern international relations. UCMS are clear examples of such threats. In this context, ucms have become de facto an increasingly cruel and destructive instrument. We cannot continue to minimize or ignore this problem since these cruel measures are used deliberately to cause pain and suffering, as an instrument to promote interventionist destabilizing agendas, as well as in order to exacerbate current crises, the current multifaceted global crises. UCMS are illegal and inhumane instruments to promote illegitimate objectives of foreign policy and to exert political, economic and financial pressure on sovereign, independent nations, especially in the developing worlds. They have a direct and intentional impact on development and can be as lethal as conventional weapons. UCMs are a significant violation of human rights and a crime against humanity, bearing in mind that their mere use intentionally deprives entire populations of their basic livelihoods. In this regard, we underscore that no state or group of States has the authority to deprive another State or any other group of States of their legal rights for political purposes. The application of the principles and norms of international law, generally recognized in good faith, excludes the practice of double morals or standards and the imposition by any State or group of States of their will onto another State or another group of States, including through the illegal imposition of ucms. International relations must be based on the rule of law and the principles enshrined in the founding Charter of this organization, whose provisions are grounded in the promotion of peace and international security, the rule of law, economic development and social progress, unilateral and selective approaches, double standards and exceptionalist thought and supremacist thought must must end once and for all. Under international law, no State or no group of States have the authority to provide another State or any other group of States of their legitimate legal rights for political and purely unfair and illegitimate purposes. Madam Chair, the Group of Friends concludes by reaffirming its commitment to not spare any effort to preserve, promote and defend the validity and enforcement of the UN Charter and the rule of law both nationally and internationally. Madam Chair, if we may, on our national capacity, we wish to reiterate our condemnation of the flagrant violation of the international rule of law on the part of the Government of the United States of America by way of their current campaign of harassment and aggression against our country, which we're seeing today being manifested through an unjustified and unprecedented military deployment that includes the use of nuclear assets seeking to threaten both the territorial integrity and political independence of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela as well as the peace and security of the Latin American and Caribbean region. This is another undeniable violation of the UN Charter and of all norms of international law. We strongly reject these hostile policies as well as all irresponsible actions and provocations on behalf of the US Government that are clearly geared towards fabricating the conditions that would enable them to falsely invoke Article 51 of the charter. The US government is using the notorious doctrine of unwilling or unable state and have been repeatedly invoking Article 51 of the Charter in order to justify in a growing arbitrary and concerning way aggressions that the aggressions that they are regularly committing against third States. There are so many examples that we could cite that could easily confirm that alongside Israel, the United States today are one of the main threats to international peace and security. We conclude by launching an appeal to responsible members of the international community to remain alert to these interventionalist plans that based on the invocation of exceptionalist notions and of their own interpretations of the UN Charter, seek to undermine the independence and national sovereignty of the the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela as part of an operation that in the future could be used against any other free, independent and sovereign nation that refuses to give in to the blackmailing and pressure of the US regime. Therefore, we must not get this wrong. We must say that it is time to stop the ongoing aggression of the United States and this is the only way not only of strengthening but also preserving the rule of law internationally. Thank you very much. We thank the distinguished representative of Venezuela for her statement. And we now give the floor to the distinguished Permanent Representative. Sorry, the distinguished DPR of the Philippines on behalf of asean. Your Excellency, you have the floor.


Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on the behalf of the 10 member states of the association of Southeast Asian Nation ASEAN. Brunei, Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding multilateralism as well as the rule of law and a rules based international order. In responding to increasingly complex global challenges. ASEAN thanks the Secretary General for his report on strengthening and coordinating United nations rule of law activities contained in document A, 1899. The report highlights the work of the UN in terms of strengthening and coordinating rule of law activities at national and international levels as well as the UN support to its member states in promoting rule of law activities globally. The report concludes that the rule of law is the bedrock of multilateralism and a foundation for just and peaceful societies. Madam Chair, our world today is facing increasingly complex and cross cutting challenges, including challenges the rule of law among nations on almost all fronts. The need to uphold the rule of law has never been as urgent as now. ASEAN has embraced and continues to promote the rule of law in all its aspects and affirms its commitment to peace and security, good governance and the promotion and protection of human rights enshrined as fundamental principles. Purposes of the ASEAN Charter As a rules based intergovernmental organization, ASEAN has long been committed to stability and security in the region. Important treaties, declaration and documents have paved the way for our success, including ASEAN's founding document, the ASEAN Declaration or Bangkok Declaration of 1967, the ASEAN Charter, which entered into force since 2008 the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in southeast Asia of 1976 and the treaty on the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon free zone of 1995, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea of 2002, the Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually beneficial relations of 2011 and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration of 2012 together with the Phnom Penh Statement on its adoption. ASEAN Member States continue to work with China towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive code of conduct in the South China Sea consistent with the international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS within a mutually agreed timeline. Madam Chair, ASEAN welcomes the subtopic of the debate under this agenda item at the present session the rule of law at the national and international levels at the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. In this regard, ASEAN reaffirms the importance of upholding international law, including UNCLOS as well as ASEAN shared values and norms as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in southeast Asia, the 2011 Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles of Mutually Beneficial Relations or the Bali Principles and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo Pacific. ASEAN further reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the ASEAN community and our shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability in the region, as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force in accordance with the universally recognized principles and of the international law, including the 1982 UNC laws. ASEAN is of the view that capacity building remains critical for the promotion of the rule of law as well as for the purpose of ensuring effective, inclusive and accountable justice institutions. In this connection, we welcome and look forward to the continued support of the United nations in carrying out activities under the United Nations Program of Assistance in the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of international law law. We also wish to express our appreciation to the Treaty Section of the UN Office of Legal affairs for conducting the Regional Workshop on Treaty Law and Practice for ASEAN Member State that was held in November 2024 in Singapore. Before I conclude, I would like to highlight that ASEAN Political Security Community Blueprint 2025 seeks to promote a rules based, people oriented and people centered community and the rule of law at the national and international levels by nurturing the culture of integrity and anti corruption among the people in our region. By instilling these principles into the policies and practice of the ASEAN Community, ASEAN strives to promote these objectives through the implementation of relevant instruments as appropriate, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, notably Goal 16 on Peace, justice and strong Institutions. ASEAN would like to reaffirm its commitment to good governance, accessible institutions, transparency and accountability. ASEAN strongly believes that this approach will further promote respect for the rule of law at the national and international levels which will contribute to greater socio economic development, peace, justice and prosperity for all. Thank you, Madam Chair. Muchas gracias, porsua.


Thank you, your Excellency for your statement. Distinguished Delegates, the distinguished Permanent DPR of the Philippines was the last speaker for this agenda item this morning. The State Committee will consider its consideration of agenda item 84, the rule of law at the national and international levels at 3pm where we will be inviting the Deputy Secretary General to make a statement. Delegates are informed that the meeting will start at 3pm sharp since Ms. Amina Mohammed will speak precisely at that moment. Thank you very much. Have a good lunch. The meeting is adjourned. It sa.