United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking at an open meeting of the UN Security Council on the implementation of international law, emphasised that “the rule of law is a cornerstone of global peace and security” and “at the heart of the United Nations Charter.” He also warned that “around the world, the rule of law is being replaced by the law of the jungle.”
Guterres highlighted that for the past 80 years, the organisation has helped prevent a third world war. He stressed that the international system is based on rules that “prohibit the threat or use of force” and bind all states, “large and small, to the same rules.”
States acting 'with impunity'
However, he cautioned that “around the world, the rule of law is being replaced by the law of the jungle,” condemning “flagrant violations of international law” from Gaza to Ukraine and beyond. He noted that the rule of law is often treated “à la carte,” with states acting “with impunity through illegal use of force, targeting of civilian infrastructure, human rights violations, and the denial of lifesaving humanitarian aid.”
The Secretary-General called on states to uphold their commitments, emphasising that “the purposes and principles of the Charter are not optional” and that international security requires trust and respect for international law. He also highlighted the central role of the Security Council, which “defends the Charter and is the body with binding authority over all states,” noting that “reform is necessary” to strengthen both its representation and effectiveness.