Security Council Open Debate
“The Promotion and Strengthening of the Rule of Law in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: The Rule of Law among Nations”
Statement by the Republic of Latvia delivered by H.E. Andrejs Pildegovičs, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations
New York, 12 January 2023
Mr. President,
Latvia warmly welcomes Japan's initiative of convening today's debate. I thank the Secretary General Antonio Guterres, President of the ICJ Judge Donohue and Professor Akande for the insightful briefings.
As we face new and complex threats and challenges to international peace and security, and as we see new levels of atrocities, brutality and suffering, all member states must remember that our collective response to threats to international peace and security must be guided by the rule of law at both the national and international levels.
The rule of law is fundamental to ensuring international peace and security and political stability. As we reaffirm the commitment to respect the rule of law, we also witness that the implementation of international law is being challenged more than ever before.
Latvia remains committed to strengthen the rules based international order, because at the core of this order is respect for the sovereignty of states and the prohibition of the use of force.
We believe that no state can be above the law – no matter how big or small. Yet, today, we experience the violations of the international law that aim to undermine a system, which, ultimately, is there to protect us all.
Russia's continuous aggression against Ukraine is the ongoing most serious breach of international law. The redrawing of borders using military power represents a threat that goes beyond Ukraine - it is a brazen assault on the international legal order and the UN Charter as such. While the Security Council essentially has all the tools necessary to respond and maintain peace in accordance with the UN Charter, it is unable to do so, because it’s been hijacked by Russia and its abuse of veto.
Mr. President,
It is essential to do everything possible to settle disputes by peaceful means. In this regard, Latvia underlines the key role of the International Court of Justice in the strengthening of the international rule of law. Through its work, it helps us understand that the rule of law cannot be applied in a vacuum but must be interpreted in the light of the realities of the international community in order to remain relevant and effective.
We urge, again, Russia to immediately suspend its military operations in Ukraine, as ordered by the International Court of Justice.
Latvia strongly supports the opened investigation by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court regarding alleged atrocity crimes in Ukraine. However, regrettably, the ICC is unable to exercise jurisdiction over the crime of Russia’s aggression committed against Ukraine. Therefore, Latvia is dedicated to strengthening accountability and fighting impunity by supporting establishment of an ad hoc Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression.
Ensuring accountability for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine would signal that waging blatantly unlawful and colonizing wars will not go unpunished, not now, not ever. The response of the international community against this brazen aggression, this mother crime of all crimes, including through the prosecution of this crime, is therefore of crucial importance for the restoration of justice and the future of the international legal order.
I thank you!