Statement on behalf of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia on Agenda item 84 “The rule of law at the national and international levels” at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Sixth Committee delivered by Elvīra Cupika-Mavrina, Legal Advisor of Latvia to the United Nations
New York, 8 October 2025
Mr. Chair,
I have the honour to address the Sixth Committee on behalf of the three Baltic States - Estonia, Lithuania and my own country Latvia.
The Baltic States align with the statement made by the European Union and its Members States.
We thank the Secretary-General for his latest report on the Rule of Law, which underscores the vital role of peace, security and sustainable development. The report also indicates the pressing need for strong national and international legal frameworks, as well as inclusive access to justice.
First of all, the rule of law begins at home. At the national level, it means building and sustaining independent judiciaries, transparent institutions, equal access to justice, and strong safeguards for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It requires laws that are applied equally to all, without discrimination or selective enforcement.
Our democratic transitions demonstrated that lasting peace and prosperity are only possible when the rule of law is firmly rooted domestically. Ensuring accountability, fighting corruption, and protecting media freedom and civic space remain essential pillars in strengthening public trust in state institutions. By upholding these principles nationally, we reinforce the international rule of law and contribute to a resilient, rules-based global order.
For the Baltic States, whose histories reflect both the fragility and the resilience of international law, this is not an abstract debate. After eighty years, we must ask: has the world truly learned that the rule of law remains our strongest shield against aggression and injustice?
Our own experience provides a clear and undeniable answer: when the principles of the UN Charter are upheld, nations can reclaim their independence and build free, democratic and prosperous societies. But when those principles are disregarded, the cost to international peace and security is immeasurable. The rule of law is not merely a set of norms - it is a vital shield against tyranny, oppression and violations of human rights.
As we mark the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations, the fight against impunity remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Strengthening international legal frameworks is not merely a necessity – it is a moral imperative to ensure accountability, uphold the rule of law, and secure justice for all.
In this regard, we underscore the central role of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, whose authority and judgements safeguard the rule of law and ensure the accountability for the most serious violations of international norms. Our commitment to the rule of law goes beyond rhetoric: we support and welcome the mechanisms that enable justice, reinforce state cooperation, and ensure that impunity does not become the norm.
Likewise, we recognize the important role of the United Nations in advancing the codification and progressive development of international law, particularly through the work of the International Law Commission. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting its efforts as a cornerstone of a rules-based international order for building a stronger multilateral system.
Ultimately, the rule of law at the national and international levels are inseparable: without strong domestic foundations, the international system cannot thrive; and without an effective international order, national efforts cannot be sustained. Strengthening both dimensions is essential for peace, justice, and sustainable development for all.
I thank you!