Statement by Oļegs Iļģis, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of Latvia at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintanance of international peace and security “Reaffirming International Rule of Law: Pathways to Reinvigorating Peace, Justice and Multilateralism"
New York, 26 January 2026
Thank You, Mr. President,
We thank the Somali presidency for choosing the rule of law as theme for today’s signature open debate, which is both essential and timely. We thank H.E. Secretary-General António Guterres, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Founding President of the African Institute of International Law Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf for their insightful briefings.
Mr. President,
My country’ s history reflects both the fragility and the resilience of international law. When the principles of the UN Charter are upheld, nations can reclaim their independence and build free, democratic, and prosperous societies. When those principles are disregarded, the cost is measured in human suffering and denial of fundamental rights. The rule of law is not merely a set of norms, it is a vital shield against tyranny, oppression, and violations of human rights.
In this context, I would like to make three points.
First, the rule of law is what transforms power into responsibility and vulnerability into rights. It is the dividing line between a world governed by rules and a world governed by force. By translating sovereign equality into legal equality, the rule of law provides stability, predictability, and protection for all States, regardless of size or influence, and supports cooperation based on mutual respect. Upholding the rule of law is not a concession by major powers, but it is a strategic necessity that serves long-term interests of the entire international community.
Second, the Charter provides a clear legal framework for maintaining international peace and security. Its provisions must be applied fully and consistently, not selectively. The norms of the Charter are binding legal commitments that form the backbone of international peace and security. In this context, consistent application of peaceful settlement mechanisms, as reflected in the Article 33 of the Charter, would strengthen preventive action and reduce both the risk of escalation and the number of conflicts. Likewise, respect for the Article 27(3) would further support the proper functioning and credibility of the Council by ensuring that decision-making reflects restraint and adherence to the Charter framework.
Third, reaffirming the rule of law requires more than rhetoric. It requires consistency. It requires that the same rules are applied by all States, without exception. It requires credible accountability for grave violations of international law, including violations of international humanitarian law. And it requires the Security Council to act in a manner that reinforces legality, predictability and respect for international law, as affirmed by multiple presidential statements in the past.
As we mark the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations, this Council has a responsibility to demonstrate that international law still matters. Upholding the rule of law is not about constraining States, it is about protecting them. All of them.
Latvia stands ready to work with all members of the Council to strengthen respect for the rule of law and to ensure that the principles of the Charter continue to safeguard present and future generations.
I thank You!