International law
Rule of law, ICJ and ICC at UNGA 81
Raised by 185 of 223 speakers. Read verbatim UN transcript quotes and select a time to hear the speech.
Speeches that raised rule of law, icj and icc
Vanuatu · Day 6Odo TeviThe international humanitarian law is being tested.
Our security depends fundamentally on something else, international law, multilateral institutions, diplomacy, and the equal sovereignty of states.
When international law is respected, a small nation has protection.
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New Zealand · Day 6Victoria Louise HallumFundamental norms governing state behaviour are being violated with increasing impunity, contravening the UN Charter and other universally applicable rules of international law.
whose sovereignty, security and prosperity depends on a functioning, inclusive multilateral system, grounded in agreed rules and norms, with the UN Charter at its centre.
We regard the UN Charter, with its core principles of sovereign equality of states, territorial integrity, the prohibition of the use of force and respect for human rights, as irreplaceable.
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Antigua and Barbuda · Day 6Walton Alfonso WebsonCan international law restrain power rather than merely record its consequences?
International law must apply equally.
International law, cooperation, and multilateralism are fundamental to our security and stability.
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Denmark · Day 6Christina Markus LassenEven the most basic principles of international law, including international humanitarian law, are violated with impunity.
Excellencies, respect for the Charter, for human rights, for international law, is not a courtesy we extend when convenient.
It is the only basis for good faith talks aimed at a just and lasting peace in line with international law, including the UN Charter.
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Algeria · Day 6Ahmed AttafIt lies in the transformation of the exception into the rule, to a situation where the rules of international law become applicable at times and suspended at others, subject only to the dictates of power balances.
What confidence can remain in international law when the aggressor is granted the right to self-defense, while the victim is required to justify even the right to survive?
and that would put an end to selectivity and double standards in the application of international law.
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Sudan · Day 6Mohieldin Salim Ahmed IbrahimI stand today before this distinguished Assembly under deeply regrettable circumstances that Sudan never wished to witness within an organization founded on the principles of sovereign equality among states, respect for international law, and the guarantee of equal participation for all member states.
Mr. President, the need remains urgent for comprehensive equitable and expeditious reform of the international system in light of these changes and challenges, as well as for political administration through dialogue, respect for international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The continued disregard for and violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter through the use or threat of use of force in international relations, and through interference in the internal affairs of states in various forms, and through disregard for the established principles of international law, threaten confidence in the multilateral international system and in the charter of the United Nations itself.
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Burkina Faso · Day 6Karamoko Jean Marie TraoréInternational law is being martyred and tortured by members.
shortfalls, persistent selectivity and manifest politicization that our states made a sovereign decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court and formally notified our withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
It is necessary to strengthen transparency, accountability, put an end to double standards, to adapt this body to geopolitical reality the Confederation reaffirms its support for the Essel we need consensus and the sets declaration the credibility of the organization will the credibility of the UN will depend on its ability to ensure that the Charter international law and the sovereign equality of states are fully respected with the same rigor without distinction in this regards the Confederation reiterates our appeal to lift all unilateral coercive actions that are against international law, including the embargo imposed against the Republic of Cuba.
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Malawi · Day 6George Chapatula ChapondaMalawi remains firmly committed to the rule of law, accountability, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
It is in this spirit that Malawi has presented the candidature of Lady Justice Thulane Chizumira for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court for the term 2027 to 2036.
As States Parties prepare to elect six judges to the International Criminal Court in December 2026, Malawi respectfully seeks the valued support of States Parties for the candidature of Lady Justice Yudirane Chizumira.
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United Arab Emirates · Day 6Khalifa Shaheen Al MararThis approach is grounded in full respect for the sovereignty of states, good neighborly relations, international law, and the UN Charter.
The United Arab Emirates has consistently called for a peaceful settlement of this conflict, whether through direct negotiations or by recourse to the International Court of Justice.
Amid growing threats to navigation in our region and beyond, my country has continued to emphasize the principles of freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage, We stressed the need to secure and protect the safe flow of supply chains, trade and energy in accordance with international law, including the law of the sea and the principle of state sovereignty, recognizing these as pillars of food security, development and prosperity of nations.
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Democratic People’s Republic of Korea · Day 6Kim Son GyongIn order to overcome all the existing crises and challenges and promote peace, security and sustainable development, all Member States should seek appropriate solutions to problems while strictly complying with the intrinsic purposes and principles of the UN Charter and giving priority to unity and cooperation among nations.
Mr. President, The sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity of sovereign states are ruthlessly trampled upon, and international law and order feebly collapse due to the unilateral high-handedness and tyranny of a hegemonic state.
Its ambition runs counter to its obligations as a defeated nation, they are in shameless disregard of the UN Charter, and pose a grave challenge to global peace.
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Turkmenistan · Day 6Vepa HajiyevIn these circumstances, it's particularly important to uphold the common purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, ensure respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, their sovereign equality and non-interference in their internal affairs, and strengthen the rule of international law.
Its activities could contribute to safeguarding the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, strengthening dialogue among equals and preventing the emergence of dividing lines in international cooperation.
Distinguished participants, Turkmenistan regards the strengthening of international law as an essential condition for a just and sustainable international order.
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Costa Rica · Day 6Boris Vasir Marchegiani CarreroTransnational organized crime, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, weapons smuggling, asset laundering, cybercrime and illegal mining transcend national borders and undermine democratic stability, development and the rule of law.
These threats require greater international cooperation, information exchange, stronger institutions, and a renewed commitment to international law and international humanitarian law.
As a neighboring nation that has welcomed hundreds and hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguan citizens, we remain staunchly committed to defending their rights and to the restoration of the rule of law in Nicaragua.
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President of the General Assembly (closing) · Day 6Dr. Khalilur RahmanBut peace was spoken of less as a distant aspiration than as an urgent defense of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the protection of civilians.
We heard demands for civilian protection, humanitarian access, accountability, and political solutions grounded in international law and international humanitarian law.
It requires prevention, mediation and diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and rights, adherence to international law, and investment in the conditions that sustain peace.
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Sri Lanka · Day 6Vijitha HerathI am pleased to note that even during these challenging times, Sri Lanka has continued to uphold its commitments to international law and ensure sanctity of human life and human dignity.
We saw human lives in danger and we acted, founding ourselves on international law and on humanity.
International law, including international humanitarian law, must be adhered to and respected by all parties.
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- Iran (Islamic Republic of) · Day 6
This name has been used since the dawn of history has been endorsed by the United Nations system and must therefore be respected by all.
Regarding Iran's lawful defensive acts against the US military facilities in the region, I must refer to this Assembly's resolution on the definition of aggression.
It declares that the action of a State in allowing its territory, which it has placed at the disposal of another state to be used by that state for perpetrating an act of aggression against a third state constitutes an act of aggression, period.
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- Philippines · Day 6
Mr. President, the Philippines exercises its right of reply to the statement of the delegation of China concerning the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Mr. President, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the award.
The Philippines recalls the UNCLOS and the award are the twin anchors for our policy and actions in the South China Sea.
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- Sudan · Day 6
Thank you, Mr. President.
With regards to the response by the representative of Chad, I would like to draw his attention to the report of the independent fact-finding mission, report AHRC/63/23, September 2026, titled igniting the conflict in Sudan, external to the paragraphs 47, 54, 80, 84, 72, 86, 98, 125, 88.
All of these paragraphs are related to the countries that are worsening the conflict and at the head of them is the country of evil, the UAE.
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- Philippines · Day 6
The legal position is well established.
The 2016 South China Sea arbitral award was rendered by a tribunal constituted pursuant to Annex VII of the UNCLOS.
Under Article 296 of UNCLOS and Article 11 of Annex VII, The award is final and shall be complied with by the parties to the dispute.
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Congo · Day 6Constant Serge BoundaThe theme of this session, Restoring Trust and Managing Transformation, resonates as a call for clarity and courage in a world where trust is eroding, tensions are rising, and double standards and relationships of force threaten to replace both the spirit and the letter of the UN Charter.
We reaffirm here and now the Pan-African vocation of our diplomacy and our commitment to international law.
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- China · Day 6
The Philippines in electoral initiation of the so-called arbitration violated such basic principles of international law as state consent and pacta sunt servanda, and violated international law, including UNCLOS.
In rendering the award, the arbitral tribunal exceeded its authority and abused its jurisdiction.
The award is illegal now and void.
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- Indonesia · Day 6
Indonesia has a responsibility to protect all of its citizens.
Law enforcement must and will remain subject to Indonesia's laws and our international human rights obligations.
We therefore categorically reject any attempt to present disinformation or misinformation about human rights situations in Indonesia.
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- China · Day 6
Territorial issues are not regulated by the UNCLOS.
While maritime delimitation has been excluded from compulsory procedures by a declaration made by China, The arbitral tribunal overstepped its jurisdiction, and its award is a result of the poisonous tree and has no validity whatsoever.
Second, the convention has never denied historic rights.
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- Japan · Day 6
Reflecting upon the past eight decades, Japan has consistently walked the path of a peace-loving nation and has consistently contributed to peace and prosperity in the international community since the end of World War II.
This is widely and accurately recognized and highly appreciated by the international community.
Freedom, democracy, and fundamental human rights remain unshakable foundations of Japan's every decisions and action.
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- United Arab Emirates · Day 6
This occupation runs counter to the UN Charter and international law.
We continue to call upon Iran to abide by the UN Charter and international law, to resolve this matter through bilateral negotiations or through resorting to, uh, the ICJ.
As for the statement delivered by the delegation of Sudan, speaking
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