UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Monday that the global order is weakening as the rule of law is being replaced by what he called the “law of the jungle”, Anadolu reports.

Calling for a new commitment to multilateralism and accountability, Guterres stressed that “the rule of law is a foundation of global peace and security” during the Security Council’s open debate on “Reaffirming the International Rule of Law”. Law: The Road to the Revival of Peace, Justice and Multilateralism”.

He recalled that in 2024, UN member states adopted the “Pact for the Future” which included a commitment “to act in accordance with international law and fulfill obligations faithfully” but warned that “words are not matching action”.

“Around the globe, the rule of law is replaced by the law of the jungle. We see flagrant violations of international law and open disregard for the UN Charter,” he said.

On conflicts “from Gaza to Ukraine, from the Sahel to Myanmar, to Venezuela and elsewhere,” Guterres noted that “the rule of law is being treated as an a la carte menu (a menu chosen at will).” He emphasized that states are violating international law “with impunity” illegal use of force, strikes on civilian infrastructure, violations and abuses of human rights, illegal development of nuclear weapons, constitutional changes of governments and denial of vital humanitarian aid”.

“These violations create dangerous precedents, encouraging other countries to do what they want, instead of what they are obliged to do under international law”, he warned.

– No other body or ad hoc coalition cannot bind all states on peace and security

Underscoring the unique authority of the Security Council, Guterres said: “In an age full of initiatives, the United Nations Security Council stands alone in the authority of the Charter’s mandate to act on behalf of all Member States on matters of peace and security.”

“Only the Security Council adopts decisions that are binding on all,” he said, stressing that “no other body or ad hoc coalition can legally demand that all countries submit to decisions on peace and security”.

He added that “only the Security Council can authorize the use of force under international law, as defined in the Charter. His responsibility is unique. Its obligation is universal,” noting that council reform is “essential.” Guterres also stressed the need to “ensure accountability and end impunity,” calling for support for international justice. “The International Criminal Court, the central institution of the international criminal justice system, must be able to operate independently,” he said.

“There can be no lasting peace or justice without accountability”, added Guterres.

Source: prizrenpost