Open debate of the Security Council under the agenda item "The promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security"
The international rule of law is a fundamental pillar of multilateralism and keystone of the pursuit of cooperation among nations and the maintenance of international peace and security. Both the Security Council and the General Assembly have reaffirmed in numerous resolutions, declarations and statements their commitment to the rule of law. Reaffirming the international rule of law and reinforcing its role through the observance of international obligations in good faith, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the strengthening of multilateral cooperation will help to rebuild trust and uphold the ideals of the Charter, including peace, justice and collective security. Objectives: The objective of this open debate is to reaffirm the importance of the international rule of law for the maintenance of peace and security in the world and to identify ways and means of fortifying it and preventing its gradual erosion through breaches and violations. Speakers: The Security Council meeting will be chaired by the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and will feature briefings by the Secretary-General, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Founding President of the African Institute of International Law, Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf (via videoconference). Background: Recent armed conflicts across the globe seem to have fostered a public perception that the international rule of law is being eroded by repeated breaches in such conflicts. The Security Council's inability to resolve these conflicts is viewed in many quarters as an indication that the capacity of relevant international institutions to enforce the rule of law has significantly diminished. This perception can fuel distrust, which in turn may generate ripple effects in various parts of the world, ultimately contributing to the gradual weakening of the rule of law and of international legal norms in the conduct of international relations. However, good faith observance of international obligations, peaceful settlement of disputes, and multilateral cooperation among States in solving economic and social problems offer reliable pathways forward to reinforce the rule of law among nations and restore confidence in international institutions and processes. [Extract from the concept note]
