New york: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must act in an 'efficient' and 'non-selective' manner in the upholding and application of international law, said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
According to Philippines News Agency, before a UNSC-led open debate Monday, ASEAN pointed out that rule of law is being challenged 'on almost all fronts,' further highlighting the urgent need to uphold international law, including the UN Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
'ASEAN underscores the importance of the Security Council acting in an efficient, consistent, transparent, and non-selective manner, particularly in the application of international law, in order to uphold its credibility and effectively safeguard international peace and security,' the ASEAN statement delivered by Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN, Enrique Manalo, read.
The bloc noted that the UN Charter, including the principles of sovereign equality of States and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, remain as 'indispensable foundation' of global peace and prosperity.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in the same event, had flagged flagrant violations of the UN Charter and international law, saying 'the rule of law is being replaced by the law of the jungle' around the world.
Citing Gaza and Ukraine as examples, Guterres said the rule of law is being treated as 'an la carte menu,' with states choosing which rules to follow.
The UN chief said violations to international law set dangerous precedents and encourage other countries 'to do what they want, instead of what they are required to do under international law.'
'They breed mistrust and division among nations. And they undermine people's faith in our ability to find solutions together,' he said.
'Eight decades after this multilateral system was created, we need to get back on track. And this Council must lead the way,' he added.
The UNSC open debate was convened in New York and comes as the UN marks 80 years since the adoption of its founding Charter, which codifies major principles of international relations to prevent conflicts and reduce suffering.
