UN: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on all member states to uphold the vision and the values of the UN Charter and the rule of law in particular.
"First and foremost, I urge all member states to uphold the vision and the values of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to abide by international law," the UN Chief told a Security Council meeting on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security.
Noting that the rule of law is "foundational to the United Nations, and to our mission of peace," and that the cornerstone of the rule of law is that "all people, institutions, and entities, public and private, including the state itself, are accountable before the law," the top UN official said the rule of law protects the vulnerable, and prevents discrimination, harassment and other abuses.
"It is our first line of defense against atrocity crimes, including genocide. It creates and bolsters trust in institutions. It supports fair, inclusive economies and societies. And it is the basis of international cooperation and multilateralism," he said.
The debate on this topic at the Security Council, said Guterres, "sends a strong message that ensuring the rule of law is our priority, and that all countries must adhere to international standards." "We are at grave risk of the Rule of Lawlessness," he warned. - XINHUA
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