UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY SIXTH COMMITTEE: PLENARY DEBATE ON ‘THE RULE OF LAW AT THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS’
Statement on behalf of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (CANZ)
Delivered by Ms. Laura McIlhenny, First Secretary and Legal Adviser, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations
8 October 2025
Thank you, Chair.
I have the honour today of speaking on behalf of Canada, New Zealand, and my own country, Australia on this important topic at the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations.
Last year, CANZ countries spoke about the international system being under pressure from the vastness and complexity of issues facing States. In the 12 months since we last met on this topic, that scope of issues has only expanded and intensified, which is why CANZ countries particularly welcome the sub-topic of today’s debate, “The rule of law at the national and international levels at the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations”. This sub-topic is a chance to reflect upon how, over the 80 years of the United Nations, respect for the rule of law has remained central to the functionality and viability of our domestic and international systems, including the United Nations itself. At the international level, the rule of law gives predictability and legitimacy to international relations. It continues to be critical for international peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development - the three core pillars upon which the United Nations was built 80 years ago.
We thank the Secretary-General for their report and commend the work of the United Nations in providing rule of law assistance in over 150 Member States spanning every region of the world. We acknowledge the positive contributions made by the UN to the rule of law over the past 80 years through policymaking and standard setting, and through the progressive development of international law and its codification. This work remains essential for building just and fair societies that respect human rights and uphold the rule of law domestically and internationally. CANZ countries will continue to be guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as we engage in work that promotes the rule of law and strengthens international law.
As reflected in the New Vision of the Secretary-General for the Rule of Law, we agree that Member States’ compliance with their obligations under international law is essential for the maintenance of international peace and security, for international cooperation, and ultimately to protect individuals.
CANZ countries recognise that the rule of law lies at the heart of the UN Charter and it is founded on States upholding their international obligations in good faith. We are concerned that respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) is being severely undermined, with real consequences for people caught up in conflicts. This is why CANZ support the ICRC’s Global Initiative to galvanize political commitment for IHL, and we call on all world leaders to unite around a shared responsibility to protect and uphold humanity in war.
We remain deeply concerned by increasing fatalities and incidents involving humanitarian personnel and increasing restrictions on humanitarian access. Over 100 nations have now endorsed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, launched on the eve of High-level week, and we encourage all states to endorse it. This Declaration delivers real protection for humanitarians risking their lives to protect others, at a time when they are facing unprecedented threats to their lives and safety.
CANZ countries acknowledge the crucial work of international courts and tribunals in upholding international law. We reaffirm our support for the International Court of Justice as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and our recognition of its vital role in promoting the rule of law through the peaceful judicial settlement of disputes between States. We call on all States which have not done so to accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. CANZ countries are also long-standing supporters of the International Criminal Court which contributes to the fight against impunity through the prosecution of the most serious international crimes when national authorities are unable or unwilling to do so.
CANZ countries continue to support the Secretary-General’s call for all Member States to promote, and adhere to, the rule of law within their own borders and internationally. We reiterate that we can only solve our biggest international problems together and we take this opportunity to commend the work of the United Nations in bringing States together, and for promoting effective, inclusive, and accountable institutions that have upheld the rule of law for over 80 years. For our part, CANZ remains ready to cooperate with other Member States and the UN to preserve and protect the rule of law at national and international levels, working in partnership to strengthen accountability globally, and promote the international institutions that defend international law.
Thank you.