United Nations Security Council: Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter
Statement by H.E Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
26 May 2026
Thank you, President.
I have the honour to speak on behalf of MIKTA—Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye, and Australia.
Together, we reflect a diverse group of nations from different regions and cultures, brought together by a shared commitment to the United Nations, its Charter, and the multilateral institutions which have underpinned peace, prosperity and security for the past 80 years.
The Charter stands as the foundational instrument underpinning international stability and cooperation.
Its principles are clear:
- that peace is sustained by rules, not force;
- that disputes are resolved peacefully, not through coercion;
- that all states, regardless of size or power, are equal under international law;
- that human rights and fundamental freedoms apply to everyone;
- and that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States must be fully respected.
These principles are not optional. They are binding obligations.
The Charter matters because it underpins global peace and shared prosperity and serves as the legal and foundational mandate for the three pillars of the United Nations: Peace and Security, Human Rights and Development.
Our multilateral architecture and institutions are not perfect.
They’ve never been so.
Yet we must be honest about the gap between the Charter’s promise and today’s reality.
Conflicts persist, civilians suffer, and faith in the UN’s ability to act decisively is eroding.
Trust, once lost, is difficult to rebuild. Urgent action is required.
MIKTA countries are committed to doing our part.
President,
Your guiding questions invited us to reflect on how we can safeguard a multilateral order based on international law and deliver on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
First and foremost, we are constructively engaged in efforts to modernise the UN.
Each one of us is working to create a fit for purpose United Nations through our engagement in the UN80 initiative – advancing reforms that enhance the impact of the UN where it is needed most.
MIKTA members will continue to be strong and engaged supporters of the ambitious and system-wide reforms needed for the United Nations to deliver on its Charter.
Second, we look to the Security Council to uphold the Charter and deploy its powers for good.
We believe that the Council should make better use of its Chapter VI tools to facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes and prevent conflict.
This includes calling on the parties to pursue peaceful solutions under Article 33, using its powers under Article 34 to look into emerging disputes, and recommending specific dispute settlement measures under Article 36.
We encourage the Secretary-General to work closely with the Council in using these tools, including by using his good offices to bring matters to the Council’s attention.
And we reiterate our longstanding calls for all member states to support France and Mexico’s initiative on the use of the veto in the case of atrocity crimes.
Finally, MIKTA countries will do all we can to uphold international law, defend the universality of the Charter, strengthen the institutions designed to serve it and protect those that deliver on its mandate.
As signatories to the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, each of us is driving action to protect UN and humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
Equally, we underscore the need to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers, while paying tribute to their contributions in carrying out the mandates of the Security Council.
These individuals serve on the front lines of human suffering. They must be protected, respected, and never targeted.
President,
MIKTA is committed to the United Nations and its Charter. We stand ready to work with all Member States to uphold the principles of the Charter and to pursue reform to ensure its objectives are realised—so that the United Nations can continue to deliver for the people it serves today, and in the generations to come.
Thank you.