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UN Chief Warns Against Raw Power, Urges Rule of Law Future on ICJ Anniversary

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice with a stark warning against a world driven by raw power instead of the rule of law. He stated that violations of international law are happening in plain sight and adherence to it is more critical than ever. ICJ President Iwasawa Yuji echoed concerns about growing resistance to international obligations and multilateralism. The event in The Hague was attended by Dutch King Willem-Alexander and senior officials, commemorating the court's role in peacefully settling disputes between nations.

Key Points: UN Chief Urges Rule of Law Over Power on ICJ 80th Anniversary

  • UN chief warns against erosion of international law
  • ICJ marks 80th anniversary in The Hague
  • Growing scepticism toward multilateralism noted
  • Court settles disputes between UN member states
  • Event attended by Dutch King and officials
2 min read

UN chief urges future guided by rule of law, not raw power

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns against weakening international law, urging a future guided by rules, not raw power, at ICJ anniversary event.

"When the law of force replaces the force of law, instability becomes contagious. - Antonio Guterres"

United Nations, April 18

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the international community to choose a future governed by the rule of law rather than one driven by raw power in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Marking the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday (local time), Guterres noted that "violations of international law are unfolding before our eyes."

"It is precisely because the international system is under such strain that adherence to international law matters more than ever, especially in this era of shifting power dynamics," the UN chief said.

Guterres warned that weakening international law risks eroding the foundations of global stability. "When the law of force replaces the force of law, instability becomes contagious," he cautioned.

Iwasawa Yuji, president of the ICJ, echoed these concerns, pointing to troubling signs of disengagement from international obligations, growing resistance to compliance, and increasing scepticism toward multilateralism, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The Court responds to these challenges by carrying out its judicial function, by interpreting and applying international law rigorously and in good faith," he said.

The ICJ, the UN's highest tribunal, is the only international court that settles disputes between the 193 UN member states.

This means that it makes an important contribution to global peace and security, providing a way for countries to resolve issues without resorting to conflict.

Established in 1945 and based in the Peace Palace in The Hague, the ICJ held a solemn sitting on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its inaugural session.

The event was attended by Dutch King Willem-Alexander, alongside senior international and Dutch officials.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"When the law of force replaces the force of law..." Powerful words. We see this play out too often where larger nations bully smaller ones. The ICJ's role is vital, but it needs more teeth to ensure compliance from all nations, big and small.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, while the sentiment is noble, the reality is different. Powerful countries often ignore ICJ rulings when it doesn't suit them. The system feels biased. Until that changes, it's just idealistic talk. We need real reform, not just anniversaries.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in India, I see how important a rules-based order is for a diverse country like this. The same applies globally. The growing skepticism towards multilateralism is worrying. We must strengthen these institutions, not walk away from them.
V
Vikram M
Absolutely correct. In our own context, we need all nations in the region to abide by international law and agreements. Peaceful dispute resolution through bodies like the ICJ is the civilized way forward. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
The 80th anniversary is a milestone. But the "increasing scepticism" the ICJ President mentions is real. People are losing faith because they see double standards. The court must be, and must be seen as, truly impartial for global trust.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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