New York, Jan. 26 (Petra) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned against replacing the rule of law with the "law of the jungle," stressing that the rule of law is the cornerstone of global peace and security and the beating heart of the United Nations Charter.

Addressing the UN Security Council on Monday, in the presence of the President of Somalia, who chaired the session on the rule of law, Guterres said, "We are witnessing flagrant violations of international law and brazen disregard for the United Nations Charter." He added, "We see states violating the rule of law without any deterrence through the unlawful use of force, targeting civilian infrastructure, human rights violations, the illegal development of nuclear weapons, unconstitutional changes of governments, and the denial of life-saving humanitarian assistance," warning that these violations entrench dangerous precedents, fuel mistrust and division among states, and undermine people’s confidence in our ability to find solutions together.

Guterres affirmed his determination to continue tireless efforts for a just and sustainable peace a peace that endures because it addresses the root causes of conflict, not merely its symptoms. He noted that the Security Council, which "takes decisions binding on all," has "a unique responsibility, and its commitment is global." //Petra// AF