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26.01.2026 Statement for open debate on Rule of Law

Who Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN, Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi
Who Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN, Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi
When 26.01.2026

 

Checked Against Delivery 

 

Thank you, Mr. President,

 

Let me also thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Ali Yusuf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Judge Yusuf for their insightful briefings.

 

We commend Somalia for convening this timely debate today.

 

Mr. President,

 

Around this table, we must recall that the rule of law is not an abstract principle.  For civilians in Sudan, it is the promise that tomorrow will be safer than today. For families in Haiti, it means safety from gangs and a justice system that functions. For communities in Ukraine, and indeed around the globe, it is the assurance that sovereignty matters.

 

 

Put simply, it is the promise of the UN Charter in action. That relations between nations are built on the law and mutual respect for the law. Today however, that promise, upon which so many rely and which all of us have committed to uphold, is under unprecedented threat.

 

Urgent action is needed to reverse course and to promote and defend the rule of law.

 

Mr. President,

 

There are many ways to put this principle into practice. However, the first is as fundamental as it is simple. It is upholding the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. Of all States, without exception. It is resolving disputes peacefully. It is ending, immediately, the illegal use or threat of use of force. These aspects are foundational and they are non-negotiable.

 

Mr. President,

 

The rule of law is also built on strong independent legal institutions.

 

Later this year, we will mark the 80-year anniversary of the International Court of Justice. This offers not only an opportunity for celebration, but for recommitment to the Court’s central role in upholding international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

We, the Member States, must fulfil our obligation under Article 33 and seek solutions to any dispute by peaceful means, and we encourage all Member States to accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court.

 

Strong independent criminal courts, at both national and international level are also essential. Since the International Criminal Court’s establishment, Denmark’s support for the court and the Rome Statute has been and continues to be unwavering. As a part of our commitment to the ICC, we are pleased to announce the candidacy of Danish High Court Judge Mette Lyster Knudsen for the upcoming ICC judicial election in December 2026.

 

Mr. President,

 

The rule of law is the backbone of peaceful, just and inclusive societies. It is vital to both ensuring immediate security and the necessary stability for peacebuilding to take root. It is fundamental to achieve economic and social progress and development and to ensure the protection of human rights.

 

Denmark believes that this Council must therefore continue to provide strong rule of law mandates in peace operations. Such mandates support and build national institutions and capacities, reduce the risk of conflicts re-emerging and enable effective transition and exit strategies. At a time of increased financial pressure, they are cost-effective investments in peace.

 

 

However, our tools will remain ineffective, our resolutions empty words on a page, if we, members of the Security Council, do not muster the political will to use and implement them. Too often, that will is blocked by the misuse of the veto. Denmark’s view is clear: it is time to reform the Security Council to represent the world of this century. It is time to restrict the use of the veto, and take seriously initiatives to this end. Above all, it is time to break the paralysis and deadlock that too often hinders our work.

 

 

Mr. President, in closing,

 

The credibility of this Council, and of the multilateral system as a whole, rests not solely on our decisions, but on the principles we defend. When we place the rule of law at the centre of our work, we reaffirm that peace is built on justice and accountability. We remind the countless civilians trapped in conflict that their rights matter. That they matter. That the purposes and principles of the UN Charter continues to guide us. Denmark’s support to these principles was resolute 80 years ago. And it remains so today. It will also remain so in the future.

 

Thank you.