UNGA81 Sixth Committee, agenda item “Rule of law at the national and international levels”
Statement delivered by Elvira Cupika-Mavrina, Legal advisor of Latvia on behalf of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia
New York, 7 October 2026
Mr. Chair,
I have the honor to address the Sixth Committee on behalf of the three Baltic States – Estonia, Lithuania and my own country Latvia. The Baltic States align with the statement made by the European Union.
We would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on strengthening and coordinating United Nations rule of law activities. Within the context of the present debate, we particularly note the acknowledgment in the report of the urgent need for robust legal frameworks, inclusive access to justice, enhanced security for all, and the important role of the International Law Commission in the advancement and codification of international legal standards.
In this regard, we wish to underscore two key points.
Firstly, the importance of the rule of law for the maintenance of peace and security.
As ever, the rule of law remains one of the most important pillars of a just and secure world. Whether at the national or international level, it provides the framework through which rights are protected, responsibilities are defined, and disputes are resolved through peaceful means rather than brute force and aggression. For the Baltic States, the rule of law and the rules-based international order are more than mere concepts: they have safeguarded and preserved our international legal personality through state continuity.
The rule of law is an integral part of any effectively functioning democratic society. Effective legal systems and strong judicial institutions – access to independent, impartial courts and adjudicators, as well as fair legal procedures – are essential for safeguarding individuals’ human rights and fundamental freedoms and ensuring that justice is accessible to all. Any internal or external threat, pressure, intimidation or interference towards judiciary is unacceptable. Transparency, the fight against corruption, and respect for media freedom and civic space are equally important for maintaining trust in democratic institutions. In this way, the rule of law extends beyond a purely legal concept, serving as a cornerstone of good governance and fostering inclusive, resilient, and prosperous societies built on accountability, equality, and public trust.
Nevertheless, in order for the rule of law to deliver lasting results, it must be strengthened comprehensively both on the national and international levels. Beyond improving the capacity of domestic institutions, this requires reinforcing the international legal order, promoting accountability for violations of international law, and continuing the fight against impunity. A strong multilateral, international law based international system enables States to resolve disputes peacefully, uphold their legal obligations, and foster stability, predictability, and respect for justice worldwide.
Against this background, we would like to highlight our second point – the importance of international judicial and expert bodies.
We reaffirm the indispensable role of the international courts in upholding the rule of law. Supporting these institutions, as well as other international accountability mechanisms, is essential to preserving a world where justice and the rule of law can continue to prevail.
We further emphasize the continued contribution of the International Law Commission in the progressive development and codification of international law. In this regard, we note with appreciation the previous engagement between the Commission and the Sixth Committee on such topics as the Compensation for the damage caused by internationally wrongful acts and the Draft Articles on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity.
We support further strengthening the dialogue between the International Law Commission and the Sixth Committee to enhance the effectiveness of international law. Such cooperation should be practical and substantive, including through timely and focused comments by Member States on issues identified by the Commission, meaningful exchanges between the Commission and the Sixth Committee, and effective consideration of the Commission’s outputs. This interaction is essential to ensuring that the progressive development and codification of international law remain responsive to contemporary legal challenges.
In closing, national and international dimensions of the rule of law are closely interconnected. While national institutions deliver justice at home, the international legal system safeguards accountability and facilitates cooperation between States. Supported by the work of the International Law Commission, together, these efforts strengthen the rules-based international order. We, the international community, must reaffirm our commitment to a world in which the norms and principles enshrined in the UN Charter are upheld, impunity is effectively addressed, and the rule of law remains the cornerstone of lasting peace and security.
I thank you!
