Joint Nordic Statement delivered by Ms. Verna Adkins,
First Secretary and Legal Adviser at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations
Sixth Committee - General Debate
Agenda item 84: The rule of law at the national and international levels
9 October, 2025

Mr/Mme Chair, 

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country, Finland.

We thank the Secretary General for his report on the topic [contained in document A/80/99]. The focus of the report this year, namely the activities of the United Nations to strengthen the rule of law at the national and international levels at the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations, is particularly important and timely. 

When the United Nations Charter was signed in 1945, the world was emerging from the devastation of the Second World War. The Charter was not merely a treaty—it was a promise. A promise to replace the law of force with the force of law. It enshrined principles that would guide international relations, protect human dignity, and promote peaceful coexistence. At its heart lies the rule of law: the idea that all actors, whether states or individuals, are bound by and benefit from a predictable, just legal order. 

Eighty years ago, the signing of the UN Charter laid the foundation for effective multilateralism and the birth of the United Nations. It marked our collective resolve to replace war with dialogue and cooperation, uphold human dignity, and pursue peace, security, and justice together. The Charter’s core principles—sovereign equality, non-use of force, and respect for human rights—remain as vital today as they were then. The UN continues to play a central role in defending these values and promoting the rule of law in a rapidly changing world.

The Nordic countries emphasize that the rule of law, as reflected in the phrase “Everyone is equal before the law” must in practice apply to everyone, regardless, for instance, of gender. The United Nations have greatly contributed to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Without actual equality before the law, the promise of multilateralism remains incomplete. Without it, not everyone will be “Free and Equal.”

As highlighted in the Secretary General’s report regarding the rule of law at the international level, the United Nations has, indeed, played a fundamental role in upholding international law and in progressively developing and codifying it. Over the decades, a multitude of multilateral treaties has been negotiated under the auspices of the organization, and new treaties are being developed in response to new challenges. 

As rightly emphasized in the report, the International Court of Justice – the principal judicial organ of the United Nations – has played and plays an instrumental role in implementing and promoting international law and upholding the rule of law at the international level. The high level of judicial activity at the ICJ reflects the trust that the Member States place in the court for the settlement of disputes.  In addition, the International Criminal Court is critical to preserving international rule of law. Since its establishment, the ICC has not only delivered justice for some of the victims of the most serious crimes under international law but also made an invaluable contribution to the development of international criminal law. The Nordic countries reaffirm our unwavering support for international courts and tribunals, and for the dedicated officials who serve within them. We underscore that the independence and impartiality of judicial institutions are essential pillars of the rule of law. These principles must be protected at all times to ensure justice, accountability, and the integrity of the international legal system.

We wish to underscore the vital role of the International Law Commission, whose mandate lies at the core of the United Nations’ mission as set out in Article 13 of the UN Charter. The ILC’s work in codifying and progressively developing international law directly serves the interests and practical needs of Member States. It is therefore deeply concerning that the ILC has been disproportionately impacted by the UN liquidity crisis. We emphasize that the Commission must be provided with adequate resources to fulfill its functions as mandated by the General Assembly.

Multilateralism is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The global challenges we face today are too complex for any country to tackle alone. The need for the United Nations and a rules-based international order continues to grow. For the UN to succeed, we must respect it, engage with it, and shape it into a modern, effective institution—one that upholds the Charter and advances our shared ideals.

Let us remember our collective commitment to multilateralism and international rule of law and continue to support and cherish the organization in the center of this work. The Nordic countries reiterate our firm support for the United Nations and its activities to promote sustainable development, peace, security, rule of law and human rights.