Lamola criticises powerful states for disregarding international law
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International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has told the United Nations Security Council that impunity and the disregard for international law by powerful states and those they support, often undermine the Council and other international legal bodies like the International Court of Justice.
He was addressing an open debate in the Council on the leadership required for peace in the world.
The Minister highlights his country’s efforts in that regard in various theatres of war from Ukraine to Gaza, the DRC and Sudan.
He tells the Council that for the debate to be beneficial, the international community must reaffirm its commitment to seeking an end to conflicts through peaceful means in line with the UN Charter and international law.
Lamola says, “Why are we not able to do anything about it? Why is it that this body, the Security Council, dedicated to the pursuance of peace, is unable to effectively contribute to end conflicts? Is it because of unwillingness on the part of its members? Or is it because the Council being unable to act because of its structural deficiencies in the face of contemporary challenges?
“It is clear that the pact of the future is the way to go to reform the Security Council, to make it representative, to make it inclusive and accountable, to be able to resolve and evolve with the global evolving world. Mr President, it appears to both in this new agenda for peace and document, the Secretary-General knows that the national security doctrines of many states emphasise the growing geostrategic competition and military budgets are increasing, illustrating more distrust and less unity,” Lamola stresses.
“A steady erosion of trust and competition between states is weakening the ability of the international community to work together to address shared challenges. The selective application of international law – the hypocrisy as well as the double standards displayed by some member states has resulted in the unfortunate situation of prolonged conflict and suffering of civilians by the inaction or inaction on the part of the Security Council. There is an impression that some should warrant more protection than others,” he adds.
