UN Security Council Open Debate on the UN Charter - Nordic Statement

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Mr. President,

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

Our global system of collective security relies on respect for sovereign equality and territorial integrity, as well as the duty to resolve disputes through peaceful means.

But bad faith, conflict and contempt for international law by some states are weakening the institutions we built for this purpose.

Human rights and gender equality face a severe push-back in many countries. Geopolitical tension is increasing.

The number of armed conflicts is growing, affecting civilians around the world. In Sudan, Palestine, Lebanon, Myanmar and many other conflict zones, millions are suffering.

While we gather here, Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine – bringing suffering, death, and destruction.

Impunity is not an option.

A Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and an International Claims Commission are being established.

These mechanisms are concrete examples of how we deliver on the principles and purposes of the UN Charter today, even when the Security Council is unable to act. And they mark groundbreaking steps toward ensuring accountability for the blatant violation of international law that Russia’s aggression represents, and reparation for the damage inflicted on the victim.

Mr President,

Adherence to the UN Charter is the best guarantor of international peace and stability, benefitting all countries.

At the same time, some reform is necessary to ensure the UN’s central role in international affairs. The Nordic countries remain steadfast supporters of UN80. The initiative must be a moment of renewal for the benefit of the people it serves.

We see UN80 as an opportunity to strengthen the UN’s impact across all three pillars, including when it comes to the respect for international law.

Furthermore, the time for reform of this Council is now.

More than ever, the world needs a Security Council that is more accountable, more transparent, more representative, more effective.

We support a geographically balanced expansion of the Security Council, including by adding permanent and non-permanent seats.

We also call on all Council members to fully implement and adhere to all provisions of the Charter as they relate to the decision-making process in the Security Council, including Article 27 (3).

Mr President,

The Nordic Countries will continue defending strong institutions and international law, including the UN Charter.

Our choice is clear – we choose the United Nations.

Thank you.