Singapore Urges UN Member States to Prevent Violations of International Law

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan of Singapore has made a compelling call at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent the normalization of recent violations of international law. Here are the key points from his address:

Upholding International Law

• Dr. Balakrishnan highlighted the importance of Article 2 of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against territorial integrity.
• He also referenced UNSC Resolution 242, which reaffirms the inadmissibility of acquiring territory through war.
  

  Ensuring Global Peace and Security
  

• The Foreign Minister warned against the dangerous notion that "might is right" and emphasized the need for all countries, regardless of size, to work together to preserve peace and save lives.
• He stressed the role of the UN as a forum for dialogue and partnership, calling for renewed commitment to multilateralism.
  

  Strengthening International Institutions
  

• Dr. Balakrishnan advocated for the reform of global governance institutions to better represent the needs of small states and developing countries.
• He specifically called for reforming the UNSC to reflect contemporary realities and increase transparency and accountability.
  

  Leadership and Cooperation
  

• The Foreign Minister urged the five permanent members of the Security Council to demonstrate leadership and cooperate in maintaining international peace and security.
• He highlighted the lack of trust among major powers as a significant obstacle to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts in regions like the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan.

  In conclusion, Dr. Balakrishnan emphasized the importance of returning to the foundational principles of the UN, including respect for international law and the UN Charter. He called on all member states to work together to strengthen the role of the UN in promoting peace and sustainable development on a global scale.

  Analysis:
  

  Dr. Balakrishnan’s address at the UN General Assembly underscores the critical importance of upholding international law and strengthening global governance institutions for the preservation of peace and security worldwide. By highlighting the dangers of allowing "might is right" to prevail and emphasizing the need for cooperation among all countries, regardless of size, he has issued a powerful call to action for the international community.

  The Foreign Minister’s focus on the role of the UN as a forum for dialogue and partnership, as well as his advocacy for reforming the UNSC to better reflect contemporary realities, demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring that global governance institutions are responsive and effective in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.

  Overall, Dr. Balakrishnan’s address serves as a reminder of the foundational principles that have underpinned global peace and security for the last 80 years and calls on all member states to reaffirm their commitment to upholding these principles for the benefit of all nations.