第80回国連総会第6委員会「法の支配」における中井参事官ステートメント

 

Thank you, Mr. Chair.
 
Japan aligns with Austria’s statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law.
 
In the international community, multilateralism cannot function without mutual trust and cooperation, and these cannot exist without sincere observance of fundamental norms of international law. In other words, the rule of law is the foundational principle underpinning multilateralism.
 
What we are witnessing today is, however, the trampling of the UN Charter's vision for international peace and security based on the purpose and principles of the Charter. Faced with this reality, it cannot be overemphasized that any attempts to acquire territory by force must never be tolerated. It is also beyond dispute that we must cooperate with one another to confront serious violations of the principles of the Charter.
 
As we mark the 80^th anniversary of the founding of the UN, it should be recalled that we have built upon these fundamental principles continuously over eight decades. In this regard, the “Friendly Relations Declaration”, adopted in 1970 after overcoming serious divisions among Member States through persistent dialogue, stands as the fruit of our predecessors' wisdom and remains a foundation for deriving basic principles to promote the rule of law to this day. To highlight its significance, Japan plans to hold an event on the 29^th of this month to commemorate the 55^th anniversary of this Declaration.
 
Japan is convinced that these fundamental principles serve as the basis to bind together the increasingly divided international community today. Japan reiterates the importance of returning to these unshakable principles.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Japan also emphasizes the role of international judicial institutions in reinforcing the rule of law in the international community and in substantiating norms and principles under international law. Japan has been making significant contributions, both in terms of human and financial resources, to institutions such as the ICJ, ICC, and ITLOS for promoting the peaceful settlement of international disputes through appropriate use of these mechanisms. It is also important that the independence and security of these institutions are respected so that they can fulfill their roles and functions.  
 
As part of the efforts to reinforce the role of international judicial institutions, given that only 74 states have made a declaration under Article 36 (2) of the ICJ Statute, Japan calls for Member States who are committed to the rule of law but have not yet done so to make this declaration, which clearly testifies strong commitment to the rule of law.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Human resource development is crucial to promoting the rule of law widely in the international community. Japan has been supporting national efforts in Asia and Africa to develop human resources as well as to build legal systems.
 
In this regard, Japan launched the Tokyo International Law Seminar (TILS) in 2023 to provide training program for practitioners in international law for government officials and legal experts from Asia and Africa annually. The 3^rd TILS was held this August, with more than 100 people in attendance including 53 government officials and young researchers in the field of international law. Japan will continue to contribute to promoting the rule of law by enhancing knowledge of international law and promoting exchanges.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
The rule of law among nations is a universal concept and strengthening it benefits all nations in the long term. Japan will continue to cooperate with fellow Member States toward ensuring the rule of law among nations based on the UN Charter.
 
I thank you.