国際法ウィークエンド2026レセプションにおける山﨑大使挨拶

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening, and welcome to the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations. It is a great pleasure to host the International Law Weekend 2026 Reception.
 
I would first like to thank the American Branch of the International Law Association (ABILA) for contacting Japanese Mission to be the co-host of tonight’s event. We are delighted to welcome members of the international law community, including diplomats, legal practitioners, scholars, and students.
 
This year, ABILA’s conference centered on the unifying theme: “[R]evolution in the International Legal Order”. We meet at a pivotal moment of transition. As we navigate shifts in global balance of power, challenges to bedrock legal principles—including the prohibition on the use of force—and retreats from long-standing commitments, we face both profound uncertainty and unique opportunities for renewal.
 
As we prepare for the International Law Week in the United Nations next week, International Law Weekend, provides us with a wonderful opportunity to exchange views with non-government experts.
 
The rule of law in the international community is facing difficult challenges. However, Japan believes that we should continue to advocate the rule of law for the maintenance of international peace and security. As a clear sign of our own commitment to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes, Japan has been accepting the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice and participating in the International Criminal Court. We are honored to see Japanese Presidents currently leading both of these two organizations. We are also presenting a candidate for ICC judge, Mr. Yamauchi, and we would appreciate it if those States which are party to the Rome Statute could support him in the election in December.  
 
International law mainly develops through agreement among States. Therefore, to address current difficulties surrounding international rule of law, States must find ways to cooperate with each other. Non-government legal experts can assist government legal experts in finding how States can strengthen cooperation. I hope ABILA’s International Law Weekend serves as a valuable opportunity to explore how we can collectively make efforts to uphold and strengthen the rule of law.
 
Thank you once again to ABILA and to all of you for joining us this evening. Please enjoy the reception.