Portugal Reaffirms Rule of Law as the Foundation of Peace and Multilateralism at the UN Security Council

At the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on “Reaffirming International Rule of Law: Pathways to Reinvigorating Peace, Justice and Multilateralism”, Portugal underlined that respect for international law is not optional, but the very bedrock of international peace and security.

The Portuguese Permanent Representative to the UN stressed the need for consistent application of international law, without selective compliance, and renewed fidelity to the UN Charter – including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the use of force. The integrity of international treaty regimes, notably human rights and humanitarian law, was also highlighted as essential to legal predictability and global stability.

Portugal emphasized the vital role of international courts and tribunals, particularly the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), as guardians of legality whose independence and authority must be fully respected and adequately resourced. Ambassador Rui Vinhas recalled that the international rule of law is ultimately lived and enforced through strong domestic legal systems, judicial independence and due process, encouraging capacity-building initiatives to that end.

Portugal also highlighted its concrete engagement with the United Nations, including support for justice and security sector reform, mediation efforts, accountability mechanisms, and the strengthening of the international treaty framework.

“As a candidate for an elected seat on the Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, Portugal reaffirms its firm commitment to uphold the principles of the UN Charter,” the statement concluded, underlining that in a fragmented world, the rule of law remains our strongest common language for peace, justice and cooperation.