National statement delivered by Ambassador Olof Skoog on behalf of Sweden at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations, 21 February 2018, New York […]
By article 24 of the Charter, this Council – elected and non-elected members alike – acts on behalf of all members of the United Nations and must do so in in accordance with the Charter, its purposes and principles. The permanent members have a special responsibility. That is why the use of the veto to protect narrow national interests in situations of mass atrocities is totally unacceptable. I call on all members to adhere to the ACT-group Code of Conduct and the Franco-Mexican initiative on restraint of the veto especially in the event of mass atrocities. In addition, the global world order must be based on a fair and just system, where States have equitable representation. We repeat the need for reform of this Council in order for it to reflect the realities of today’s world […]
It is more important than ever for member states to act on principles and to base their decisions and actions on international law. I would therefore like to conclude by again stressing that the Security Council is central to upholding the rules-based international order as reflected in the Charter. This means that member states are expected to act in accordance with the Charter, and for the Council to ensure that States, as well as individuals, are held accountable for the most serious of violations of the Charter.
This wonderful and visionary text [the Charter] is still valid. We must make better use of its provisions and the instruments that are there. Läs talet