Statement by

Mr. Naser Asiabi pourimani

Third Secretary

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before The Sixth Committee, UNGA 76

On Agenda item 86: "the Rule of law at the National and International levels"

New York, 8 October 2021

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, I would like to align myself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and would like to deliver the following in my national capacity.

While drawing on painful lessons from the past to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, the founders of the United Nations aimed to establish an organization with the participation of amiable countries based on the sovereign equality of States and prohibition of the threat or use of force in international relations.  They opted for a path of multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes as a viable solution to end conflicts. Since the inception of the UN, multilateralism in and of itself has been a major achievement of the UN system. However, regrettably, this important achievement has been under severe attack by unilateral actions in recent years.  

The Islamic Republic of Iran, while reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law at the national and international levels, acknowledges the United Nations as the main platform for upholding as well as strengthening the rule of law within an international dimension. Furthermore, we believe in upholding the principles and purposes of the UN Charter as well as other principles of international law, namely sovereign equality of states as well as immunity of states, as components in the cornerstone of the international legal order. In this regard, we condemn any arbitrary interpretation of international law and exclusive selective approach concerning these principles to achieve a narrow political agenda. We consider such an approach counterproductive in a way that undermines the rule of law.    

In consideration of the role of the United Nations in strengthening the rule of law, equal footing and participation of all States in UN norm setting processes and activities in a tranquil and peaceful environment is imperative. Such copacetic order consequently highlights the responsibilities of the Host Countries of the UN headquarters all around the world. 

The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly believes in preserving the functionality, impartiality as well as professionalism of the activities of UN organs. As such, any misuse or abuse of UN organs, such as pursuing Country Specific Resolutions or misusing such platforms to orchestrate political campaigns against independent states to interfere in their internal affairs in pursuing narrow political agendas, would undermine the credibility of the UN as well as the rule of law. In the same vein, we believe that the adoption of consensual resolutions while refraining from the imposition of minorities’ will upon the majorities by using political and fiscal leverages has a significant role in strengthening the rule of law among all of its dimensions. 

While reaffirming the principle of consent as the cornerstone of the functionality of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the role of the ICJ as the main UN judicial body in strengthening the rule of law at the international level. Furthermore, we would like to seize this opportunity to once again invite the US to abide by the Court’s Order on provisional measures dated on 18 October 2018 wherein the Court unanimously requires the United States to remove any impediments on the importation of foodstuff and agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices as well as spare parts, equipment and services necessary for the safety of civil aviation to Iran. It also orders the United States to ensure that the licenses and necessary authorizations for the aforementioned goods and services are granted and that payments as well as other transfers of funds are not subject to any restriction.

We consider unilateralism, such as withdrawing from international treaties and international organizations; waging trade wars against countries; committing economic and medical terrorism in the form of imposing inhumane unilateral coercive measures as well as weaponizing and abusing the international financial system not only as a serious risk endangering the rule of law at the international level but also as the potential that may lead to the endangerment international peace and security. As such, any unilateral actions contrary to the recognized rules and principles of international law is doomed to failure. This includes the principles of the UN Charter, especially rules governing the use of force, to change the status quo and in deliberate ignorance of peaceful means, agreements and well-established mechanisms. The withdrawal of the US from the JCPOA while in defiance of UNSC resolution 2231 is not an exemption in this regard.

Mr. Chairman,

We appreciate the virtual briefing organized by the Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law and the Rule of Law Unit of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General on 28 July 2021. We believe each nation has a sovereign right to establish its own model of the rule of law and to develop a legal system based on its own cultural, historical and legal traditions. That right flows from the principles of the sovereign equality of States and non-interference in their internal affairs, principles which, in addition to the right of self-determination, were enshrined in international law and the Charter. While appreciating the efforts of different UN entities in assisting the Member States in the implementation of rule of law at the national level, it should also be reminded that these efforts should be in line with the principle of national ownership, taking into account the socio-cultural circumstances of each relevant country.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman