South Africa, Malaysia Lead 40 States in Push to Strengthen International Law
South Africa and Malaysia convened a high-level meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday, bringing together foreign and justice ministers and senior diplomats from 40 countries to discuss ways to strengthen the enforcement of international law.
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The meeting, held under the Hague Group, came amid concerns over what participants described as growing pressure on the international legal order and institutions responsible for upholding it.
Participants discussed proposals including a new UN mechanism, modelled on the former Special Committee against Apartheid, to monitor compliance with international law, report violations and facilitate coordinated action among states.
The meeting also considered continued efforts for a UN Security Council arms embargo on Israel and measures aimed at protecting the International Criminal Court, its judges and officials from sanctions, threats and intimidation.
South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, who co-chaired the meeting, said international law derives its authority not only from being proclaimed but from being enforced.
Hasan separately said international law should not be treated as an “optional menu” in which rules apply only when convenient, stressing the need for accountability.
The participating states said they would continue consultations on practical measures to improve cooperation and implementation, while reaffirming the principle that international law should apply consistently regardless of the country or actors involved.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, as governments debate conflicts and other challenges facing the multilateral system.
