New York, 30 gennaio 2026
Your Excellency, Mr. President,
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.
Let me commend Pakistan for organizing this Arria meeting on such an important topic, which we see as a complement to this week’s open debate on the rule of law organized by Somalia, which has seen a broad participation by the UN membership.
These initiatives – and the interest that they draw among States – show that international law and the strong attachment to the principles the UN Charter remain for the great majority of the UN membership key elements of their foreign policy. Italy is no exception as the same principles are set out in our 1948 Constitution.
Mr President,
With regard to today’s topic, Italy would like to present four points.
Firstly, treaties are fundamental tools in order to strengthen the rule of law in international relations. They increase stability, predictability and legal certainty in inter-State relations, including by providing the framework for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
It is precisely in this latter respect – and we now turn to our second point – that in 2018 Italy, together with a cross-regional group of States, proposed an agenda item in the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly on the strengthening of the international treaty framework. This has led to an important periodical discussion and review on treaty practice in the Sixth Committee, which inter alia has culminated in the long-awaited reform of the Regulations on the registration and publication of treaties in accordance with Art. 102 of the Charter.
Thirdly, the elaboration of new treaties addressing pressing concerns of the international community is an important part in the function of progressive development and codification of international law entrusted with the General Assembly under Article 13 of the Charter. In this respect, Italy welcomes the launch of the process leading to two new treaty instruments on the protection of persons in the event of disaster and on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity, respectively.
Fourthly and finally, Mr President, in accordance with the Preamble of the Charter, we must strive to create the conditions under which respect for the obligations arising from treaties can be maintained. That also includes reforming the Security Council and making it a more democratic, representative, accountable, transparent and effective organ. A Security Council capable of building capacities, fostering compliance with treaty obligations and having the legitimacy to enforce those deriving from the UN Charter when necessary.
I thank you, Mr President.
