GUYANA has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the rule of law at both the national and international levels, describing it as the cornerstone of global peace, justice, and co-operation.

This affirmation was given by Texine Daw, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, who was at the time delivering a statement before the Sixth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly during which she aligned Guyana’s position with that of the Non-Aligned Movement and underscored the importance of upholding international legal principles amid growing global instability.

“[I] concur that the rule of law is the bedrock of multilateralism and a foundation for just and peaceful societies,” Daw stated.

She warned that increased disregard for the rule of law is taking us away from the certainty, predictability, and stability it offers and highlighted that international humanitarian protections were being increasingly ignored.

“Children, civilians are being attacked and killed wantonly and schools and hospitals and other civilian infrastructure destroyed,” she said, while adding that so far for 2025, 265 humanitarian workers have been killed.

Daw told the meeting that the regression of fundamental rights, especially those of women and girls, underscores the urgent need for accountability and advocacy against arbitrary power.

“The international community must place greater focus and advocacy on accountability for violations and limiting the exercise of arbitrary power,” she said.

Affirming Guyana’s long-standing support for peaceful dispute resolution, the first secretary pointed to the mechanisms outlined in the UN Charter.

She said, “Guyana is a strong advocate for the pacific settlement of disputes, recognising that this is the foundation of peaceful co-existence and a fundamental principle of the United Nations Charter.”

Further, she emphasised the importance of respecting the authority of international courts and tribunals, noting that as of June 2025, 26 cases were pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“Guyana is of the view that this demonstrates member States’ deliberate choice of a peaceful means of dispute settlement, confidence in the Court and respect for the rule of law,” she explained.

Daw called on states to “accept the court’s jurisdiction and to respect and implement its judgments,” before urging that “adequate resources be provided to the court so that it can effectively carry out its mandate.”

Touching on the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC), she said, “The role of the International Criminal Court is also imperative to fighting impunity and holding perpetrators to account,” and reaffirmed Guyana’s position that the court and its officials must “be able to operate free from threats and intimidation.”

Meanwhile, addressing emerging challenges posed by technology, Daw spoke on the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for robust legal safeguards.

As such, she indicated that Guyana welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Cybercrime Convention and looks forward to its entry into force.

Further to this, she reaffirmed the country’s dedication to upholding international law.

“In this 80th session, where international law is under threat, Guyana reiterates its firm commitment to the United Nations Charter, adherence to the rule of law, and to ensuring equal access to justice and equal rights for all,” she said.

She went on to add, “We believe it is the responsibility of each UN member State to protect and respect our Charter and the international legal framework we have worked so hard to create.”