Nordic Statement at the at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sixth Committee
Read the Nordic Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Elina Kalkku, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations, at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sixth Committee on October 7, 2026.
Mme. Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.
The Nordic countries thank the Secretary-General for his report on strengthening and coordinating United Nations rule of law activities. We welcome this year's focus on enhancing the rule of law through strengthening the cooperation between the Sixth Committee and the International Law Commission. In his report, the Secretary-General recalls that the United Nations "was founded on the premise that binding legal norms, applied universally and independently of power, are the only durable foundation of international peace". This observation goes to the heart of our discussion today. Effective international law depends not only on legal norms themselves, but also on the institutions that develop, clarify and uphold them.
Mme. Chair,
The rule of law at the international level requires a stable, predictable and universally applicable legal framework. The Charter entrusted the General Assembly with promoting the progressive development and codification of international law. Since the establishment of the International Law Commission by the General Assembly in 1947, and throughout the history of the Sixth Committee as the principal legal forum of the General Assembly, the two bodies have worked in close partnership to advance that mandate. Over nearly eight decades, their interaction has contributed significantly to the development of the modern international legal order.
The Nordic countries reaffirm their strong support for the International Law Commission and its indispensable role in the progressive development and codification of international law. The Commission's work has helped bring greater clarity, coherence and predictability to international law, thereby strengthening one of the fundamental pillars of the international rule of law.
Over the decades, the Commission's work has formed the basis for some of the most significant developments in international law. Its contributions helped pave the way for the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, while its Articles on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts continue to serve as an authoritative point of reference for States, international courts and tribunals. The Commission has also made important contributions to the development of international criminal law, including work leading to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
This year, the Commission reached important milestones through the adoption on second reading of the draft articles on immunity of State officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction and the draft conclusions on general principles of law. These achievements demonstrate the Commission's continued ability to address both longstanding and contemporary questions of international law.
At the same time, we welcome the inclusion of new and timely topics such as due diligence in international law, compensation for the damage caused by internationally wrongful acts and obligations erga omnes, which reflect the Commission's continuing contribution to the international legal order.
We are pleased that the Commission has been able to meet this year under substantially normal working conditions. Ensuring that the Commission is provided with sufficient time to fulfil its mandate is essential for maintaining the quality and continuity of the Commission’s work.
Mme. Chair,
The Nordic countries believe that the cooperation between the International Law Commission and the Sixth Committee is itself an important contribution to the international rule of law.
The respective roles of the two bodies are distinct but complementary. The Commission contributes independent legal expertise and analysis. The Sixth Committee provides the forum through which all Member States may engage with that work, contribute their perspectives and help ensure that the progressive development of international law remains firmly grounded in State practice. Together, they help strengthen both the quality and the legitimacy of international law.
We welcome efforts to further strengthen dialogue between the Commission and the Sixth Committee. We also encourage all delegations to continue providing substantive and timely comments on the Commission's work, both during debates in the Sixth Committee and through written observations.
The Nordic countries also reiterate the importance of ensuring that the Commission is provided with adequate resources and working conditions to carry out its mandate effectively. Providing the Commission with the means necessary to perform its work is an investment in the continued strength and credibility of the international legal order.
Mme. Chair,
At a time when respect for international law faces significant challenges, strengthening the institutions that sustain the international rule of law is more important than ever.
The rule of law is not sustained by legal texts alone. It depends on institutions that facilitate dialogue and enable law to evolve through cooperation. The partnership between the Sixth Committee and the International Law Commission is one such institution, and the Nordic countries remain firmly committed to supporting both bodies in the fulfilment of their mandates.
We would also like to reiterate our unwavering support for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court and the dedicated officials who serve within them. International courts and tribunals play an instrumental role in upholding the rule of law at the international level, and their independence and impartiality remain essential pillars of the rule of law.
I thank you.