EDGARS RINKĒVIČS, President of Latvia, said the future of the multilateral system and rules-based order is in the international community’s hands.  “We shall not allow selective application or disregard of global norms.  The alternative is a terrifying world where force prevails, and law perishes,” he said, noting the third year of the Russian Federation’s unprovoked full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine.  The international community must remain resilient and committed to the rules-based order in the face of Moscow’s aggression.  “Especially when the aggressor is a nuclear-weapon State and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” he added.  “Russia tries to tear down what has been built by all of us.  Russia tries to rearrange the international system that only benefits aggressors.”  After enduring 50 years of Soviet occupation, Latvia deeply understands the value of freedom and independence and stands by Ukraine.

He continued calls for an immediate, unconditional withdrawal of all Russian troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine.  The unprovoked attack has impacted global food security, nuclear safety and the humanitarian situation.  He called on the United Nations to take a more active stand on the forcible deportations and illegal adoptions of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation, and on Member States to support and join the Communiqué adopted at the Peace Summit in Switzerland and build a peace process based on the UN Charter’s principles.  The Russia Federation must bear full legal and financial responsibility for its aggression, he said, stressing the need to support and strengthen institutions that investigate and prosecute these crimes, provide justice for victims, and uphold the rule of law.  The creation of a Special Tribunal to prosecute the main perpetrators of the crime of aggression would ensure full accountability.

Turning to the Middle East crisis, he said Latvia and other European Union Member States have called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian access at scale.  “It is crucial to prevent the deepening of the crisis and avoid regional spill-over,” he said.  He condemned all terrorist attacks against Israel and recognized Israel’s legitimate right to self-defence in line with international law and international humanitarian law.  The international community must focus on revitalizing the political process and strive for a lasting peace that addresses the legitimate aspirations and security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians.  Noting that the UN is a place where no country’s voice can be dimmed by more resourceful Powers, he said the Summit has demonstrated Member States’ commitment to the SDGs — which can be achieved through innovation, a science-based and environmentally friendly economy, quality education and strengthened governance.  “Engage with women, youth and non-governmental sector on these matters,” he said, adding that Latvia has achieved 63 per cent of the set targets.

Acknowledging the Organization’s shortcomings, he said Latvia strongly supports revitalization of the UN system and Council reform, including by expanding the number of permanent Council members to make it more effective, inclusive and accountable and elevate the voice of underrepresented regions.  “It is high time for Africa to have permanent presence at the Security Council table,” he said. “Africa has been neglected for far too long.  That has to change.”  Small island developing States deserve a non-permanent seat.  The decision-making process should be revisited as well, and no single State should have veto power. “Especially when it comes to conflicts the permanent members are involved themselves,” he said. “The United Nations once used to be a beacon of hope for the people.  Not anymore.  We must change that.  We must rebuild trust and common values.  And we can do this by working together,” he said.  Prepared to shoulder its part of the responsibility, Latvia, for the first time, is running for a non-permanent Council seat at the 2025 elections.  “We stand ready to reenergize this international body.”