Discurso do Representante Permanente do Brasil, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, no debate aberto do Conselho de Segurança sobre "Promoção e fortalecimento do Estado de Direito na manutenção da paz e segurança internacionais" - 28 de janeiro de 2026 (texto em inglês)
Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the Security Council Open Debate on Reaffirming International Rule of Law
January 26th, 2026
Mr. President,
I thank Somalia for convening this timely open debate. I also thank the briefers for their valuable insights. International law constitutes the cornerstone of our international order. Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations is widely regarded as one of its most fundamental provisions, as it states the primacy of international law over the use of force. It is worth recalling the tragic historical context that gave rise to this principle, particularly in times when lawlessness and unlawfulness are on the rise in international affairs.
The prohibition of the threat or use of force, together with the juridical equality of States, emerged from the Hague Peace Conferences of 1899 and 1907.
Latin American States played a decisive role in shaping and consolidating these principles, contributing to their broad recognition in international law. Brazil is proud of being one of the forebears of this Latin American legacy.
With that legacy as a guide, the Latin American and Caribbean region remains a zone of peace, free from armed conflict, and respectful of international law and the principle of non-interference - a conscious, irreversible and lasting choice. The resort to the use of force in our region evokes chapters of history we believed were behind us and jeopardizes our efforts to tackle huge challenges - regional and
internal, political, economic, social and environmental.
Mr. President,
On January 3rd, Brazil came to this Council to condemn the armed intervention in Venezuela. Any use of force contrary to the UN Charter’s provisions against a State’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or institutions without express authorization by this very Council constitutes a clear violation of international law. Such actions contravene our Charter and must be unequivocally rejected. There are peaceful means of settling differences and disputes.
The consequences of the weakening of international law, governance and cooperation mechanisms are already evident: a record number of 61 active armed conflicts worldwide, the highest number since the Second World War and more than 117 million people facing humanitarian catastrophe. At the same time, global military expenditures reached the astonishing figure of 2.7 trillion US dollars in 2024. When the real challenges to Humanity - such as climate change, poverty and hunger - are disregarded, everyone is left behind.
The norms governing relations among States are and must remain mandatory and universal to all states. They do not admit exceptions based on ideological, geopolitical, or economic interests. The multipolar world of the 21st century, which should promote peace and prosperity, must not be converted into spheres of influence, where might makes right and where the law of force prevails over the force of the law.
Brazil will continue to advocate for noninterference, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the sovereign equality of States, principles enshrined not only in the Charter but also in our national Constitution. Genuine and lasting peace can only be achieved through respect for international norms and the guiding principles of this organization.
Thank you.