Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that international law must be upheld not only in Europe but also in conflicts in Palestine, Sudan, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti.
Prevot said that the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the protection of civilians cannot vary according to geography, and called for international law to be applied by the same standards in all conflicts. Noting that the conditions of conflict may differ from one country to another, Prevot said the rules of international humanitarian law apply in every circumstance.
"No human life is less valuable than another. Civilians are civilians and must be protected," Prevot said, calling for humanitarian aid to be allowed to reach civilians in conflict zones. He said aid should not be viewed as optional spending, a reward or a bargaining tool.
A warning about borders in Ukraine
In his remarks on the need for international law to be applied equally, the Belgian minister also addressed the war in Ukraine. He warned that allowing borders to be changed by force would make borders in other regions more insecure.
Prevot stressed that the rules of international humanitarian law cannot be applied only when considered convenient, and said the same standard must apply to all conflicts.
UN reform and artificial intelligence
Prevot also said the United Nations needs reform, adding that changes must not weaken the organization's capacity to carry out its core duties. He called for reforms to provide better representation for every region of the world.
Addressing the rapid development of artificial intelligence, he said governments must ensure adequate protection for people while benefiting from technological innovations. Prevot said there should be no retreat out of fear of innovation, but that governments should not rely on the assumption that artificial intelligence will regulate itself.
Support for the independence of international courts
Prevot defended the independence of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. He said the two courts were founded on the principle that "power cannot make itself the judge."
He said Belgium would protect judges or staff serving at international courts if they faced sanctions or pressure for carrying out their duties.
