Rwanda Urges UN to Enforce International Law Equally for All Countries

New York, January 28, 2026 - Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Ngoga, has called on the UN Security Council not to selectively target developing countries while ignoring violations committed by powerful nations. The remarks were made during a debate organized by Somalia on international law enforcement. Ambassador Ngoga stressed that international law exists, but its enforcement is inconsistent. “The collapse of respect for the law did not start yesterday… principles were respected only when necessary,” he said, highlighting that serious violations are often ignored when committed by influential states, while developing nations are punished disproportionately. He criticized the council for delaying action even when civilians are dying and for failing to prevent ethnic persecution, stating, “Violations of international humanitarian law are discussed rather than condemned. Silence and discrimination destroy trust faster than any weapon.” Ngoga emphasized that security concerns of all states must be taken seriously, regardless of size or power. “Selective enforcement… undermines the credibility of this institution. The question is not whether the rule of law is necessary, but whether we want to enforce it equally for all countries, large and small,” he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged that powerful countries often dictate what is considered acceptable, particularly during conflicts and divisions, creating a “wall” that influences international law selectively. Ambassador Ngoga concluded that for international law to be effective, regional and international organizations must cooperate, and UN agencies need stronger coordination to ensure equal enforcement across all countries.

Faits rapportés

New York, January 28, 2026 - Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Ngoga, has called on the UN Security Council not to selectively target developing countries while ignoring violations committed by powerful nations. The remarks were made during a debate organized by Somalia on international law enforcement. Ambassador Ngoga stressed that international law exists, but its enforcement is inconsistent. “The collapse of respect for the law did not start yesterday… principles were respected only when necessary,” he said, highlighting that serious violations are often ignored when committed by influential states, while developing nations are punished disproportionately. He criticized the council for delaying action even when civilians are dying and for failing to prevent ethnic persecution, stating, “Violations of international humanitarian law are discussed rather than condemned. Silence and discrimination destroy trust faster than any weapon.” Ngoga emphasized that security concerns of all states must be taken seriously, regardless of size or power. “Selective enforcement… undermines the credibility of this institution. The question is not whether the rule of law is necessary, but whether we want to enforce it equally for all countries, large and small,” he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged that powerful countries often dictate what is considered acceptable, particularly during conflicts and divisions, creating a “wall” that influences international law selectively. Ambassador Ngoga concluded that for international law to be effective, regional and international organizations must cooperate, and UN agencies need stronger coordination to ensure equal enforcement across all countries.