26 February 2016 - Ambassador and Permanent Representative Cecilia B. Rebong of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Other Organizations in Geneva underscored the importance of the rule of law in the conduct of diplomacy and international relations, particularly in the field of disarmament and collective security during a panel discussion entitled Disarmament and Collective Security on February 9.

As an example on the importance of the rule of law in disarmament and collective security, her presentation focused on the Philippines’ arbitration case before the Tribunal of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea.

“Sustainable peace and security are made possible by a rules-based regime, generally accepted by countries, that equalizes powerful actors and their less influential ones. Sustainable peace and security are direct products of the reason and ascendancy of the rule of law.” Ambassador Rebong emphasized, adding “Disregard the rule of law and you fall in conflict prevention.”

These sentiments were echoed in the statement of Mr. Michael Moller, Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, who said in his opening remarks, “Disarmament is not only a security issue, it is interlinked with rule of law, human rights, trust among others. A wholistic approach which prioritizes prevention rather than focusing on the cure.”

The panel discussion centered on the practical and achievable steps which disarmament mechanisms could provide to build confidence, political trust, defuse tensions and bolster cooperation in an increasingly charged international environment.

Other panelists included: Dr. Ute Finch-Kramer, Member of Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee for Disarmament Affairs, German Bundestag; Amb. (Ret) Sergey Batsanov, Director Pugwash Office; and Dr. Dan Plesch, Director of the Center for International Studies and Diplomacy, SOAS.

Organized by the Permanent Mission of Canada and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) of the University of London, the event was attended by graduate students from the SOAS, representatives of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies of Geneva, diplomatic corps and civil society. END