National Statement – Strengthening the mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes
Statement delivered by H.E. Beth Delaney, Chargé d'Affaires and Acting Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
23 July 2026
President,
I would like to add three points in my national capacity.
First, on making better use of existing mechanisms, Australia notes Article 94 of the UN Charter specifically empowers the Security Council to make recommendations and decide upon measures to give effect to International Court of Justice judgments, and Article 99 gives the Secretary-General the power to bring any matter to the Council’s attention which may threaten international peace and security, which could include an emerging dispute before it has become a full-blown crisis.
Second, Council members should facilitate the timely appointment of subsidiary body chairs so that these bodies can continue to perform their important first-hand monitoring, information-gathering, and preventive functions without interruption. Sanctions are one of the Council’s tools to promote peaceful settlement, but they are not working properly because of the delay.
Third, stronger military capabilities must be matched by stronger diplomatic channels. Dialogue, mediation, confidence-building measures and crisis communication mechanisms remain essential to preventing disputes from escalating into conflict.
Australia recognises that it takes work to assure peace and stability and will continue to stand up for the rules and norms that underpin our shared security and shared prosperity.
Thank you.