On 9 October 2026, Professor Benedetta Audia, Advisor to the Sovereign Order of Malta, addressed the Sixth Committee of the United Nations on the rule of law at the national and international levels, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and effective legal frameworks in protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access and upholding human dignity. The discussion also focused on strengthening cooperation between the Sixth Committee and the International Law Commission.<\/p>\n
Professor Audia emphasised that, for more than nine centuries, the Sovereign Order of Malta has pursued its mission of serving the sick and the poor through law and diplomacy, never through force. She stressed that the rule of law is not merely an abstract legal concept, but a practical safeguard that enables humanitarian workers to reach those in need, protects civilians caught in conflict and provides victims with a path to justice.<\/p>\n
Drawing on the Order\u2019s humanitarian experience, Professor Audia highlighted the consequences of the erosion of the rule of law in different contexts around the world. In Haiti, where gang violence and political instability continue to affect vulnerable communities, the Order\u2019s teams in Port-au-Prince and other regions provide essential medical care, nutrition and food security assistance to malnourished children and displaced families. She also referred to Sudan, where civil war between armed factions has undermined institutions, and Ukraine, where years of war have placed public order and institutions under sustained strain. She emphasised that, whatever the cause of the breakdown of the rule of law, the most vulnerable are invariably those who suffer first and most severely.<\/p>\n
Professor Audia further underlined the important contribution of the International Law Commission and encouraged all States to engage actively with its work, including by sharing their national practice in response to the Commission\u2019s requests. Such engagement, she noted, is essential to ensuring that the development of international law remains informed by practical realities and the needs of those it seeks to protect.<\/p>\n
She also highlighted the importance of strengthening legal capacity and raising awareness of international humanitarian law. Since 2024, the Sovereign Order of Malta has collaborated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to develop online courses and organise high-level events aimed at training law enforcement and humanitarian personnel. These initiatives demonstrate how partnerships can help translate legal principles into practice and strengthen the capacity of those responsible for applying and upholding the law.<\/p>\n
Professor Audia stressed that awareness of international humanitarian law must extend beyond legal scholars and practitioners to society as a whole. Greater understanding of the rules designed to protect civilians and preserve human dignity is essential to fostering a culture of respect for international law.<\/p>\n
Concluding her remarks, Professor Audia recalled Pope John Paul II\u2019s words that respect for human dignity is a fundamental requirement of a just and peaceful society. She reaffirmed the Sovereign Order of Malta\u2019s commitment to working with all Member States to uphold the rule of law at both the national and international levels, placing the protection of human dignity at the heart of these efforts.<\/p>\n","news_gallery":"no","news_video":"