UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock issued a forceful reminder of the primacy of international law on Monday, following U.S. military strikes in Venezuela earlier this week. The statement comes after American forces detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on January 3, 2026, an action that has drawn global scrutiny.
Baerbock emphasized that the UN Charter remains the cornerstone of global stability, stating: "The UN Charter is not optional – it is our guiding framework, in moments of calm and in times of crisis." The declaration specifically referenced Article 2's prohibition against the use of force against a state's territorial integrity.
The unprecedented military intervention, which saw Maduro transported to New York custody, has sparked debates about sovereignty and power dynamics in international relations. Baerbock warned that "a peaceful, safe and just world for everyone is only possible if the rule of law prevails instead of might makes right."
As diplomatic tensions escalate, the statement serves as both a rebuke and a call for dialogue. Analysts suggest this development could reshape discussions about humanitarian intervention and state sovereignty in 2026.
