What’s the news?

• The issue of fundamental reforms at the United Nations (UN) has resurfaced at the ongoing General Assembly session.

Central idea

• President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye has declared that the Security Council no longer guarantees world security but serves as a battleground for a select few. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that the organization must evolve to reflect the changing world.

The need for reform within the UN Security Council

• Outdated Structure: The current composition of the Security Council reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 and fails to account for the significant changes in the world since then.
• Inadequate Representation: In 1945, the Council had 11 members out of 51 UN member countries, representing 22% of the states. Today, with 193 member states, the Council consists of only 15 members, less than 8% of the total.
• Lack of Equitability: The existing composition gives undue weight to the balance of power of 1945. For instance, Europe, with just 5% of the world’s population, controls 33% of the Council’s seats.
• Historical Inequity: Some countries, like Japan and Germany, which have been major financial contributors to the UN, are still labeled as enemy states in the UN Charter, despite their significant contributions.
• Failure to Address Current Challenges: The Council’s inability to adapt to the contemporary world hampers its effectiveness in addressing current global issues and crises.
• Global Dynamics Have Changed: The world has changed significantly since 1945, and the Council needs to evolve to remain relevant and capable of addressing 21st-century challenges.

Obstacles to Reform

• High Bar for Charter Amendment: One of the primary obstacles to reforming the UN Security Council is the high bar set for amending the UN Charter. Any amendment requires a two-thirds majority of the overall UN membership, which translates to the support of 129 out of 193 states in the General Assembly. This level of consensus is challenging to achieve.

• Ratification Hurdles: Beyond the General Assembly’s approval, amendments must also be ratified by two-thirds of the member states. Ratification is typically a parliamentary procedure, making it essential for the proposed reforms to gain widespread support and avoid opposition from any member state.
• Resistance from Current Permanent Members: Existing permanent members of the Security Council, notably China, may resist reforms that could dilute their status as the only Asian permanent member. This resistance can be a significant roadblock to any reform efforts.
• African Representation: Africa, with 54 member states, insists on having two permanent seats. However, resolving the rival credentials of nations like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt poses a substantial challenge.
• No Consensus on Semi-Permanent Members Proposal: A proposal to create a second category of semi-permanent members with 10-year electable terms has not found acceptance among the principal aspirants, adding to the complexity of reform discussions.
• Geopolitical Conflicts: Ongoing geopolitical conflicts, such as the Ukraine crisis, highlight the Security Council’s gridlock in responding effectively to global issues when permanent members exercise their veto powers.

Stances by Countries

• Reforming the Security Council faces opposition from both rival countries and those who fear losing their influence.
• The high bar for amending the UN Charter, requiring a two-thirds majority of member states and ratification by the same, makes change difficult.
• China resists diluting its status as the sole Asian permanent member, Pakistan opposes India’s inclusion, and Indonesia has reservations.
• In Latin America, Brazil’s claims clash with those of Argentina and Mexico. Africa, with 54 member states, demands two permanent seats, further complicating the issue.

The case for India’s inclusion in the UNSC

• Population Size: India is the world’s second-most populous country, with over 1.3 billion people.
• Economic Significance: India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
• Peacekeeping Contributions: India has been a consistent and substantial contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
• Regional Influence: India’s geographical location places it in a critical region of Asia. Its inclusion in the Security Council would provide a balanced representation of Asian interests and perspectives.
• Diplomatic Engagement: India has a long history of active engagement in international diplomacy and has played a constructive role in various global forums.
• Democracy and Pluralism: India is the world’s largest democracy, with a diverse and pluralistic society.
• Representation of the Global South: India’s presence in the Security Council would provide greater representation to the Global South, addressing concerns of equity and diversity in international decision-making.

The issue of continuing gridlock

• Lack of Progress Over Decades: Despite the urgent rhetoric, the UN has missed several milestones for reform, including the 50th, 60th, 70th, and 75th anniversaries of the organization.
• Obstructionism and Veto Use: The ongoing gridlock in the Security Council is exemplified by instances where permanent members have used their veto powers to block resolutions on critical issues. For example, Russia’s repeated use of the veto has obstructed resolutions related to Ukraine, Mali, Syria, and North Korea.
• Failure to Respond to Crises: The Security Council’s inability to respond effectively to crises, such as when a permanent member invaded a sovereign UN member state (as seen in the Ukraine conflict), underscores the Council’s limitations in addressing pressing global challenges.
• Stalemate in Financial Institution Reforms: The gridlock extends to other areas, such as reforms of international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Way Forward

• Acknowledging the UN’s importance: Recognize the vital role that the United Nations (UN) plays as the only global platform that brings all countries together. It serves as a crucial forum for international cooperation, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.
• Addressing the Challenges: While acknowledging the challenges and obstacles to reform, member states should actively engage in discussions and negotiations to find viable solutions.
• Building Consensus: Prioritize the process of building consensus among member states on the need for Security Council reform. Diplomatic efforts should focus on finding common ground and shared objectives.
• Flexible Reform Proposals: Explore flexible reform proposals that can accommodate the diverse interests and aspirations of member states. Proposals should be open to adjustments and compromises to secure broader support.

Conclusion

• The ongoing debate on Security Council reform must prioritize maintaining the UN’s relevance in the 21st century by achieving equitable representation through innovative solutions that balance emerging powers’ aspirations with existing permanent members’ concerns, ensuring the UN fulfills its mission as a global platform for peace and progress.

Also read:

UNSC: India’s Remarkable Tenure

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