No progress on UN Security Council expansion, say former Ambassadors

The Hindu : Page 04

Syllabus : GS 2 : International Relations

Despite consistent advocacy, India’s efforts for UNSC reform and expansion have stalled. Frustration mounts ahead of the UN’s Summit of the Future, with India and G-4 partners pressing for permanent seats.

•   Transparent negotiations are ongoing, but substantial progress remains elusive, underscoring global dissatisfaction with the current multilateral system.

Lack of Progress on UNSC Reform:

•   No Concrete Progress:

o  Despite continuous efforts, there has been “no progress” on the reform and expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

o  India and other countries, notably the G-4 (Brazil, Germany, Japan), continue to push for permanent seats but face stagnation in the reform process.

•   Statements from Former Indian Diplomats:

o  Ruchira Khamboj, India’s former Permanent Representative to the UN (2022-2024), highlighted the stagnation in reform efforts.

o  While there has been movement in making the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process more transparent, such as live broadcasts and digital repositories for proposals, real progress on UNSC expansion remains absent.

•  Disillusionment and Alternatives:

o  Disillusionment with the current multilateral system is leading member states to explore various alternatives, questioning the effectiveness of the existing UNSC structure.

United Nation Security Council:

•   Formation and Purpose: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the UN, established in 1945 under the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security.
•   Membership: It has 15 members, consisting of 5 permanent members (P5) with veto power—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and 10 elected non-permanent members chosen for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
•   Responsibilities: The UNSC is responsible for addressing threats to peace, enforcing sanctions, and authorising the use of force. It can establish peacekeeping operations, impose sanctions, or authorise military action.
•   Decision-Making: Resolutions require nine votes from the 15 members, including the unanimous consent of the P5. Permanent members have veto power, allowing any of them to block resolutions.
•   Meetings and Reporting: The UNSC meets regularly and can convene for emergency sessions. It reports annually to the General Assembly on its activities.

Conclusion

•   The United Nations serves as a vital platform for addressing contemporary crises and adapting to evolving challenges. While the need for reform is evident, the UN's continued role in global governance, humanitarian assistance, and crisis management demonstrates its enduring importance.
•   As the international community grapples with complex global issues, the United Nations stands as an essential institution capable of fostering cooperation, dialogue, and collective action for the betterment of humanity.

 UPSC Prelims PYQ : 2022

Ques : With reference to the "United Nations Credentials Committee", consider the following statements:

1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.

2. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year.

3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a)    3 only

b)   1 and 3

c)    2 and 3

d)   1 and 2

Ans: (a)