Hindu Editorial Analysis : 1-February-2024

The debate over reforms in the United Nations (UN) Security Council (UNSC) has been ongoing for over thirty years. Recently, the discussion has gained renewed attention. This essay will explore the significance of the UNSC, the need for reforms, and the challenges that come with these changes.

Understanding UNSC

The UNSC is one of the six main organs of the UN, established to maintain international peace and security. It held its first session on January 17, 1946, in London and is now headquartered in New York City. The Council has 15 members:

  • Permanent members (with veto power):
    • China
    • France
    • Russia
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
  • Non-permanent members: Each year, five out of ten non-permanent members are elected for a two-year term by the General Assembly. The seats are allocated regionally:
    • Five for African and Asian states
    • One for Eastern European states
    • Two for Latin American and Caribbean states
    • Two for Western European and other states

Need Of Reforms

Lack of Representation

When the UN was founded in 1945, the Council had 11 members out of 51 UN countries. Today, with 193 member states, only 15 are in the UNSC. This means that fewer than 8% of countries are represented in the Council, leading to widespread feelings of exclusion.

Privilege of Permanent Members

The current structure gives the five permanent members significant power, including the ability to veto any resolution. This privilege, earned decades ago, is increasingly viewed as unjust.

Imbalance of Power

The composition of the Council reflects a past power dynamic that no longer exists. For example, Europe holds 33% of the seats while representing only about 5% of the global population.

Financial Contributions

Countries like Japan and Germany contribute more to the UN budget than some permanent members. This raises questions about the fairness of representation based on financial input.

Unchecked Conflicts

Conflicts around the world, such as those in Sudan and Syria, often go unresolved. The UNSC’s inability to act effectively in these situations has drawn criticism.

Inability to Fulfill Basic Functions

The UNSC struggles to take action against aggression from its permanent members, as seen with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This lack of action undermines its credibility.

Challenges to Reform

Divided Interests

Countries that support reforms often do so because they believe they deserve a seat at the table. However, smaller nations, which make up over half of the UN, may be resistant to these changes, as they are content with their existing non-permanent positions.

High Bar for Amendments

Amending the UN Charter is a complex process. A change requires a two-thirds majority of the member states, which equates to 129 out of 193. Additionally, it must be ratified by two-thirds of the member states, making significant reform difficult.

Why In News

More than three decades after the debate first started over fundamental reforms at the United Nations (UN), the issue appears to have resurfaced afresh, highlighting the growing urgency for a more inclusive and effective global governance structure in an increasingly complex world.

MCQs about United Nations Security Council Reforms

  1. What is the main purpose of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?
    A. To manage international trade
    B. To maintain international peace and security
    C. To promote cultural exchanges
    D. To oversee humanitarian aid
    Correct Answer: B. To maintain international peace and security
    Explanation: The primary function of the UNSC is to ensure international peace and security, addressing conflicts and diplomatic issues among nations.
  2. Which countries hold permanent membership in the UNSC and have veto power?
    A. India, Japan, Brazil, Germany
    B. China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States
    C. Canada, Australia, South Africa, Italy
    D. Mexico, Argentina, Nigeria, Egypt
    Correct Answer: B. China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States
    Explanation: These five countries are the permanent members of the UNSC and possess veto power, allowing them to block any resolution.
  3. What challenge is associated with reforming the UNSC according to the essay?
    A. Lack of financial resources
    B. The high bar for amending the UN Charter
    C. Insufficient member participation
    D. Limited global conflicts
    Correct Answer: B. The high bar for amending the UN Charter
    Explanation: Reforming the UNSC is difficult because any amendments to the UN Charter require a two-thirds majority of the member states, making significant changes hard to achieve.
  4. What has been a criticism of the UNSC regarding its ability to address global conflicts?
    A. It has too many members.
    B. It often fails to act against permanent members’ aggression.
    C. It focuses too much on economic issues.
    D. It lacks a clear voting procedure.
    Correct Answer: B. It often fails to act against permanent members’ aggression.
    Explanation: The UNSC has been criticized for its inability to take action in situations where a permanent member is involved in aggression, such as the case of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

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