GS-2: Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate.

In News: ‘We believe India, Brazil and African countries should be represented in UNSC’: Russian diplomat Lavrov

2.Discuss the primary challenges hindering the effectiveness of the UNSC in addressing contemporary global challenges. What reforms can be made to address these challenges?

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres recently addressed the UN Summit of the Future 2024, emphasising the urgent need for reforms to outdated UN institutions related to global peace, security, and finance. This call for reform underscores a growing consensus that restructuring the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is essential to effectively address contemporary global challenges.

Primary challenges:

1. Lack of adequate representation
   The UNSC does not represent current geopolitical realities. Notably, Africa, with 54 countries and significant nations like India, Brazil, and South Africa are excluded from permanent membership. This underrepresentation limits the Council’s legitimacy and ability to address global concerns effectively
2. Misuse of veto power
   The P5’s veto power often leads to paralysis, blocking resolutions that reflect the majority view and hindering action on crises.
3. Slow reform process
   Reform efforts are stalled due to conflicting national interests and a slow intergovernmental negotiations process.
4. Outdated structure
   The UNSC’s 1945 framework does not address modern challenges like climate change and terrorism, limiting its effectiveness.
5. Limited resources and capabilities
   The UNSC often lacks the necessary resources, expertise, and authority to effectively address complex challenges like climate change, pandemics, and cyber threats.

Proposed reforms:

1. Expansion of membership
   Increase both permanent and non-permanent members to enhance representation, particularly for underrepresented regions like Africa.
2. Limiting veto power
   Establish agreements among P5 members to restrict veto use in non-vital national interest situations to prevent deadlock.
3. Democratisation of decision-making
   Make decision-making processes more inclusive and transparent by involving elected members actively in discussions.
4. Strengthening the General Assembly’s role
   Empower the General Assembly to take a more active role in peace and security matters as an alternative pathway for addressing global challenges.
5. Enhance the UNSC’s Capabilities
   Providing the UNSC with additional resources, expertise, and authority could improve its ability to address complex challenges

Addressing these challenges through meaningful reforms is crucial for revitalising the UNSC’s role in maintaining international peace and security in an increasingly complex world.

PYQ

1. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council. 2015
2. Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.’ Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.2024

Source:

https://www.deccanherald.com/world/we-believe-india-brazil-and-african-countries-should-be-represented-in-unsc-russian-diplomat-lavrov-3240699