The United Nations, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), is one of the most powerful institutions on paper; however, it operates in a state of paralysis and ineffectiveness, necessitating comprehensive reform. The UNSC has failed to take constructive actions or prevent conflicts, which it is fundamentally designed to address. Since its inception, the UNSC has been instrumental in influencing global peace and security. Its historical trajectory is characterized by notable achievements, challenges, and a continuous adaptation to the evolving landscape of international relations.
The UNSC was created in 1945 under the provisions of the UN Charter. It constitutes one of the six main organs of the United Nations. The UNSC is composed of 15 members, which include five permanent members (commonly referred to as the P5) and ten non-permanent members who are elected for terms of two years. The five permanent members are the United States, the Russian Federation, France, China, and the United Kingdom. India has held a non-permanent seat on the UNSC seven times and commenced its eighth term in January 2021.
Let us examine its background and present structure.
The Formation of the UNSC.
The UNSC emerged as a response to the inadequacies of the League of Nations, which failed to avert the outbreak of World War II. Acknowledging the necessity for a more effective international body, global leaders initiated the establishment of the United Nations during critical historical events:
1941: The Atlantic Charter was endorsed by the Allied nations, laying the foundation for the UN.
1944: The Dumbarton Oaks Conference formulated a structure for the UNSC, highlighting its role in peacekeeping efforts.
On 24 October 1945: The United Nations was formally created, with the UNSC designated as its principal organ for the maintenance of peace.
Initial Years: Building a Global Presence (1945–1949):
The UNSC held its first meeting on 17 January 1946, in London. During these early years, the UNSC concentrated on post-war challenges, including territorial conflicts and the initial tensions of the Cold War.
The Cold War Period: Managing Divisions (1950–1991):
The Cold War era posed both challenges and opportunities for the UNSC:
1950: The onset of the Korean War served as a critical test of the UNSC's ability to undertake collective military action.
1960s: The Council redirected its focus towards decolonization initiatives in Africa and Asia.
1971: The People's Republic of China succeeded Taiwan as a permanent member, shifting the dynamics within the Council.
1980s: UNSC played a role in mediating conflicts such as the Iran-Iraq War.
Post-Cold War Hopefulness (1991–2000):
The conclusion of the Cold War heralded a phase of renewed optimism for effective multilateral cooperation:
1990–1991: The UNSC sanctioned military action to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, showcasing its ability to respond decisively.
1994: The Rwandan Genocide revealed significant deficiencies in the Council's capacity to avert humanitarian crises.
1999: NATO's intervention in Kosovo without UNSC authorization sparked discussions regarding the Council's relevance in contemporary conflicts.
The 21st Century: Emerging Challenges and Adaptation (2001–2023).
As the new millennium commenced, the UNSC encountered a range of complex global challenges:
In 2001, in response to the September 11 attacks, Resolution 1373 (related to counter terrorism) was enacted to bolster counter-terrorism initiatives.
In 2003, the Iraq War exposed significant rifts within the Council, as the United States proceeded without explicit authorization.
In 2011, amid the Arab Spring, the Council authorized a no-fly zone over Libya, which resulted in NATO's military intervention.
By 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted scrutiny regarding the UNSC's capacity to effectively manage global health emergencies.
From 2022 to 2023, Russia's invasion of Ukraine reignited debates concerning the need to reform the veto powers exercised by the permanent members of the Council.
Role of India in UNSC and UN Peace keeping missions.
India contributes the largest contingent of peacekeeping forces to the United Nations. Some of the most challenging missions to which Indian troops have been assigned include those in Congo during the 1960s, as well as in Somalia, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Recent deployments have taken place in Lebanon and the Golan Heights. These efforts underscore India's dedication to fostering international peace and security, aligning with the primary objectives of the UNSC.
The hurdles in UNSC reforms.
The UNSC, as the primary entity for international peacekeeping and conflict resolution, holds the responsibility of maintaining peace and addressing conflicts. The resolutions it adopts are obligatory for all member states, in contrast to those of the General Assembly. Consequently, the sovereignty of any nation may be infringed upon if deemed necessary, which can include measures such as the imposition of sanctions.
The General Assembly has consistently exhibited significant divisions. Among the 193 member states, there exist five negotiating groups that effectively counterbalance one another. The operation of the General Assembly is as crucial as that of the permanent members of the UNSC in facilitating reforms within the United Nations system. Historically, the permanent members have shown a lack of enthusiasm regarding the reform of the UN system; however, they have all concurred on the necessity of implementing changes within the Security Council.
The effectiveness of the UNSC is diminished due to its lack of representation, particularly highlighted by the absence of Africa, which comprises 54 nations. Contemporary global challenges are intricate and interrelated. The exclusion of significant geopolitical and geo-economically relevant countries results in a substantial portion of global perspectives being unrepresented in this paramount security forum. Additionally, it is troubling that influential nations such as India, Germany, Brazil, and South Africa (G4 group) are not included among the permanent members of the UNSC.
Veto power has consistently faced criticism from numerous experts and a majority of States, who describe it as a "self-selected club of the privileged." This mechanism is viewed as undemocratic, hindering the Council's ability to make essential decisions when any member of the P-5 is dissatisfied. Furthermore, it is deemed unsuitable for the contemporary global security landscape to be governed by decision-making frameworks that favor an elite few.
Why reforms are essential ?
The urgent need to rectify the power disparity between the P5 nations and other member states in the UNSC is essential for enhancing the council's democratic nature and bolstering its legitimacy in the realm of international peace, security, and order.
The evolving demands of global governance concerning peace and security necessitate comprehensive reforms within the UNSC, which should include an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats to effectively tackle the intricate and changing challenges facing international peace and security.
Achieving equitable representation for all regions within the UNSC is vital for redistributing its governing power and authority among nations. This decentralization of the UNSC's decision-making processes will facilitate its evolution into a more inclusive and participatory institution.
Conclusion.
India, during it's non-permanent membership of the UNSC, had the opportunity to initiate the drafting of a resolution that encompasses a thorough array of proposals aimed at reforming the UNSC. In September 2022, India advocated for UNSC reform by convening meetings for two distinct coalitions G-4 and L-69 in New York, coinciding with the UN General Assembly. As a leader of the Global South, India must enhance its collaboration with its longstanding partners in this region by clearly expressing their concerns regarding peace and security within the UNSC.
stay tuned for more.
Get membership to feature your article. Check here.
Comments