• UGI USER
  • Jul 25, 2024
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NO PROGRESS ON UN SECURITY COUNCIL EXPANSION

Why in the news?

  • Despite consistent efforts, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform and expansion have seen “no progress,” acknowledged by former Indian Ambassadors.
  • The lack of progress is a significant frustration ahead of the upcoming Summit of the Future at the UN, expected to gather over 150 world leaders to discuss plans to “reboot” the UN.

Future Directions

  • India and its G-4 partners (Brazil, Germany, and Japan) continue to demand permanent seats at the UNSC and have expressed their disillusionment with the current multilateral system.
  • The upcoming “Pact of the Future” is expected to address these concerns, although significant tangible progress on UNSC reform remains elusive.

About the UN Security Council

Establishment and Responsibilities

  • Established by the UN Charter in 1945, it is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
  • Primary responsibility: Maintain international peace and security.
  • Headquarters: New York.

Membership and Structure

  • 15 members: Five permanent (United States, Russia, France, China, UK) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
  • India is a non-permanent member for the term 2021-2022.
  • General Assembly elects five non-permanent members annually.
  • Presidency rotates monthly among the 15 members.

Voting Powers and Participation

  • Each member has one vote; decisions require nine affirmative votes, including all permanent members.
  • A “No” vote from a permanent member can block resolutions.
  • Non-members can participate in discussions when their interests are affected, without voting rights.

India in the UNSC

  • Actively contributed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1947-48).
  • Advocated against racial discrimination in South Africa.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/un-security-council-reform-is-a-song-in-a-loop/