Reform of Structures and Processes
The debate over reforming the UN Security Council has been ongoing, with widespread support for change but difficulty in reaching agreement on the specifics. In 1992, a UN General Assembly resolution highlighted three main grievances: the Council’s failure to represent contemporary political realities, its tendency to reflect only Western values and interests, and its lack of equitable representation.
To address these concerns, an inquiry into UN reform was initiated by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 1997. Since then, various criteria have been proposed for selecting new permanent and non-permanent Security Council members. These criteria include economic and military power, UN budget contributions, population size, respect for democracy and human rights, and representation of geographic, economic, and cultural diversity.
However, each criterion has its advantages and drawbacks, and different countries have differing interests and perspectives on which criteria should be prioritized. Questions arise about the level of economic or military power required for membership, the significance of population size, and the effectiveness of democratic and human rights-respecting nations as Council members.
Additionally, the issue of representation raises questions about whether seats should be allocated based on geography, economic development levels, or cultural considerations. Some advocate for abolishing the veto power held by the five permanent members, viewing it as incompatible with democratic principles and UN sovereignty. However, abolishing the veto remains contentious, as permanent members are unlikely to agree to such reforms, and there are concerns about the potential consequences for UN effectiveness without their involvement.
Overall, the debate over UN Security Council reform involves complex considerations of power, representation, and democratic principles, with no easy solutions to reconcile divergent interests and perspectives.
Reform of Structures and Processes of the UN| Class 12 Polity
UN reforms address modern global challenges and improve its functionality. These proposed changes aim to enhance representation, decision-making, and effectiveness within the organization.
In this article, you will get detailed notes on Reform of Structures and Processes of the UN from Chapter 4 of your Class 12 Political Science NCERT textbook.