While the world discusses the rising tension in the Middle East due to the recent attack from Iran, the call for a more inclusive and effective UN Security Council (UNSC) resonates louder, highlighting the critical need for reform in global crisis management.
The proposed UN Security Council resolution for a Gaza ceasefire was blocked by vetoes from Russia and China, exposing the Council’s systemic deadlock. One would expect the UNSC, with its function to ensure global peace and security, to be the planet’s prime defender of civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict. However, the current crisis in the Middle East proved that strategic interests and the exercise of veto power can, at times, support the very conflicts the Council is meant to prevent. Blocking crucial decisions highlight the need for empowered regional voices to shape their future and maintain their stability.
In a recent UN press release, developing countries demanded a restructured Council that reflects their needs and provides a voice for those historically marginalized in global decision-making forums. This call for inclusion is not just a request but a necessary step towards a more democratic and effective Council, where the diverse challenges and contributions of developing nations are acknowledged.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a live example of why it is important to have a diverse and inclusive UNSC. Decades of conflict have led to an international outcry for more representative diplomacy that considers the perspectives of both regional stakeholders and the broader international community. The repeated calls for intervention in the Israeli-Palestinian situation prove the limitation of a Security Council that is not fully reflective of the global population it serves. While Algeria is part of the non-permanent members, the absence of a permanent Middle Eastern member on the Council creates a significant gap, leaving the region without a voice equal to those of the permanent members in the decision-making process on issues that directly affect its peace and stability. This has contributed to a prolonged suffering and loss of innocent lives in areas like Gaza. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict represent the broader argument that without diverse representation, the Security Council risks its legitimacy and effectiveness in global peacekeeping.
The world is watching day to day news of children being brutally murdered and the UNSC keeps failing to enforce a ceasefire. Growing skepticism towards the UN’s ability to enforce peace is palpable, particularly in prolonged conflicts such as those in Gaza, where ceasefires are fragile and often temporary. The resignation of Craig Mokhiber, the director of the New York Office of UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, amid the war in Gaza is an example that even those within the organization are questioning its efficacy in conflict resolution. This loss of faith from within can lead to a wider impact, diminishing the UN’s authority and its capacity to mobilize a unified international response to enforce peace.
The veto power within the UNSC extends its reach to matters significantly impacting humanity’s future. Beyond the scope of military conflict, pressing issues such as climate change, hunger, and pandemics require inclusive dialogue and collaborative action. For instance, Ireland and Niger drafted a resolution to elevate climate change as a factor of global security within the UN’ decision-making processes. Despite securing widespread support from council members, the resolution encountered a setback when it was vetoed by Russia.
This case highlights the need for diverse voices from affected regions and realizing that these voices are not just additions but necessities to establish solutions that are equitable, culturally informed, and resilient. Therefore, the UN’s decision-making must evolve to embody the collective insights and urgent needs of the global community.
Indeed, the UN has historically played a pivotal role in maintaining global peace, often effectively mediating in times of international crisis. However, in our ever-evolving world, it’s apparent that a more nuanced approach is required to navigate today’s complex issues, from climate change to regional conflicts.
The Security Council’s veto power and lack of diverse representation are more than procedural shortcomings; they are fundamental obstacles to addressing the complex challenges of our time. A reformed Council, one that mirrors the diversity of its member states and limits the unilateral exercise of veto, is an urgent necessity. Only then, people will regain hope that this historical institution will be capable to foster peace and security in the world.
