Reform of the United Nations Security Council
Recently India has criticized the decision of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to postpone the discussion on reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
India has criticized the decision to hold the Inter-Governmental Dialogue (IGN) on Security Council reform in the next session of the General Assembly. According to India, UNGA has lost an opportunity to reform with this move.
IGN is an official forum within the United Nations. On this forum member countries discuss and communicate reforms in the UNSC.
Limited efforts to reform UNSC:
- UNSC was last reformed in the year 1965. Then the number of non-permanent members was increased from 11 to 15.
- The five permanent members of the UNSC (P-5) have used veto power to pursue their political interests.
India’s stand on UNSC reforms:
- India has been demanding expansion in both permanent and non-permanent memberships. India is in favor of ending veto power.
- India favors equal representation on a geographical basis.
India’s claim for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council is based on the following objective criteria:
India, by any objective criteria, such as population, territorial size, GDP, economic potential, civilizational legacy, cultural diversity, political system, is eminently qualified for permanent membership.
United Nations Security Council
- It is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, established under the United Nations Charter. It’s headquarter is in New York.
- Its primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security.
- Only the UNSC has the power to make decisions that member states are bound to implement under the Charter.
- Members: There are 5 permanent members with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. There are 10 non-permanent members who do not have veto power.
Source – The Hindu
