UN’s ‘reputation and relevance’ on the road to Security Council reform, warns Council President |
That is according to General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi, who said in a plenary meeting on Thursday about the expansion Security Council and to make it fairer, that this year’s “interwoven crises”, primarily Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, exposed the Council’s problems. inability to “fully perform one’s duties”.”
Veto
The veto power is held by the permanent members, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, which means that any resolution can be blocked if only one of them decides to use the right. veto. Another ten countries sit on the Council and are elected to serve two-year terms, on a regional rotation basis.
The council operates on a one-member-one-vote basis, and when deciding on “procedural matters”, nine members need to vote in favor for the decision to be passed. On all other issues, an affirmative vote of the nine members “including unanimous votes of the permanent members” is required.
For a summary of the Security Council’s powers and capabilities to prevent war, See our explainer here, published in April.
The call for change is growing louder
“Increasing numbers are demanding its reform,” said Mr. Kőrösi.
“During Senior Week, a third of world leaders highlighted the urgent need to reform the Council – more than double the number by 2021. They are counting on the General Assembly to lead change.
“We should admit that this is about the credibility and relevance of the United Nations.”
He told the ambassadors that Congress needed to decide whether to pass motions or “take action”.
“You just need to answer this call. The General Assembly is literally the sole organ of the United Nations tasked with finding a solution to the problem of Security Council reform. I count on you, Member States, to accelerate the transformation that is urgently needed.”
Security Council extends sanctions against Somalia
collective step
The President of the General Assembly called on the 193-member body – the most representative body in the entire UN system – to take a “collective step”, and support the ongoing process of intergovernmental negotiations. launched 13 years ago, to finally bring about meaningful reform.
“The goal is to find a solution. In a transparent way. Following a well-designed process,” he told the meeting, saying that he and his co-chairs would provide any necessary support, “in an impartial, objective and open manner.”
Quoting the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, who described perseverance as a sign of willpower, he said, “let us persevere.”
Get out of the entrenched position. Go beyond the calculations of doubt and rivalry. Let’s focus on the common good.”
