Information
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern on Monday about what he perceives as inadequate responses from the Security Council regarding the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Guterres suggested that the Council’s authority may have been severely, even fatally, undermined. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, he pointed out the Council’s inability to unite on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s military operations in Gaza, following terror attacks by Hamas on October 7.
Guterres emphasized the pressing need for serious reforms in the Security Council, specifically addressing its composition and working methods. He highlighted the dynamic and fast-changing nature of the world, stating that the increasing number of conflicts is causing unprecedented suffering. Despite these challenges, he asserted that human rights must remain a constant focus.
The Secretary-General also called attention to the use of veto power within the Security Council. Russia, as a permanent member, has exercised its veto right to block resolutions condemning its actions in Ukraine. Similarly, the United States recently vetoed a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Israel’s offensive against Gaza, citing concerns about interference with hostage negotiation efforts.
Source: Reuters, AFP
Assessment
These comments are very relevant as there has been significant discussion online regarding the inefficiency of the United Nations. No matter where you stand, it’s likely that you agree that the UN is currently not capable of fulfilling its intended purpose. Almost all of the ongoing high-intensity conflicts involve a close ally of one of the permanent members, if not a member directly. As a result, these members tend to block resolutions that go against their position, rendering the UN completely ineffective. One possibility would be to expand the size of the member states and possibly require two or more member states to veto a resolution to stop it moving forward. Unfortunately, any changes to the current structure would be as tricky as passing specific resolutions.
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