A Closer Look at the United Nations Security Council Reforms

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) stands as one of the six main organs of the United Nations. For a deeper understanding of the role, functions, mandate, members, and key facts about the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) , refer to the linked article.

What does the UNSC reforms entail?

The United Nations General Assembly has identified five key issues. These include:

1. Categories of membership
2. The question of the veto
3. Regional representation
4. Size of an expanded Council and its working methods
5. The relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly

Why are these reforms necessary?

• Evolving geopolitical landscape: The current membership and working methods of the Security Council reflect a bygone era. Despite significant changes in geopolitics since 1945, the UNSC has seen little change since its establishment by the victorious Allies, who secured permanent Council seats with veto power.
• Overdue reforms: The UNSC was expanded only once in 1963 to include four non-permanent members. Despite the increase in UN membership from 113 to 193, the composition of the UNSC remains unchanged.
• Inequitable economic and geographical representation: Europe is over-represented, while Asia is underrepresented. Africa and South America have no representation.
• Legitimacy and credibility crisis: The stalled reform agenda and issues such as interventions in Libya and Syria have raised questions about the institution's credibility.
• North-South Divide: The permanent membership of the UNSC highlights the significant North-South divide in security decision-making. For example, there is no permanent member from Africa, even though 75% of the UNSC's work is focused on the continent.
• Emerging global issues: Issues such as deepening economic interdependence, worsening environmental degradation, and transnational threats necessitate effective multilateral negotiations among countries. However, all critical decisions of the UNSC are still made by the permanent members.

What are India's prospects?

The stance taken by the G-4 (India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil) and the L-69 group of developing countries on UN reforms has the backing of nearly 110-115 countries out of 193 member states. This ensures a simple majority at the UNGA for any reform resolution. However, a 1998 UNGA decision requires a special majority (129 votes) for such amendments to the UN charter. Therefore, India should continue to persuade countries to support its position on UN reforms.

Further Reading: UNSC & Permanent Seat for India: A Detailed Analysis

India has displayed considerable flexibility to garner popular support. For instance, India has agreed to withhold the use of veto power by new permanent members for up to a 15-year review period.

India needs to gain support at the UN for its initiatives by actively campaigning for core issues such as climate change, counter-terrorism, and global finance. India has proposed a UN convention to combat terrorism and is actively working to reform the Bretton Woods institutions ( World Bank and IMF), which are often seen as outdated institutions established in the post-Second World War era.

India should be wary of conflicting interests within the UNGA, such as the Coffee Club (which includes countries like Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Argentina, and Pakistan), which could derail the process.

The way forward:

Given the current circumstances, it is crucial for the UNSC to reform itself to maintain its legitimacy and representation in the world. However, this requires the political will of the P-5 nations and a strong consensus among all nations.

Aspirants can check the UPSC Notes page for free GS1, GS2, and GS 3 notes.