GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Multinational Bodies
Source: Th
Context: India, representing the G4 nations (Participating in Inter-governmental Negotiations on UNSC reform), presented a detailed model for UN Security Council reform, proposing new permanent members elected democratically by the General Assembly and showing flexibility on the veto issue.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Model:
| Highlights | Details |
| Enlarged Membership | 11 Permanent members, and 14/15 non-permanent members with a 2-year term to be elected based on current practice. |
| Equitable Regional Representation | Representation of 6 new permanent members shall come from Africa (2), Asia-Pacific (2), Latin America and Caribbean (2), Western Europe and Other Member States (1). |
| Working Methods of Council | An affirmative vote of 14/15 of 25/26 members will be required for a decision. |
| Veto | No veto rights to new permanent members until decided by a review, held fifteen years after reform came into force. |
| Relationship between UNSC and UNGA | The council should hold regular consultations with the President of UNGA, submit annual reports and special reports to UNGA, etc. |
Benefits of the proposed Model:
- Enlarged Membership: Increasing the Security Council’s membership from 15 to 25-26 allows for greater representation of diverse perspectives and regions, enhancing the Council’s legitimacy.
- Equitable Regional Representation: The proposed model ensures representation from underrepresented regions such as Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean, addressing the current imbalance in the Council’s composition.
- Democratic Election of New Members: New permanent members will be elected democratically by the General Assembly, promoting fairness and inclusivity in the selection process.
- Flexibility on Veto: By delaying the exercise of veto rights for new permanent members until a review is conducted, the model displays a willingness to compromise and facilitate constructive negotiations.
- Enhanced Working Methods: Requiring an affirmative vote of 14/15 members for decisions encourages consensus-building and cooperation among Council members.
- Improved Relationship with UNGA: Regular consultations with the President of the UN General Assembly and submission of reports enhance transparency and accountability, fostering a stronger relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly.
- Greater Acceptability:g., France has expressed support for India, Japan, Brazil, and Germany’s candidacy for permanent membership and endorsed the G4 model. The U.S. acknowledged the support for expanding both permanent and non-permanent seats on the Security Council.
Limitations:
- Uncertainty in the Selection Process: The model does not specify which member states will occupy the new permanent seats, potentially leading to ambiguity and disputes during the democratic election process.
- Delayed Exercise of Veto: While the model offers flexibility on the veto issue, delaying its exercise until a review introduces uncertainty and may hinder immediate decision-making on critical matters.
- Potential Resistance from Current Permanent Members: The proposed reforms may face opposition from existing permanent members who wield veto powers, as it could dilute their influence and control within the Security Council.
- Complex Decision-Making Process: Requiring an affirmative vote of 14/15 members for decisions could lead to gridlock and inefficiency in decision-making, particularly on contentious issues where consensus is challenging to achieve.
The article should be read in continuation of the previous article: Future of United Nations: UN Reforms
Conclusion:
Looking towards the future, the 21st century presents a myriad of complex challenges, ranging from climate change to cybersecurity threats and economic inequality. Despite its imperfections, the United Nations (UN) stands uniquely positioned to address these multifaceted issues, given its convening power, diplomatic role, and extensive network of agencies.
However, realizing its full potential requires implementing reforms to enhance its effectiveness. Streamlining bureaucracy, reducing inefficiencies, and ensuring more equitable representation within the organization are crucial steps towards achieving this goal. Despite these challenges, the UN remains indispensable in global governance, humanitarian assistance, and crisis management. While the need for reform is evident, the UN’s continued role in fostering cooperation, dialogue, and collective action underscores its enduring importance in tackling the world’s most pressing problems.
About G4:
It consists of Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, and aims to secure permanent seats on the UNSC. They mutually endorse each other’s bids for permanent membership and regularly convene during the UN General Assembly sessions.
Inter-governmental Negotiations:
Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) is a UN-based initiative focused on reforming the UNSC. It involves various international organizations such as the African Union, G4 nations, Uniting for Consensus Group (UfC), L.69 Group of Developing Countries, Arab League, and Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (10 M) (UPSC 2017)
Prelims Links:
With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
- It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
- It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year
- It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Ans: (a)
