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7th June 2024 (13 Topics)

Imperative for UNSC Reform

Context

Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia have been recently elected to serve on the U.N. Security Council for two-year terms. In recent times, countries are advocating for reforms within the UNSC to ensure equitable representation and effectiveness in addressing global security challenges.

Key-highlights

  • The Security Council consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
  • Selection Process: Members are chosen through a voting process where nominees from regional groupings are voted on by all 193 U.N. member states.
  • Regional Representation: This year's selections include Somalia for Africa, Pakistan for Asia-Pacific, Panama for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Denmark and Greece for two Western seats.

Why UNSC requires “reforms”?

  • The formation of the UN Security Council, comprising five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — occurred nearly eight decades ago.
    • At that time, the global landscape comprised approximately 50 independent nations.
    • Despite the significant increase in the number of sovereign states to around 193 today, the control over UNSC membership has remained concentrated in the hands of the original five permanent members.
  • India's Efforts: India, alongside Japan, Germany, and Egypt, has actively advocated for UNSC reform. The proposal put forth by this coalition seeks to address the imbalance in representation and enhance the Council's effectiveness.
  • Challenges Faced: Obtaining consensus for UNSC reform has proven challenging. While some nations have expressed support, others have been hesitant or resistant to change. Overcoming these hurdles necessitates concerted efforts and strategic diplomacy.

Global Support for India's Candidacy:

  • India's aspiration for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been a longstanding diplomatic endeavour.
  • India's rising global stature and widespread support from various regions position it favorably for a permanent seat on the UNSC. India's economic growth, large population, vibrant democracy, and diplomatic prowess under Prime Minister Modi's leadership provide a strong foundation for garnering support.
  • Support from the African Union, ASEAN nations, the United States, European countries, and other regions underscores India's candidacy.
  • Potential Opposition: While China remains a potential obstacle to India's permanent membership, diplomatic efforts could sway opinions, especially if China stands isolated in its opposition.
About UNSC
  • The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
  • It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote.
    • Permanent Members (P5): The United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom are the five permanent members with veto power. Any of these members can block a resolution.
    • Non-Permanent Members (10): The Security Council also has ten elected members who serve two-year terms without veto power. These members are chosen through a two-thirds vote by the UN General Assembly.
  • Presidency Rotation: The presidency of the Security Council rotates monthly. This ensures that non-permanent members have some influence on the agenda.
  • Selection Criteria: Eligibility for membership is based on contributions to international peace and security. This often includes financial or troop contributions to peacekeeping operations or leadership on regional security issues.
  • Regional Representation: Seats on the Security Council are allocated based on regional groups established in 1965. Each regional group has specific electoral norms.
  • Regional groups include the
    • African Group (3 seats)
    • Asia-Pacific Group (2 seats)
    • Eastern European Group (1 seat)
    • Latin American and Caribbean Group (2 seats)
    • Western European and Others Group (WEOG) (2 seats)
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