The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has called for a permanent seat for Africa at the UN Security Council, adding that the UNSC needs reforms.
UN Chief Calls For Security Council Reforms
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has called for a permanent seat for Africa at the UN Security Council, adding that the UNSC needs reforms. During a high-level debate on Monday, the UN Chief, addressing the Security Council said that the composition of the UNSC has failed to keep pace with a changing world.
The five permanent members of the 15-member UNSC–China, France, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom--each have the ability to veto a vote. The remaining 10 non-permanent seats are distributed regionally. Among the ten seats are three for African states, two for Latin America and the Caribbean, two for Asia-Pacific, two for Western Europe and other states, and one for Eastern Europe.
UK Comes Supports The African Cause
The appeal gained momentum when one of the permanent members of the UNSC, i.e. the UK joined the call. Ray Collins, UK’s Minister for Africa and the UN said that providing a permanent seat to Africa is a matter of “urgency”.
Africa speaks for itself
“Africa, with 1.3 billion people and 28% of UN membership, remains grossly underrepresented in the Security Council. This is a profound historical injustice that must be addressed. The call for reform is irrefutable,” he added.
Reforms in UNSC
It is pertinent to note that countries like India and Brazil have been demanding permanent seats at the UNSC as well. Hence, it will be interesting to see whether the council will be more open to reform after hearing these arguments.
The UNSC was established by the UN Charter in 1945.
It is one of the 6 principal organs of the United Nations.
Issues with Regard to UNSC
Lack of Adequate Representation
Misuse of Veto Power
Geopolitical Rivalry within P5
Threat to State’s Sovereignty
