UN Security Council reform needed now
in the media image: Bern Dittrich
Reforming the UN Security Council is more urgent than ever. The Council’s current composition no longer reflects the balance of power in today’s world, wrote emeritus professor Niels Blokker in an opinion piece in ‘Trouw’ newspaper.
There are two important issues in the discussions currently taking place in New York on the reform of the Security Council: curbing veto power and expanding membership.
The veto power of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (the P5: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) often makes it hard for the Council to take action. This weakens its effectiveness and credibility. Many people believe the veto is undemocratic and outdated.
The Security Council currently has 15 members: the P5 and 10 non-permanent members who are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. Emerging powers and regions are underrepresented, while 20th century power relations still dominate. A large majority of countries are in favour of a Council with around 25 members. This would require an amendment to the Charter of the United Nations, which is a difficult and lengthy process. Proposed amendments must first be adopted by the General Assembly by a two-thirds majority. These amendments must then be ratified by two-thirds of the UN member states, including all five permanent members. This latter requirement in particular makes it virtually impossible to reach agreement on the amendment of the veto power. Expanding the number of members of the Council is a more feasible proposal.
The Dutch government has a constitutional obligation to advance the development of the international legal order and should therefore strongly support the reform of the Security Council. A reformed Security Council is needed to offer prospects for a more peaceful world in which international law can bring stability.
More information?
Read the full article in Trouw (in Dutch)