The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
As the United Nations General Assembly prepares for its annual session in New York, critics are questioning the organization’s effectiveness in maintaining global peace. Human rights lawyer and former UN war crimes judge Geoffrey Robertson argues that the UN has failed to prevent atrocities in the 56 armed conflicts currently occurring worldwide, citing the Security Council’s veto system as a primary obstacle to meaningful action.
The current international order, established in 1945, grants the five permanent members of the Security Council—the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France—the power to veto resolutions. Robertson notes that these nations frequently utilize this authority to block interventions in conflicts involving their own interests or those of their allies. Furthermore, the UN Charter does not explicitly protect democratic governance, leaving the organization limited in its ability to respond when democratic states are threatened.
Discussions regarding potential reform, such as limiting the veto power or expanding the Security Council, have historically stalled due to opposition from the permanent members. With Secretary-General Antonio Guterres set to retire in December, the process for selecting his successor remains a closed procedure managed by the Security Council, often resulting in candidates who avoid challenging the interests of the major powers.
Logistical challenges have also emerged regarding the UN’s headquarters in New York. Concerns have been raised over the United States government’s practice of denying visas to certain foreign leaders and international officials, including those associated with the International Criminal Court. This has prompted speculation about the possibility of relocating the UN headquarters to a different country, with some suggesting a move to the Global South or other international cities to ensure the organization can function without interference from the host nation.
Article source: www.theage.com.au | Image credit: www.theage.com.au
