India, representing the G4 nations, has warned that a reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) that fails to address its under-representation, particularly in the permanent membership category, will only exacerbate existing imbalances and leave the Council ill-equipped to handle current global challenges.
Speaking at a UNSC High-Level Debate on ‘Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Addressing Historical Injustice and Enhancing Africa’s Effective Representation in the UNSC’, Ambassador R Ravindra, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, highlighted that recent geopolitical developments have exposed the Council’s shortcomings in maintaining international peace and security.
Ravindra, addressing the debate on behalf of Brazil, Germany, Japan, and India, stressed that the UNSC’s structure, established in 1945, no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities. He emphasised that the lack of representation for Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the under-representation of Asia-Pacific in the permanent category undermines the Council’s effectiveness.
The G4 advocates for expanding the UNSC from 15 to 25 or 26 members by adding six permanent and four or five non-permanent members. The proposed new permanent members would include two each from African and Asia-Pacific states, one from Latin America and the Caribbean, and one from West European and Other States.
Ravindra also supported the Common African Position, which argues that if the veto power remains, it should be extended to all permanent members, both old and new. He asserted that African representation in both permanent and non-permanent categories is crucial for a more effective and inclusive Council.
With the UN General Assembly session and the Summit of the Future scheduled for next month, Ravindra urged for text-based negotiations to expedite the reform process, warning against delaying reforms in pursuit of consensus.
He underscored the necessity of these reforms for future generations and highlighted Africa’s significant role in global affairs. The G4 remains committed to supporting Africa’s legitimate demands and ensuring its rightful place in a reformed UNSC.
As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary, Ravindra warned that failure to act could render the Council obsolete and irrelevant. He reiterated the need for urgent reform to address historical injustices and reflect the realities of today’s world.
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