by United Nations Association of the United States of America, Gainesville Chapter
World War II was the deadliest and most destructive conflict in human history, claiming the lives of 40 to 50 million people and leaving much of the world in ruins. In its aftermath, world leaders called for enduring peace.
To achieve this, representatives of 50 Allied nations convened in San Francisco from April 25 to June 26, 1945, to draft the charter of an international organization dedicated to peace. Thus, the United Nations was born on Oct. 24, 1945.
As we commemorated the 79th anniversary of the UN’s founding on Oct. 24, 2024, the organization continues to pursue its mission to maintain peace, provide humanitarian aid, protect human rights, uphold international law, and promote its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the six principal organs of the UN, the Security Council, bears the responsibility of ensuring international peace and security, recommending new members to the General Assembly, and approving amendments to the UN Charter.
Its powers, as outlined in the Charter, include establishing peacekeeping operations, imposing sanctions, and authorizing military actions.
As the only UN body with binding authority, the Security Council holds immense power. Yet, its track record reveals significant shortcomings, especially during the Cold War and in times of regional crises.
Many observers and studies have concluded that the veto power exercised by the five permanent members (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) is the most undemocratic element of the UN. This mechanism often paralyzes decision-making and hinders action on critical issues such as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The veto grants any of these five nations the ability to unilaterally block any substantive decision.
In effect, it poses an existential threat to the future of the United Nations and global peace.
In light of these concerns, the Gainesville Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), established in 1964 to support the principles of the UN, calls for urgent restructuring of the Security Council.
We propose two critical changes to preserve the UN’s relevance and renew its commitment to its founding principles:
1. Eliminate the one-country veto power and adopt a two-thirds majority rule for substantive decisions.
2. Expand the number of permanent members by adding four seats: two members from Africa, one member from Brazil, and one member from India. This reform would reflect the racial and cultural diversity of the global community, ensuring a more representative and equitable Security Council. A more democratic and representative UN is essential for achieving peace now and in the future.
These changes are long overdue. However, it is never too late to do what is necessary and just. Restructuring the Security Council would align the UN with its mission and pave the way for a more democratic and effective global governance system.
By implementing these reforms, the international community can strive toward achieving the “UN We Need” for the 21st century and beyond.