Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The United Nations, established in 1945, faces persistent calls for reform to enhance its effectiveness and legitimacy in a rapidly changing world. The organization’s structure, particularly the composition and veto power of the Security Council, is often criticized as being unrepresentative and hindering its ability to address contemporary global challenges. Recognizing these shortcomings, numerous initiatives have been undertaken over the decades to reform the UN system, though progress has been incremental and often stalled due to diverging national interests. This answer will detail the key measures undertaken by the UN for its reforms.
Security Council Reform
The most contentious area of reform revolves around the Security Council. Several proposals have been put forth:
- Expansion of Membership: The ‘Uniting for Consensus’ group (including India, Brazil, Italy, and Egypt) advocates for expansion in non-permanent seats, while the ‘G4’ nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan) seek permanent seats without veto power. The ‘Easy 12’ proposal suggests adding 10 non-permanent and one permanent seat.
- Veto Power: There’s widespread debate on restricting or abolishing the veto power held by the P5 (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US). The ‘Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P) doctrine, endorsed in 2005, attempts to circumvent the veto in cases of mass atrocities, but its implementation remains challenging.
- Working Methods: Efforts have been made to improve the transparency and efficiency of the Security Council’s working methods, including increased consultations with non-Council members.
General Assembly Reform
Reforms aimed at strengthening the General Assembly include:
- Revitalization of the GA: Initiatives to enhance the role of the GA in peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. Resolutions 62/6 and 65/294 (2008 & 2010) focused on strengthening the GA’s authority.
- Management Reform: Streamlining the agenda and improving the efficiency of debates and resolutions.
- Increased Representation: Efforts to ensure more equitable geographical representation in the GA committees.
Secretariat Reform
Reforms within the UN Secretariat have focused on improving efficiency, accountability, and transparency:
- Management Reforms: The 2005 World Summit called for comprehensive management reforms, including strengthening internal oversight mechanisms and improving financial management.
- Whistleblower Protection: Measures to protect whistleblowers who report misconduct within the UN system.
- Gender Parity: Efforts to achieve gender parity in the Secretariat, with targets set for increasing the representation of women in senior positions.
Peacekeeping Operations Reform
Significant reforms have been undertaken to enhance the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations:
- Brahimi Report (2000): This report, commissioned after the failures in Rwanda and Srebrenica, recommended strengthening peacekeeping capabilities, including better planning, training, and equipment.
- High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (2015): This panel, chaired by Jan Eliasson, proposed a new approach to peacekeeping, emphasizing prevention, mediation, and partnerships with regional organizations.
- Peacekeeping Accountability: Increased scrutiny of peacekeeping operations and accountability for misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
Financial Reforms
Addressing the UN’s chronic financial instability is a key reform area:
- Scale of Assessments: Periodic reviews of the scale of assessments (the contributions made by member states) to ensure equitable burden-sharing.
- Budgetary Control: Strengthening budgetary control mechanisms and improving financial transparency.
- Innovative Financing: Exploring innovative financing mechanisms, such as levies on airline tickets or arms sales, to supplement traditional funding sources.
Conclusion
Despite numerous initiatives, UN reform remains a complex and challenging endeavor. The inherent tension between national sovereignty and the need for collective action, coupled with the veto power of the P5, often hinders progress. While incremental reforms have been achieved in areas like peacekeeping and management, fundamental changes to the Security Council’s composition and decision-making processes remain elusive. Continued dialogue and a willingness to compromise are essential for the UN to adapt to the evolving global landscape and effectively address the challenges of the 21st century.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.