Today's Changing global scenario with rising unilateralism, chaos in the middle east countries, threats of Nuclear proliferation and trade wars has time again raised the question about the role of International Organisation in the Globe. 'Charles Darwin' in his book "Origin of Species" has said that "It is not the strongest that survives nor the most intelligent one but the one which is adaptable to change". This statement of Charles Darwin is well applicable to International Organisation and United Nation is no exception to it.
In this Context we will start with a brief history of United Nation and its role in Global Dynamics. Following it the adaptations which are required for the Institution to survive and the reason for its reforms. Then analyse the reasons for its long overdue in reforms.
TIME TRAVELLING TO 1945 :
As the Chaos of World War II ended a novel organisation called "United Nation" took birth from the ashes of it replacing the older League of Nations which was unsuccessful in accomplishing its objective to maintain peace and stop the war from happening. The United Nation is the only organisation with global membership. UN Charter was much enthusiast as a Framework for maintaining peace and cooperation among the world countries. It also steeped its foot steps into alleviating poverty, feeding the hunger, advocating human rights. But soon the disillusionment arose with the start of Cold War in 1950's. The world got divided into Capitalist vs Communist Block with few countries being non aligned. During those time the first reform came in the form of "Acheson Plan" which was devised by USA to circumvent USSR veto. It aimed to permit Assembly to act when the Security Council is paralyzed by veto. But it never got materialised. The Cold war started playing out leading to situations like cuban missile crisis and UN reforms took a back seat.
In 1965 as the membership of United Nations was increasing with parallel decolonisation process the need for balancing the number of seats in the United Nations Security Council arised and expansion of it took place with 5 Permanent members and from 9 Non permanent members to 15. Ending of the cold war brought a ray of hope for UN reforms but hegemony of USA, revival of Russia & rising China made it arduous to reform.
REFORMS REQUIRED :
The First reform which is required is in the UN Charter itself. In "Article 2 sub clause (7)" which does't allow UN to interfere in domestic affairs of the State respecting its sovereignty which is rational but what if it their is violence in the State ? Like one happened in 1994 so called "Rwandan Genocide" which lead to the killing of million of people by Hutu Community. An an Human rights upholding organisation it should act in the cases of brutal violence by the state.
The Second reform is reference of "Enemy States" which are those countries that lost in second world war like Germany and Japan. However today the scenario has changed with about second highest funding by Japan it stands as one of main contenders for UNSC.
Third reform is in the United Nation Security Council which gives a 'carte blanche' to the veto powers which has been abused by Permanent 5. The representation should also be more democratic with adequate representation from Africa, South Asian countries. Veto powers often use their powers in their national interest which can be curbed by making them accountable. The plausible reforms are Limiting the use of Veto, parties in conflict should be invited before taking any decision, any mechanism in which veto is passed by UNGA by 60% would mount international pressure and make veto countries accountable. Also the internal working of UNSC should be made more transparent. In this context 'Dr. Hardeep puri' former India's permanent representative to UN quoted it as "Internal Chaos".
The next reform is restructuring the organisation itself. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) one of the UN principle organisation which coordination between social, economic and humanitarian efforts has become too big. The withdrawal of USA from UNESCO show's how easy it is for a country to betray it. Similarly the Trusteeship council should be provided with new responsibilities of North-South Cooperation.The Administrative and Governance of the UN should be strengthened
The Funding of United Nations is a major concern now with staffs and administration official salaries getting delayed. USA contributes about 22% of the funding to UN which plays politics threatening to stop that it. It often happens that funding is not provided by the member states which gets the budget delayed. An stringent overhaul is required in this direction.
Generally the onus of contributions of soldiers to UN peacekeeping forces is from developing countries with very minimal contributions from developed countries which needs to reformed by contribution according to army capabilities of the countries.
Now looking at reforms required let us understand Why these reforms are required in multiple dimensions like Social, Economic,Cultural and other ? In other words why are these reforms Long Overdue ?
REFORMS LONG OVERDUE :
Socially these reforms are required to attain the 'Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)' like zero poverty, Elimination of hunger under the banner of UN. If ECOSOC remain funding crunch and dysfunctional it would be nearly impossible to achieve these goals for the welfare of humans.
Economically these reforms are sin quo non for percolating prosperity to the other nations. They would augment to faster economic growth in all parts of the world. When the two major powers are on Trade war affecting the Global trade and bringing a slowdown it would help UN to curb them. In the book "Capitalist of 21st century" author 'Thomas Piketty' indicated an rise in inequalities between the world countries which can be checked by UN if proper reforms are carried out to it.
Culturally the asian countries allege the developed countries to impose "Western Neo-Imperialism" which undermines their "Asian Values". The Refugee crisis and increasing of Immigrants to western and european countries there is need for UN to come to rescue. The "UN Compact on Migration" is a welcomed step.
Politically their is shift in power in global scenario and world is divided in two western and Russia, China. These reforms would ensure democratic representation of the states. As 'kofi Annan', a former UN secretary general said "It is indefensible today that India, Brazil, Africa and even Japan don't have a permanent seat at UNSC. This has to be changed or the council will lose its influence and relevance".
Further today the most important reason for reforms is the rising terrorism in the world which can be testified by ChristChurch attack in New Zealand, Easter attack in Sri Lanka, Cross border Terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir and USA's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and Syria which is global concern and cannot be tackled by one nation. Here UN can play a major role to curb it by acting on "Comprehensive Strategy on Countering Global Terrorism" put-forth by India.
Another Global concern which needs Collaborations is the rising vagaries in Climate. As the sea level rises there is a threat to littoral countries of submerging and experts argue an immediate step is required in this direction. US withdrawal from Paris Climate Change is another concern. United Nations requires to take action on it and these reforms with help in augmenting it by proper Funding and Technology transfer to the developing countries from developed countries. With this comes the Issue of Disaster Management which are intensifying and its brunt are borne by developing countries. Efforts in this direction like Sendai Framework needs collaboration in the global community to share information about disasters and mitigation strategies.
WHY REFORMS LONG OVERDUE ?
The question one should put to oneself is why are these reforms so long overdue ? Firstly the UN amendments need an majority of 2/3rd of the General Assembly which is very rigorous process. Secondly the countries in power like P5 don't want to lose their place and maintain their hegemony in United Nation. Thirdly there is no proper consensus among the member nations with regional rivalry and forming groups like Coffee Clubs by Pakistan and Mexico. The China is creating its own world order by its Belt and Road Initiative. The West wants a status quo to maintain its hegemony.
WAY FORWARD :
The only Way forward is that Member States should have to commit themselves to the United Nations. They should understand their responsibility in the Globe and act accordingly. In this context the words of USA former President Truman fits appropriately "UN is a creation of Nation States. It is malleable to their wishes. If they wish it will succeed or become the relic of past". The ideals of India like "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" which translates as One World Family should guide the UN reforms.
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