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Mains Daily Question
Sept. 27, 2023

Q2. The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In this context, analyze the challenges faced by the UNSC in fulfilling its mandate of addressing contemporary security issues. (10 M/150W)

Model Answer

Approach to the answer:

Understanding the structuring of the answer: The question talks about the significance of UNSC in maintaining global peace and security. In the rising times of conflicts, the question also asks us to analyse the efficacy of UNSC by listing challenges faced by it and measures to overcome them.

Introduction:

We can introduce the answer by stating why the question could’ve been asked i.e., inability of UNSC to mediate in Russia-Ukraine War. We can also introduce by stating the origin and primary purpose of UNSC establishment.

Body:

Since the directives are to discuss, analyse and suggest, we need to separately address each section. First, we have to state the role of UNSC. This must be followed by listing down the challenges it faces and finally, the measures needed to be adopted to overcome those challenges.
For value addition, you may state examples/facts in your arguments.

Conclusion:

Here we can conclude either by summarising the arguments of the body section or by stating a few achievements of UNSC and why institutional reforms are needed.

Answer: The Russian invasion of Ukraine and continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict had brought the role of UNSC under scrutiny. The inability of the UNSC to respond to changing times demands reforms in its structure and functioning.

Role of UNSC in maintaining global peace and security:

Maintaining Peace and Security: UNSC maintains international peace and security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations.
Peacekeeping Operations: The UNSC mandates and oversees peacekeeping missions in conflict zones to help maintain ceasefires, protect civilians, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Investigation and Settlement of Disputes: UNSC investigates any dispute or situation which might lead to international conflict and recommends the methods in which the dispute is to be solved.
Punitive Actions: UNSC can ask members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression. It can also sanction military action against an aggressor.
Appointment Functions: It has power to recommend to the General Assembly for the appointment of the Secretary-General and, together with the Assembly, to elect the Judges of the International Court of Justice.

Challenges faced by the UNSC in fulfilling its mandate:

Outdated Structure: The Council’s present composition is no longer representative of a world that has seen 142 new countries join the United Nations since 1945. In particular, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean do not have permanent representation on the Council.
Misuse of Veto: Permanent members of UN (P5) misuse veto power i.e., power to strike down resolutions due to political interests. This hinders the functioning of UNSC and has corroded the credibility of the body’s decisions.

For instance, China has recently objected to a proposal by India to blacklist senior Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Abdul Rauf Azhar.

Peacekeeper’s Flaws: Allegations of sexual exploitation, lack of resources and mandate to function properly etc. are some of the ills plaguing the functioning of peacekeeping operations.
Limited Capacity for Conflict Prevention: The UNSC often becomes involved after conflicts have already erupted, rather than proactively preventing them.
Lack of Transparency in Functioning: There is a lack of transparency and efficiency in the Security Council’s decision-making process.

For instance, the USA was not sanctioned for invading Iraq on the false pretence of Weapon for Mass destruction and Russia was sanctioned for invading Afghanistan.

Measures for UNSC to addresses Contemporary Security Issues more effectively:

Reformed Structure: Regional powers such as India, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, and South Africa need to be accommodated in UNSC via permanent seats of their own.
Transparency in Functioning: The decision making in UNSC w.r.t., resolutions, sanction etc. must be objective and should not favour one country over another.
Veto: The P5 must be devoid from using veto altogether or at least they must be devoid of using veto on matters not concerning their country (this would avoid resolution logjam).
Enhanced Peacekeeper’s Mandates: There should be a committee to look into the mandate of peacekeepers and in case of any atrocities, proper legal measures must be initiated.
Modern Problems: The modern-day warfare is not traditional in any sense. The use of cyber warfare, space warfare, biological weapons etc. demands reforming UNSC’s mandate to deal with such modern problems.
Regional Organizations: Collaborate with regional organizations and encourage them to take a more active role in conflict resolution, as they often have a better understanding of local dynamics.

UNSC, in the last 78 years, has performed decently in terms of avoiding another major war. However, the limitations in its mandate and structure would sooner or later diminish its relevance. Thus, UNSC must reform itself.

Subjects : Current Affairs

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