Ruchira Kamboj Urges Urgent Reforms to UNSC: Advocating Inclusivity and Flexibility in Veto Power
In a decisive move, India's Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, has issued a fervent call for immediate action, urging urgent reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking during the 78th session's informal meeting on Security Council reforms, Kamboj voiced frustration over the prolonged discussions, emphasizing that nearly a quarter century has passed since comprehensive reforms were pledged at the Millennium Summit in 2000.
The urgency in Kamboj's call stems from the protracted nature of the discussions, spanning over a decade since the early 1990s. Expressing her concern, Kamboj stated, "The world and our future generations can no longer wait. How much longer must they wait?" As the world approaches the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, with an imminent summit scheduled for September, Kamboj underscored the need for tangible progress towards reforms, particularly to address historical injustices, especially in Africa.
One key aspect of Kamboj's advocacy is her caution against maintaining the status quo and a plea for a more inclusive approach. She warned that limiting the Security Council expansion solely to non-permanent members might exacerbate disparities in its composition. Emphasizing the importance of representativeness and equitable participation, Kamboj aimed to bolster the Council's legitimacy. Addressing concerns about the veto power, she suggested a flexible approach, stating that the veto issue should not impede the reform process.
Kamboj proposed a pragmatic solution, suggesting that new permanent members refrain from exercising the veto until a decision is made during a review. "While the new permanent members would have the same responsibilities and obligations as current permanent members, they shall not exercise the veto until a decision on the matter has been taken during a review," asserted Kamboj, adding, "We should not allow the veto issue to have a veto over the process of reform itself."
Consistent with India's position, the G4—Brazil, Germany, Japan, and India—also underlined the demand for more participation in the non-permanent category. Emphasizing the importance of reflecting the diversity of views from the 193 member states, the G4 countries advocated for a more inclusive Security Council.
Additionally, Kamboj suggested identifying specific groups or countries deserving special consideration in the reform process, stressing the need to listen attentively to their voices. She proposed leveraging cross-regional arrangements to ensure the General Assembly membership's adequate representation in the Council.
This call for urgent reforms aligns with India's broader support for comprehensive changes across all five clusters, advocating for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories. Kamboj's statements reflect a global consensus for a more representative, equitable, and inclusive Security Council, addressing the evolving dynamics of the international community. As the world anticipates the September summit, the pressure intensifies for substantive progress in Security Council reforms to meet the evolving demands of a rapidly changing global landscape.
