India and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres have stressed the urgent need to reform the UN Security Council, citing growing global challenges that are testing the credibility and effectiveness of the world body.
Speaking at the Security Council’s high-level open debate on Reaffirming the International Rule of Law, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, said meaningful reform must include the addition of permanent members to ensure effective enforcement of international law. He noted that the Council’s shortcomings in addressing global conflicts have seriously strained the UN’s credibility.
Secretary-General Guterres warned that in many regions, the rule of law is being replaced by what he called “the law of the jungle.” He stressed the urgency of reforming the Security Council, highlighting that it is the only UN body whose decisions are legally binding on all member states. Referring to the UN Charter, he pointed out that the Council alone can authorize the use of force, giving it a unique and universal responsibility in maintaining peace and security.
Guterres further observed that while the world has seen profound changes in power dynamics, demographics, and global challenges over the past eight decades, the Security Council remains rooted in a bygone era. He called for comprehensive reforms, including expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership, emphasizing that such changes are vital to strengthen the Council’s representation and effectiveness.
