The World Has Changed but the Security Council Is Stuck in 1945: Dr Khalilur Rahman

Although the balance of political and economic power in the world has changed greatly, the structure of the UN Security Council is still stuck in the post-Second World War reality of 1945. As a result, fresh questions are being raised about the council’s effectiveness in dealing with today’s global crises and establishing international peace.

In this situation, Dr Khalilur Rahman, President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, has stressed the need for structural reform of the Security Council and for ensuring that decision-making reflects the changed reality of the world.

He made the remarks in a special interview with the international news outlet TRT World’s ‘One on One’ programme last Thursday (November 12), on the sidelines of the COP31 international climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye. The interview covered Security Council reform, the use of the veto, the trial of the Rohingya genocide, the UN’s field-level work and the process of appointing a new secretary-general, among other issues.

Dr Khalilur Rahman said the global political reality in which the UN structure was created after the Second World War in 1945 is very different from today’s world. But although the global balance of power has changed, that change is not reflected in the Security Council’s permanent membership and power structure.

Referring to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remark that ‘the world is bigger than five’, he said it is essential that today’s global reality is reflected in important world decision-making.

The General Assembly president described Africa’s lack of representation on the Security Council as a major historical injustice. In his view, although the council takes important decisions on Africa’s peace and security, the continent has no permanent representation at the decision-making table. Africa must be a partner in decision-making, and must not in any way remain merely a subject of discussion, or on the ‘menu’.

Noting progress in the reform process, he said co-chairs have already been appointed to coordinate the intergovernmental negotiations on the issue. But implementing reform is not easy. Changing the structure of the Security Council’s permanent or non-permanent membership would require amending the UN Charter. The consent of the five permanent members and the necessary approvals are important in this regard.

He therefore stressed moving forward step by step rather than expecting structural change overnight. Achieving visible progress in the reform discussions during his term as president is his goal.

Dr Khalilur Rahman also expressed concern over the Security Council’s role in dealing with conflicts and humanitarian crises around the world. He said that under the UN Charter, the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security lies with the Security Council. But because of the conflicting interests of the permanent members and the use of the veto, effective decisions cannot be taken in many important crises.

As a result, international efforts to stop wars and violence are being obstructed and various conflicts are becoming prolonged. He cited as an example of this deadlock the cases where resolutions adopted by an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly fail to take effect because of a veto by a permanent member in the Security Council.

On the question of action against states that violate international law and the power to cancel UN membership, he said the UN Charter does contain a provision for expelling a member state. But its use in history has been extremely rare. He cited as an important historical example the change in China’s representation, when the People’s Republic of China was recognised as China’s representative at the UN.

Highlighting the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the judicial settlement of international crimes, Dr Khalilur Rahman referred to the Rohingya genocide case. He said an important decision of the court in this case is due to be announced on November 19.

Although questions have been raised about the UN’s overall effectiveness because of the Security Council’s political deadlock, the General Assembly president highlighted the importance of the organisation’s field-level work. He said it would not be right to judge the UN’s overall work by the Security Council’s political limitations. The UN plays an important role worldwide in humanitarian assistance, saving lives and ensuring emergency services in various crises.

Calling the idea of abolishing the UN unrealistic, he said that if the UN were abolished today, the need to establish a UN again tomorrow would arise, in the interests of world peace and international cooperation. He also noted that young people and ordinary people still place their trust in this international organisation for solving global problems, including the climate crisis.