Why has the UNSC ‌failed to address ‌global conflicts?

The US is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. In November the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza war. This call for a ceasefire triggered widespread opposition. 14 members strongly opposed the demand, worsening the situation in the Middle East. Furthermore, it highlights ‌major drawbacks in the structure of the United Nations Security Council.

The UNSC was established in 1946 under the leadership of 5 members. France, Russia, the US, the UK, and China are the 5 permanent members of the Security Council. All of them can veto any resolution. These nations prioritize their own interests over worldwide peace. The result of this ownership is that the UNSC often failed to solve ‌world crises such as the Gaza War. 

Why did the UNSC fail to bring peace?

According to many experts, the inefficiency of the United Nations Security Council is due to its outdated structure. They failed to resolve the conflict and bring peace. Instant change is necessary; otherwise, the UN will totally lose its credibility. It is important to restructure the system to understand things in a better way. 

The outdated structure of the UNSC fails to match today’s world realities. This is the reason that reforms are required on an instant basis. The UNSC consists of 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members. The permanent members of the UNSC used their veto power for their own interest rather than to bring about peace. For example, the US used its power in favor of Israel while Russia blocked many decisions that proved beneficial for the Syrian and Ukrainian wars. These actions of the nations have led to delays and inaction. Furthermore, the priorities of the permanent members of the UNSC are the major reasons behind the failure to bring peace across the world. 

Major sufferings of the United Nations Security Council

The rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union stalled decision-making during the Cold War. At the same time, many peacekeeping missions have been approved, but the United Nations is still suffering with many disagreements. In order to better address ‌today’s world conflict it is necessary to reform the United Nations Security Council. 

Since 1946, the world has changed, making it imperative that the UN Security Council be reformed. More than half of the world’s population was represented by the five permanent members at the time. They only make up 26% now. This system disregards the rising influence of Asia, Africa, and South America in favor of Western nations. This disparity is brought to light by the Gaza conflict. While the US-led Global North frequently opposes, the Global South frequently votes in favor of Palestine in UN votes. On November 20, 2023, the US vetoed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza in favor of Israel. Attempts to halt the violence and deliver humanitarian relief were thwarted by this veto. 

Vetoes like this demonstrate how a small number of strong nations may overturn the wishes of the majority. This undermines confidence in global diplomacy, particularly with partners in the Middle East. The Security Council runs the risk of being out of date and unable to fairly address the issues facing the world today if the change is not implemented. Twelve resolutions were voted on by the Security Council, but eight of them were vetoed—six by the US—indicating the council’s inability to act on the Gaza crisis. This demonstrates how the US defends Israel by thwarting resolutions that condemn it. Since one nation’s veto power can halt activity, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have urged for changes to the Security Council. There is now less faith in the UN as a result of the Secretary-General’s admission that the Security Council is ineffectual. 

As seen by the Council’s inability to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, experts contend that strategic considerations frequently keep it from attending to pressing humanitarian issues. This draws attention to more serious problems with global governance. Reforms that would enable the General Assembly to override vetoes are being called for, but persuading the permanent members to relinquish their veto power is a difficult task. The UN may be forced to make much-needed reforms if action is not taken in Gaza.