New York, 27 January 2023 (TDI): Pakistan has urged for ensuring fair regional representation in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by adding more non-permanent seats.
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations (UN), Munir Akram told delegates during a UNSC session on Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) aimed at restructuring the Council.
He also advocated for the right of self-determination of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people. Munir declared this as the primary priority for the UNSC.
Remarks by Munir Akram
While talking about the additional seats in the 15-member body of UNSC, Munir stated, “A regional approach which ensures ‘equitable geographical representation’ should be the central proposition.
It will be a foundation around which Security Council can build its agreement on the size, categories, and other aspects of reform.”
In this regard, the Pakistani Envoy emphasized the importance of flexibility to achieve the necessary consensus among all UN member states in order to break the stalemate in the reform negotiations.
“UNSC can achieve effective and meaningful reform only with the broadest possible agreement of Member States.” Munir reiterated. He also talked about the deficits in Security Council’s ability to fulfill its principal responsibilities.
In this vein, the Ambassador added, “The reform of the Security Council must redress these deficits by enhancing the Council’s representativeness, accountability & transparency.”
G-4 countries and UNSC’s permanent membership
Notably, the G-4 countries; India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan continue to push for permanent seats on the Security Council. While the Italy/Pakistan-led Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group is opposed to any additional permanent members.
Along these lines, Munir stressed, “The UfC’s compromise proposals for longer-term seats. It includes the prospects of re-election, and providing the pathway to reconciling the positions of all sides including the G-4.”
Also read: Pakistan Calls on UN to Act on Resolutions for Kashmir and Palestine
“The creation of permanent seats for a few countries is the worst option for everyone else. It will make the Council even more unequal between permanent and non-permanent members and also more unaccountable.” The Envoy continued.
Talking about accountability in UNSC, Munir said, “Accountability is a critical component of Security Council membership. The Council acts on behalf of the general membership. A State occupying a seat permanently is not accountable.”
“Progress towards consensus is in deadlock by the inflexible position adopted by a few member states who insist on acquiring privileged positions as new permanent members of the UNSC.” The Ambassador concluded.
