India Slams UFC Model on UNSC Reforms
United Nations, March 20 (IANS) India criticized the Uniting for Consensus (UFC) model on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, stating that it does not empower Africa or Global South nations or change permanent seat membership. The UFC, consisting of 12 countries and two observers, including a P5 nation, opposes the majority view of expanding the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories.
India’s Permanent Representative at the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, questioned, “How does the model represent Africa, Latin America, and Asia?… When Africa itself is asking for an expansion in both categories of membership, isn’t it uncalled for to do just what Africa was subjected to in perpetuity in the past, which is deciding on their behalf?” Africa, with 54 member nations, has called for an expansion in both categories.
India, advocating for sovereign equality, raised concerns about relegating delegations of the Global South to non-permanent seats. Ambassador Kamboj speaking on behalf of G4 countries stressed the importance of expanding the council in both categories to effectively address the maintenance of international peace and security.
She pointed out that the current model with 22 non-permanent members, including the present E10, lacks checks and balances on the issues related to P5 E10 dynamics. India emphasized the need for a new logic in the composition of the permanent category in a multipolar world.
“We do not operate on the basis of vetoes in the United Nations General Assembly. Thus, when asking for an impossible consensus preceding text-based negotiations, isn’t the UFC just vetoing the whole process and suggesting a ‘my-way-or-the-highway’ approach,” Kamboj questioned. India stresses the importance of a more inclusive approach in UNSC reforms.
In conclusion, India’s critique of the UFC model highlights the ongoing debates on UNSC reforms and the need for representation and empowerment of all nations, especially the Global South and African countries. The call for a more equitable and effective framework for addressing international peace and security issues remains a crucial aspect of the reform discussions at the United Nations.
