UNSC REFORMS : MULTILATERAL GROUPS G4, L69, C10

UNSC REFORMS : MULTILATERAL GROUPS G4, L69, C10

IN NEWS

The Group of Four (G4) countries have intensified their calls for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as the UN approaches its 80th anniversary in 2025.

ABOUT G-4

• It is a group of 4 countries: Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan.
• Objective: To support each other's bids for permanent seats on the UNSC.
• Formation: The G4 was formed in 2005.
• Meetings: The G4 generally meets on the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly session.
• Proposals: The G4 has proposed increasing the UNSC's membership from 15 to 25, by adding 6 permanent and 4-5 non-permanent members.

ABOUT L-69 GROUPING

• It is a group of developing countries which advocate for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
• Membership: It includes countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
• Goals - To make the UNSC more representative, accountable and effective.

• Making the UNSC more representative
• Expanding the UNSC with more permanent and non-permanent members
• Achieving equitable geographical representation

• India is a member of the L-69 Group.

ABOUT C-10 GROUPING

• Members (10): Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Uganda and Zambia.
• Goal: Push for better representation of Africa in UNSC, in line with the Common African Position outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

• Ezulwini Consensus:  It was adopted in March 2005 in Addis Ababa.

 The Ezulwini Consensus called for Africa to have at least 2 permanent seats and 5 non-permanent seats on the Security Council.

• Sirte Declaration: It was adopted in July 2005, It also reiterated the need for the same number of seats for African states as the Ezulwini Consensus.

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC)

• It is responsible for maintaining international peace and security
• Members (15): 5 permanent members and 10 elected non-permanent members.

• The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

• Voting: Each member has one vote and all member states are obligated to comply with the UNSC's decisions.
• Powers - Determine if there is a threat to peace or an act of aggression

• Call on parties to a dispute to settle it peacefully
• Impose sanctions or authorise the use of force
• Deploy peacekeeping forces
• Issue ceasefire directives

• Formation: January 17, 1946.
• Veto power: The five permanent members have veto power, which they can use on any Security Council resolution.