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Foreign ministers

Australia Calls for UN Security Council Reform Amid Russia-Ukraine Crisis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Australia's foreign minister, Penny Wong, has warned that the United Nations Security Council is in urgent need of reform, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an example of the body's ineffectiveness. Wong's comments come on the heels of a fiery speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who accused the UN of being powerless to stop the aggression. Australia is seeking a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for 2029-2030, but says it will only happen if fundamental reform is implemented.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has been criticized for its ineffectiveness in preventing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Wong stating that Russia "mocks the UN every day it continues its illegal and immoral invasion".
  • The Security Council's reform is one of the UN's longest-running and insoluble debates, with the five permanent members holding a veto power over any substantive resolution.
  • Australia has consistently argued that the Security Council is in urgent need of reform, with Wong stating that reform is necessary for "keeping it vital".
  • Wong has called for greater permanent and non-permanent representation for Africa, Latin America, and Asia, including permanent seats for India and Japan.
  • The UN's broader system is also failing to protect the peoples of the world, with Wong citing mass displacement, widespread hunger, escalating conflicts, and worsening climate change.
  • Wong has warned against the growing risk of conflict between great powers, citing the Indo-Pacific region's military build-up and lack of transparency and strategic reassurance.

Statistics:

  • 5 permanent members of the Security Council hold a veto power over any substantive resolution.
  • 10 non-permanent members serve two-year rotating terms on the Security Council.
  • 2029-2030: Australia's proposed non-permanent seat on the Security Council.
  • 2013-2014: The last time Australia sat on the Security Council.

Sources:

  • Ben Doherty, Russia "mocks the United Nations every day it continues its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine", Penny Wong tells UN General Assembly (no date given)
  • The New York Times, Ukraine's President Calls for Sanctions on Russia (September 22, 2022)
  • The Australian, Penny Wong: UN Security Council needs reform to prevent Russian veto (June 10, 2022)
  • Press statement by Penny Wong, Foreign Minister for Australia, at the UN General Assembly (September 23, 2022)

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