Recently, an online meeting took place involving the foreign ministers from the Group of 4 (G4). The G4 is a consortium of countries including India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany. These states are in search of a permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This was one of many key points discussed during the virtual meeting.
75th Session of the UN General Assembly
Another important topic on the agenda revolved around the 75th session of the UN General Assembly. The G4 nations have made it clear that they will push for definitive and time-bound outcomes. This call for action is further fueled by the approaching 75th anniversary of the UN on the 24th of October, 2020.
Towards Comprehensive Reforms Of The UNSC
The 2005 World Summit held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York saw all governments strongly commit to achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Two new bodies were also established; a Peacebuilding Commission set up to aid countries transitioning from war to peace, and a fortified Human Rights Council. Today, the ministers express their ongoing common resolve to take decisive steps towards the early and comprehensive reform of the Security Council that was envisaged by Heads of State and Government in the summit.
G4’s Stance On UNSC Reforms
In order to rectify historical wrongs against Africa regarding its under-representation in the Security Council, G4 advocates for greater representation for the African continent in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of UNSC.
To make the UNSC more legitimate, representative and effective, G4 has also stepped up to propose an increase in the number of permanent seats from 5 to 11, and non-permanent seats from 10 to 14.
Opposition And Support For UNSC Reforms
Initially, the permanent members of UNSC, also known as the P5 (consisting of the USA, UK, France, Russia and China), exhibited resistance to the proposed reforms. This was largely due to their demand for veto power for the new members as well, also known as the Rizali Plan. However, when the new nations decided to forego the veto power, or what’s called the Rizali Reform Plan, the P5 nations accepted.
G4 Pushes For Text-Based Negotiations
A key aspect of G4’s strategy involves working with other reform-minded countries and groups to start text-based negotiations (TBN). Some countries, including China, have shown reluctance for TBN, arguing that the matter is too sensitive for text.
Concerns Over Intergovernmental Negotiations
Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) sessions scheduled in February and March 2020 on UNSC reform were adjourned due to Covid-19. This sparked concerns about IGN’s flawed working methods, lack of transparency and openness. Critics argue that IGN should have included a reflection of the Common African Position, as described in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
Groups Opposed to UNSC Reforms
An informal group called the Uniting for Consensus Group (also known as the “”coffee club””) has openly opposed UNSC reforms. The club comprises mostly middle-sized states who are against bigger regional powers claiming permanent seats.
India’s Position on UNSC Seats
India has been seeking a permanent seat at the Council for quite some time, with China being the only P5 nation opposing this. India will start a two-year non-permanent term on the UNSC in January 2021. The country is also advocating for reforms to democratize the UN, such as UNSC reforms and UN peacekeeping reforms.