United Nations reform

What have attracted much more interest are the recommendations for reforming the UN structure. The current Security Council consists the Big Five Permanent Members (each with a veto power) and ten others elected for two-year terms.

The Secretary General has urged consideration of two options, both of which push the membership up from 15 countries to 24. Model A provides for six new non-permanent seats, with no veto power being created and three new two-year term non-permanent seats. Model B provides for no new permanent seats but creates a new category of eight four-year renewable seats and one new two-year non-permanent (and non-renewable) seat.

As Sir Humphrey would say in Yes Minister, either proposal is “courageous”. Full marks to the UN Secretary General for making the effort.

The report is due to be discussed by the world’s leaders in September. It would be wonderful if progress could be made by the time that the world marks the 60th anniversary of the UN Charter coming into effect: October 24 2005.

Let’s hope that Australia takes a leading and constructive role. At the 1945 San Francisco conference Australia was one of the main delegations involved in creating the UN Charter. The Howard Government has a fine legacy to live up to.