Why in NEWS
Global conflicts hit post-WWII highs with 233,000 deaths and 120 million displaced in 2024, revealing the UN’s weakening ability to manage crises and prompting urgent reform demands.
Key Terms & Concepts
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Paris Agreement (2015) | Global climate pact under the UNFCCC to limit global warming to below 2°C. |
| UNDP | United Nations Development Programme, supporting post-conflict recovery and development. |
| UN Peacekeeping | UN operations to maintain peace in conflict areas through multinational forces. |
| Universal Declaration of Human Rights | Landmark UN document affirming fundamental rights for all. |
| P5 | The five permanent members of the UN Security Council: US, UK, France, Russia, China. |
Key Achievements of the UN
| Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Climate Action | Led Paris Agreement, promotes global sustainability goals. |
| Food Security | WFP provides critical aid during crises, reducing hunger. |
| Post-Conflict Recovery | UNDP supports rebuilding of governance and economies in fragile states. |
| Peace & Security | Missions in areas like South Sudan boost local stability. |
| Human Rights | Promotes rights via UDHR and UNHRC, combating global injustices. |
Limitations of the UN
| Limitation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Conflict Ineffectiveness | 56 wars in 92 countries; UN’s limited role in Ukraine, Gaza conflicts. |
| Weak Enforcement | Over 233,000 killed, 120 million displaced; poor humanitarian outcomes in Yemen, Sudan. |
| Economic & Climate Fallout | $19.3 trillion lost to violence; military emissions unaddressed. |
| Outdated Structure | P5 veto blocks action; major powers like India excluded. |
| Rise of Minilateralism | Forums like Quad, G20 bypass UN; reducing global inclusivity. |
| Funding Crisis | Reliance on voluntary contributions delays peace and aid efforts. |
Needed Reforms to Revive the UN
| Area | Reform Measures |
|---|---|
| Veto Power | Introduce review panel, allow 2/3rd GA override, support France-Mexico genocide veto ban. |
| Representation | Add India, Brazil, SIDS to permanent/rotating UNSC seats. |
| Climate Accountability | Include military emissions in UNFCCC; fund post-war green rebuilding. |
| Funding Reforms | Global taxes (carbon, tech, billionaire) and penalties for late contributions. |
| Ethical Governance | Blind voting, enforce ICJ rulings, independent conflict-of-interest panels. |
| Regional Cooperation | Strengthen UN partnerships with AU, EU, ASEAN for crisis response. |
In a Nutshell (Memory Code: REFORM)
Representation expansion
Enforcement of accountability
Funding stability
Override veto abuse
Regional coordination
Military emission tracking
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following is a key organ of the UN responsible for peace and security?
A) UNHRC
B) UNDP
C) UNSC
D) UNEP - Which agreement is linked to UN climate goals?
A) Doha Round
B) Kyoto Protocol
C) Cartagena Protocol
D) Paris Agreement - What is a major criticism of the UN Security Council structure?
A) Annual elections
B) Exclusion of developed nations
C) Excessive power to rotating members
D) Veto power of permanent members
Mains Practice Questions
- GS2 (International Relations): Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations in resolving global conflicts in the 21st century.
- GS2: Suggest institutional reforms needed to make the United Nations more democratic and effective in the modern geopolitical context.
Answers with Explanation
| Ques | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | The UN Security Council (UNSC) is tasked with maintaining international peace and security. |
| 2 | D | The Paris Agreement is a UN-led global pact on climate change mitigation. |
| 3 | D | Veto power of the P5 is a key reason for UN inaction in many global crises. |
