AASU On The International United Nations Day--24 October
Circumstances compel us to adhere to ideas or take certain acts that become landmarks in our endeavors. The United Nations (UN), today a model International Organization which aims and activities have covered all the people of the world, has its origins in World War two. A World without the UN would have been probably a place where the most powerful will dictate unscrupulously the path others must follow without their concerns or in their interests.
With all its flaws, the UN system has played a pivotal role for humanity by feeding the hungry; educating children, preventing diseases and conflicts. The victims of wars/civil strife are supported by the UN in all forms, that is, to provide them with shelters, foods and promote their rights amongst others. UN Day- 24 October- has been celebrated since 1948. The Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.
In the course of its existence, however, many people have died due to wars/civil strife, famine and genocide. Dictatorial regimes are allowed by the international community to persecute their people and discriminate against them. Equally activities, such as arms races, terrorism and violent extremism and armed conflicts, causing immense human suffering have been kindled.
Unfortunately the reaction of the international community to global problems capable of jeopardizing the future of humanity has been too feeble. These problems include amongst others inequality, environmental catastrophes and climate change.
When consensus is reached the reaction of the UN is effective as it was manifested in the Security Council’s decisiveness in implementing the Gulf War cease-fire resolution in the early 1990s. However, frequent divisions on the council have limited the success of the UN in many areas. Divisions hampered the UN’s ability to develop (2007) a fully workable peacekeeping mission in Sudan and Chad, where rebellion in Sudan’s Darfur region and bordering parts of Chad created large numbers of refugees beginning in 2003. The great powers have been supporting UN decisions and activities only when their interests are secured.
Recent developments around the world, characterized by the insurgence of violent terrorist groups and other natural calamities, testify to the fact that no nation is safe no matter the level of its advancement. This situation should have been a wakeup call for the whole world to cherish, promote and protect the interests of the majority because it is only then that our individual interests will be best secured. On the above and considering its life span, there is no doubt that the UN has come of age and must be reformed to reflect the current realities. Unfortunately most of the reforms initiated in 2005 met the resistance of the great powers notably the expansion of the number of permanent members of the Security Council.
It is very unfortunate to note that till now Africa, with 54 countries, does not have any permanent member on the Security Council where all major decisions are taken or are blocked by those who have the veto power. It is obvious that the UN has become an archetypal international body which existence is sine qua non condition for world peace and harmony. Therefore, it is imperative that we all uphold the UN by making it more dynamic and democratic to reflect the realities of the world. Sectarian interests must pave the way for the general interests of humanity as a whole.
AASU calls for Africa to have at least one permanent member on the Security Council.
Long live United Nations!
Awaah Fred
(Secretary General)
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