The UN should play a constructive role rather than being partial or resorting to prejudiced verdicts.
MARDAN: The UN, since its inception in 1945, has not been productive as far as the problems of the Muslim world are concerned. At its founding, it had 53 members and now has 193. It consists of five permanent members in the Security Council who have the power of veto. These are France, the US, the UK, Russia and China. There is no permanent Muslim member in the Security Council — something which should be questioned and corrected. Even though the council has 10 non-permanent members for a period of two years, these members have no power of veto.
This monopoly over veto power should be abolished and all countries should be empowered equally. Pakistan, as the only nuclear Muslim state, should be given a permanent membership. All the decisions of the UN ought to be made by a two-thirds majority of the 193 members in the General Assembly.
The United States has been exercising its power in the UN frequently. Under its influence, the UN has intervened and resolved conflicts in Namibia, South Sudan and East Timor that emerged on the global map while, on the other hand, the disputes confronted by the Muslim world are still unresolved. Issues such as those of Kashmir and Palestine have not been given due significance. Regarding Palestine, the US has exercised its veto in favour of Israel.
These key issues still remain unresolved due to the stubborn attitude of the states who hold veto power. The world is oblivious to or is slumbering upon the tribulations of the Muslim world.
The UN should play a constructive role rather than being partial or resorting to prejudiced verdicts. All UN members should be given equal and substantial power share. It is only in this way that the world body will be able to maintain peace and security in the world. Otherwise, it will meet the fate of the League of Nations sooner or later.
If the hegemony of P5 is not ended, then it will be difficult to restore peace and stability in the Middle East and the subcontinent.
Shahidullah
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2014.
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