October 24 marks the annual United Nations (UN) day. On this day in 1945 UN charter signed by 51 countries came into force and a truly international institution was formed. UN was established by allied powers who emerged victors from World War II. Its ostensible purpose was to maintain international peace and security and to promote international cooperation to bring about economic and social prosperity and to preserve universal human rights. It’s practical purpose however has become to serve as platform for great powers to exert their influence on smaller nations and to watch haplessly as might is right is practiced all over the globe. Admittedly, UN has some successes to its credit, but they are vastly outshined by its gross shortcomings. Particularly, its failure to resolve long standing issues of Kashmir and Palestine according to will of their people has severely tarnished its reputation as a so-called ‘global mediator’.
No matter its futilities, it is not a rational idea to completely do away with the UN. It is the only platform having some semblance of international cooperation. However, radical reforms are needed to make UN relevant to challenges posed by 21st century. The guiding principle at the heart of UN is of state sovereignty which does not allow it to take any meaningful action on any issue which a country describe as its ‘domestic’ matter, Kashmir being a case in point. The veto powers in security council (P5) are sure to reject any reform proposal that seeks to reduce their undemocratic power on UN policies. They may be historic global powers, but five states are no match for 190. Unfortunately, these 190 have been embroiled in their own petty regional rivalries. They must overcome their differences and form a consensus on making UN a truly democratic institution. Pakistan being a geostrategic wise important country having significant influence in South and Central Asian and Islamic blocs should play an active role in pushing for UN reforms for greater international good.
