The Trapped UNO

 After the end of WWII, the allies formed the UNO as a forum for the peaceful settlement of disputes. UNO is the only international organization which has the largest membership and influence. Despite having such a prestigious status, UNO has failed to achieve its goals which have been embodied in its charter due to interests and interference of the Big Five. It has been virtually trapped by top five atomic powers and that is why major global issues are still unresolved. International harmony and brotherhood is mere a slogan. Currently the status of the Muslims in Burma is a moot point. China joined Russia to veto two resolutions which were intended to condemn human rights violations in Burma and Zimbabwe due to their national interests. In 1999 both Macedonia and Guatemala had to bear up the aggression of China due to their recognition to Taiwan. The USA, the so called peace keeper, has used veto power 14 times in the post cold war period. Out of these 14 vetoes, the USA used 13 vetoes to protect the Israel and her interests in the Middle East. In Syrian Crises, when the Assad’s government was bearing down the democratic movements, Russia used veto power to safeguard her own allies in the Middle East. France with UK has used ‘pocket veto’ many times to soften the language of epoch changing resolutions.

Abovementioned examples illustrate the misuse of veto by Big powers for their own personal interests. None of them have ever used this special power to resolve real international issues related to weaker states. The General Assembly which represents all the members is quite impotent as its resolutions are not binding upon the member states. They are just of recommendatory nature. Lacking the real enforcement force, the General Assembly is mere an eye wash. On the other hand, Security Council which includes only 15 members has the real powers. Out of these 15 members the real powers are enjoyed by the Big Five. According to article 23 of UN charter 9 votes with 5 concurring votes of Big Powers are required for the decision of any non-procedural matter. But it is a matter of grief to say that it is also at the mercy of Big Five to decide whether the matter under discussion is a procedural or non-procedural matter. In this way the Big Powers use the power of double veto. The non-permanent members seem to be just spectators in the discourse sessions of Security Council when the real powers lie in permanent members. Moreover, the resolutions of the SC are of binding nature to its members.

The Big Five are only trying to protect their own strategic assets. In view of article 39 of UN charter, it is the responsibility of SC to determine any threat to peace or breach of peace by any state. It may take actions according to articles 40, 41 and 42. Where is the SC when there is ruthless bloodshed in Burma and Kashmir? Where is Universal Declaration on Human Rights which promises right of life for everyone? Unfortunately, the most important declaration on human rights has no binding force in international law. It means that such declarations become effective only when the interests of Big Five are at stake. For the weaker states it is mere a day dream to get support from the UNO. The UN charter clearly favors right of self-determination. But the Kashmiris have been looking for liberation since long. How can Big Five support the Kashmiris in real sense when a growing economic country crushes the Kashmiris in clear violations of international law? Moreover, India’s bid for permanent membership is another side of picture. The world is still following an old principle of Might is Right. No solution to our real problems will be addressed until Big Powers give up their mutual conflicts and start to paint a big peaceful canvas.