Thu Sep 26 14:18:38 UTC 2024: ## UN Security Council Criticized for Failing to End Wars, Deeply Divided on Key Issues

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sharply criticized the Security Council for its lack of leadership in ending ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. Speaking at a high-level meeting on Wednesday, Guterres stated that the council’s “deepening geopolitical divisions and mistrust” have prevented effective action.

The council has been paralyzed in addressing the Ukraine conflict due to Russia’s veto power and involvement in the war. Similarly, the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza has also seen the council struggle to take decisive action due to the US’s veto power and its close alliance with Israel. The situation in Sudan has also been hampered by divisions amongst members regarding support for the warring generals.

Despite the council’s inaction, Guterres emphasized that peace is attainable if members unite and adhere to the UN Charter and international law. He highlighted the council’s successful oversight of peacekeeping operations and humanitarian aid efforts as evidence of its potential.

The meeting, themed “Leadership for Peace,” saw a wide range of speakers, including presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and representatives from key nations. Despite the calls for peace and unity, the deep divisions within the council were evident in the speeches, particularly between Russia and the US.

The Russian deputy ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, blamed the US and its allies for the global security threat, claiming that they are seeking to maintain dominance through NATO and the EU. He defended Russia’s actions in Ukraine as self-defense, while the US countered that Russia’s aggression will ultimately fail.

While the council did agree on a presidential statement reaffirming the principles of the UN Charter and the importance of multilateralism, the lack of concrete action and the persistent divisions among members cast a shadow over the meeting. The call for peace remains a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the international community in addressing global conflicts.

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