This was a meeting of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization.  Rapporteur Mr. Luke Tang, The Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations, outlined a draft report which concentrated on the role of the United Nations in world affairs.  The report highlighted several functions of the U.N. including the maintenance of international peace and security, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the effectiveness of the U.N. Organs and the Security Council.

Various countries recommended revisions to the outline.  Specifically, Libya proposed that the document have an increased focus on the maintenance of peace.  Moreover, Ghana suggested a stronger relationship between the U.N. and regional agencies regarding the peaceful settlement of disputes.  Also, Cuba believed it was crucial for the U.N. to be more democratic and representative. In addition, Belarus and the Russian Federation commented on their right to self defense and security.

The Ukraine wanted “The settlement of Ukraine and the Russian Federation” in the document as well.  Russia believed that the comments of the Ukraine were not pertinent since the Ukraine did not participate in thematic discussions after the general debate.  Also, Ukraine mentioned “disputes;” however, this word has legal significance and the international court has not yet ruled whether there is a dispute between the two states.

Finally, various gaps and shortcomings in the U.N. organization were noted.  This included a lack of the following: a framework for a collaborative process, monitoring mechanisms in the U.N., and specific partnership agreements between the United Nations and all regional organizations.

Mostly all of the above recommended provisions were adopted.  Overall, the outline was commended by the Chair as eloquent, substantive, and effective.

Date/Location: Wednesday, February 28th, 2018; 10:00-13:00; Conference Room 3, United
Nations Headquarters, New York, NY
Speakers: Mr. Luke Tang, The Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations,
Rapporteur, Omar Hilale, The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations, Chair, İpek Zeytinoğlu Özkan, Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations, Vice Chair, Héctor Enrique Celarie Landaverde, Permanent Mission of the Republic of El Salvador to the United Nations, Vice Chair, Igor Bondiuk, Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, Vice Chair
Written By: WIT Representative David Jansen