International Relations - 5 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

UN Summit of the Future and the Need for UN Reforms 

In September 2024, at the UN Summit of the Future, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent reforms in the UN's peace, security, and finance institutions, which are now outdated.

The Prime Minister of India also took part in this important summit.

 Key Highlights of the UN Summit 

• Objective: The summit aimed to reform and strengthen global governance to address modern challenges and ensure a sustainable future for coming generations.
• Theme: "Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow."
• Outcome: The summit concluded with the adoption of a crucial document, A Pact for the Future, which includes the Global Digital Compact and A Declaration on Future Generations.

 Key Agreements 

• Pact for the Future: Focuses on accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implementing the Paris Agreement for climate action, including commitments to transition from fossil fuels and ensure a peaceful and sustainable future.
• Global Digital Compact: Promotes fair access to technology and ensures its benefits are shared globally.
• AI Governance: Introduces the first universal agreement on the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), advocating for an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI within the UN to assess AI's impacts, risks, and opportunities.
• Declaration on Future Generations: Encourages long-term thinking, committing to nuclear disarmament, regulating autonomous weapons, and preventing an arms race in outer space. This marks the first multilateral support for nuclear disarmament in over a decade.

 India's Position at the Summit 

• Call for UN Reform: India advocated for reforms in the UN and Security Council, pushing for expanded permanent membership, including representation from India and African nations.
• New Conflict Areas: The Indian Prime Minister highlighted cyber, maritime, and space as emerging conflict zones and urged for global frameworks to ensure security in these areas.
• Digital Governance and Cooperation: India supported global digital governance and offered its digital public infrastructure for international collaboration.
• Support for Key Initiatives: India endorsed the Pact for the Future, AI governance frameworks, and digital cooperation initiatives at the summit.

 Why is UN Reform Needed? 

• Outdated Structure: The UN, founded in 1945 with 51 member states, now has 193 members. The financial system, established during colonial times, is outdated despite the global economy growing significantly.
• Global Disparities: Developing nations face increasing debt and inequalities that impede sustainable development, indicating that current global systems are inadequate.
• Technological and Geopolitical Shifts: Advances in technology and changes in global power dynamics highlight the weaknesses of post-World War II institutions in addressing modern challenges like climate change and economic disparities.
• Legitimacy and Credibility Issues: The Security Council's legitimacy is under scrutiny. To maintain global peace, it must reflect the will of all member states, not just a few permanent members. Reform is essential to enhance the legitimacy of its decisions.
• Inequitable Representation: Regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America are underrepresented in the Security Council, weakening decision-making and raising fairness concerns. A more equitable distribution of non-permanent seats is necessary.
• Financial and Administrative Reform: The UN's financial sustainability is crucial, especially with rising demands for peacekeeping and development. Aligning financial contributions with member states' responsibilities is essential. The international financial system needs to better support developing nations.
• Global Security Challenges: Today's security landscape, including regional conflicts and terrorism, necessitates a reformed Security Council for effective management.

 Impact of UN Reforms on Global Governance 

• Enhanced Inclusivity: The reforms aim to amplify the voices of developing nations and underrepresented regions, fostering equitable decision-making in global governance.
• Increased Agility:. more responsive Peacebuilding Commission and revamped peace operations will enable swift actions to address emerging global challenges.
• Strengthened Financial Architecture: Overhauling the international financial system will better assist developing countries in managing debt and progressing towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Digital Governance: The Global Digital Compact intends to regulate artificial intelligence and digital technologies, aligning them with sustainable development and human rights principles while addressing the digital divide and cybersecurity issues.
• Youth Engagement: The Pact for the Future promotes greater involvement of young individuals in decision-making processes, ensuring the consideration of future generations' interests.
• Conflict Resolution: New norms and accountability mechanisms will fortify the multilateral system, aiding in the management of geopolitical competition and enhancing conflict prevention and resolution efforts.

 India's Critique of the United Nations 

• Ineffectiveness in Crisis Management: India argues that the UN Charter has not effectively addressed significant challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, terrorism, and climate change. There is a call for reforms to enhance the UN's relevance and responsiveness to contemporary geopolitical realities.
• Veto Power Concerns: India criticizes the disproportionate influence of the P-5 nations (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) owing to their veto power, which skews decision-making in the Security Council.
• Charter Review: India advocates for a thorough review of the UN Charter, highlighting that it contains outdated references, such as those to the former Soviet Union, and classifications of certain nations as "enemy states." Updating the Charter is seen as necessary to reflect current international dynamics.
• Slow Reform Process: India expresses frustration over the sluggish progress of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UN reform, which commenced in 2008 without yielding substantial changes. There is an emphasis on prioritizing UN reform on a global scale.

United Nations Day 2024 

In News United Nations Day is observed on October 24th each year.

About United Nations Day

• The day marks the anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into force in 1945.
• The UN was established post-World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries.
• The term “United Nations” was first coined by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Declaration of the United Nations on January 1, 1942.
• The organization started with 51 member states and has grown to 193.

Six Official Languages of the United Nations:

• Arabic
• Chinese
• English
• French
• Russian
• Spanish

Funding the United Nations:

• Member States make payments based on a scale of assessments.
• This scale considers population size, national revenue, and a country’s ability to pay.
• The top four contributors are the United States, Japan, China, and Germany.

UN’s Contribution to the World

1. Preventing Nuclear Proliferation.

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957 as part of the UN system.
• IAEA ensures that nuclear materials under safeguards are used only for peaceful purposes.
• Currently, over 180 States have safeguards agreements with the IAEA.

2. Maintaining Peace and Security.

• The UN has deployed peacekeeping and observer teams to restore peace in conflict-affected areas over the past 60 years.

3. Supporting Disarmament.

• The UN supports disarmament through various treaties, including:
• The Chemical Weapons Convention (1997)
• The Mine-Ban Convention (1997)
• The Arms Trade Treaty (2014)
• UN peacekeeping forces also help implement disarmament agreements between conflicting parties.

4. Promoting Development.

• The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have guided efforts to improve living standards and human capabilities since 2000.
• UNICEF works in over 150 countries focusing on child protection, immunization, girls’ education, and emergency assistance.
• The UN Development Programme (UNDP) supports projects aimed at poverty reduction, good governance, crisis management, and environmental protection.

5. Economic Development.

• The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) helps developing countries enhance their trade opportunities.
• The World Bank has funded over 12,000 projects in more than 170 countries since 1947, providing loans and grants to developing nations.

6. Global Think Tank.

• The UN Statistics Division collects and shares data on global trends in economics, demographics, society, gender, environment, and energy.
• The UN Population Division provides information and research on global population trends, including projections and demographic estimates.

7. Protecting Historic Architecture and Natural Sites.

• UNESCO has assisted 137 countries in safeguarding historic, cultural, and natural sites of exceptional value.
• UNESCO negotiates international agreements to protect cultural assets and biodiversity.
• Over a thousand sites have been designated as World Heritage Sites due to their universal significance.

8. Environmental Protection.

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) addresses climate change through scientific assessments.
• IPCC brings together leading climate scientists to provide comprehensive assessments every 5-6 years.

9. Initiatives on Human Rights.

• The UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, promoting various rights globally.
• UN human rights bodies focus on cases of torture, disappearance, arbitrary detention, and other violations, raising global awareness.

India’s Role in the UN

• India played a significant role in the formation of the United Nations (UN) and its subsequent activities.
• As one of the original members of the League of Nations, India gained automatic entry to the UN due to its participation in the Treaty of the Versailles in 1919.
• In 1944, India, along with other original UN members, signed the Declaration by the United Nations in Washington D.C.
• This declaration laid the foundation for the establishment of the UN and United Nations Day.
• The United Nations Charter, which was signed by 50 countries in 1945, formalized the UN’s existence.
• India actively raised concerns about issues such as colonialism, apartheid, and racial discrimination as early as 1946.
• India was the first country to bring the issue of apartheid and discriminatory treatment of Indians in South Africa to the attention of the UN.
• India also played a vital role in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
• However, India’s experience with the UN has not always been positive.
• In the case of the Kashmir issue, India’s faith in the UN and its adherence to its principles proved costly, as the organization appeared to be influenced by pro-Pakistani powers.
• India also recognizes and aware the people of the objective of United Nations goals and its achievements on United Nations Day.

G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders' Declaration

The G20 Rio de Janeiro Declaration aimed at addressing major global challenges and crises and promotes strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

Theme of G20 Summit 2024: "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet."

Key Highlights of the Declaration 

The Summit focused on three main priorities:

 1. Social Inclusion & Fight against Hunger and Poverty 

• Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty: Launched to eradicate poverty and hunger.
• Global Coalition for Local and Regional Production, Innovation and Equitable Access: Promotes access to vaccines, diagnostics, and health technologies for neglected diseases and vulnerable individuals.

 2. Sustainable Development, Energy Transitions & Climate Action 

• Welcomed the establishment of a Task Force on Global Mobilization against Climate Change to identify and address barriers to private capital flows for climate action, especially in developing countries.

 3. Reform of Global Governance Institutions 

• Pledged to reform the UN Security Council to make it more inclusive, effective, democratic, and accountable.
• Endorsed the G20 Roadmap for Better, Bigger, and More Effective Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty 

• Aim: To accelerate global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty.
• Members: 148 members including 82 countries, the African Union, and the EU, with India as a member.
• Goals:
  • Reach 500 million people with cash transfer programs in low- and lower-middle-income countries by 2030.
  • Expand high-quality school meals to an additional 150 million children in vulnerable countries.

Ind-Aus Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) has been in effect for two years, creating new opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), businesses, and employment in both countries.

• It aims to enhance and facilitate trade between India and Australia.
• The agreement came into force on December 29, 2022.

In the initial phase of the agreement:

• Australia committed to providing preferential market access on 100% of tariff lines, which benefits India’s labor-intensive export sectors such as textiles, leather, and jewelry.
• India offered preferential access on over 70% of tariff lines, focusing on raw materials and intermediaries of Australian export interest, including coal, mineral ores, and wine.

Bilateral Trade Growth

Since the implementation of the Ind-Aus ECTA:

• Bilateral merchandise trade has significantly increased, rising from USD 12.2 billion in 2020-21 to USD 24 billion in 2023-24.
• India’s exports to Australia have grown by 14%.
• Export Utilization under the Ind-Aus ECTA has reached 79%, while import utilization stands at 84%.
• Trade utilization rates indicate how effectively businesses are leveraging trade benefits, reflecting procedural efficiencies.

Key Growth Sectors

• Textiles, chemicals, and agriculture have shown notable growth.
• New export categories such as gold-studded diamonds and turbojets have emerged.
• Imports of raw materials like metalliferous ores, cotton, and wood have supported Indian industries.
• Sectors such as electronics and engineering still present opportunities for further expansion.

India-Australia Economic Cooperation 

Australia is a crucial trade and strategic partner for India. Both countries are engaged in various initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum for Prosperity (IPEF) and the Trilateral Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) to enhance supply chain resilience in the region.

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Australia to India has seen a significant increase, with $307.2 million invested during January-September 2023, compared to $42.43 million in the whole of 2022.
• FDI in consultancy services from Australia to India also skyrocketed to $248 million in 2023, up from $0.15 million in 2022.
• In the fiscal year 2023, India ranked as Australia’s 9th largest trading partner, while Australia was India’s 13th largest trading partner.
• Trade between India and Australia is projected to surpass $45-50 billion by 2035.

Future Plans 

• Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Vision: Both India and Australia are committed to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and open Indo-Pacific region.
• Active Membership in Regional Initiatives: Both nations are active participants in the QUAD, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) alongside Japan.
• Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): Negotiations are currently underway for a CECA to build upon the outcomes of the ECTA, aiming for greater economic integration and collaboration in strategic sectors.
• Bilateral Trade Target: India and Australia are working towards achieving a bilateral trade target of AUD 100 billion by 2030.

Conclusion 

India and Australia are making steady progress in their economic partnership, utilizing the Ind-Aus ECTA to unlock new opportunities. Recent investor-friendly policies and significant reforms have enhanced India’s appeal as a destination for Australian businesses. Together, both nations are poised to elevate their economic partnership, fostering mutual prosperity and contributing to a more resilient and dynamic global economy.

African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia 

Why in News? 

• Recently, the UN Security Council (UNSC) endorsed the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council’s initiative named African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
• The resolution titled Resolution 2767 (2024) aims to address Somalia's security challenges posed by Somalia’s civil war and terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
• It is similar to UN peacekeeping missions.
• Note: Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It is also the key pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), which is the framework for promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.
• The Levant is the eastern shoreland of the Mediterranean sea comprising Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and Palestine.

What is ATMIS and AUSSOM? 

About ATMIS: African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is a multidimensional mission (military, police and civilian), authorised by the African Union and mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

Mandate: It replaces the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) with a clear mandate to fully implement the Somali Transition Plan (STP). STP is a comprehensive guide by Somalia and partners for transferring security responsibility from the African Union to the Federal Government of Somalia.

About AUSSOM: It provides for the replacement of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), whose mandate ends on 31st December 2024. Transitioning Responsibility: Since 2022, 7,000 ATMIS troops have been reduced, and AUSSOM continues supporting Somali forces in stabilising the nation. Mandate and Operations: AU members can deploy up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, until June 2025 to combat terrorism and maintain security. Financing: A hybrid approach, combining UN assessed contributions (75%) and African Union/partner contributions (25%), has been proposed to fund the mission to ensure sustainable and predictable funding for African peace operations.

Challenges: Burundi and Ethiopian troops will not be taking part in AUSSOM. Egypt may take part in the AUSSOM with which Ethiopia has its own disputes over a dam it has constructed along the Nile. Ethiopia has good relations with authorities governing Somaliland (a breakaway region of Somalia). The US expressed concerns that the UN disproportionately funded the mission and abstained from voting in the UNSC.

What is Somalia’s Civil War? 

About: It began in 1988, during President Siad Barre's authoritarian rule. His regime collapsed in January 1991, creating a power vacuum and chaos.

Fragmentation of Somalia: After Barre's fall, Somalia split into regions controlled by militias and groups, including Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, and Puntland, which declared partial autonomy in 1998. Somalia and Ethiopia have been in a year-long dispute over a sea access deal Ethiopia made with the separatist Somaliland region.

Rise of Clannism: The clannism system fueled tensions in Somalia, hindering government unity and peace efforts, while clan rivalries strained relations between the Federal Government and regional states. Clannism is the dominance of clan-based politics, where loyalty to clan and sub-clan interests often overrides national unity. The four main clans in Somalia are Dorad, Hawiye, Dir and Rahanweym.

Peace Efforts: Arta Declaration (2000): Regional organizations such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) attempted to establish a more representative government. Transitional Government: Transitional National Government (TNG) and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) were established but were plagued by inefficiency, infighting, and corruption. Rise of Al-Shabaab: By 2007, the rise of Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group, escalated the conflict. It is al-Qaeda’s strongest affiliate. Al-Shabaab's primary goal is to overthrow the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), expel foreign military presence, and establish a strict interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia). The group advocates for a “Greater Somalia,” seeking to unite ethnic Somalis across East Africa into a single Islamic state. Greater Somalia would include Somalia, Somaliland, part of Djibouti and Kenya (Northern areas) and the Ethiopian Ogaden. Note: Horn of Africa comprises the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

 What is the UN Peacekeeping Mission? 

About: It is a set of operations led by the UN to help maintain peace and security in conflict zones through deployment of military personnel, police, and civilian experts. It was established in May 1948 when the UNSC authorised the deployment of UN military observers to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors. UN peacekeepers are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets.

Global Presence: Over the past 70 years, more than 1 million men and women have served under the UN flag in more than 70 UN peacekeeping operations. More than 1,00,000 military, police and civilian personnel from 125 countries currently serve in 14 peacekeeping operations.

Effectiveness:Success Stories:Sierra Leone (1999-2005): The peacekeepers disarmed over 75,000 ex-fighters, including child soldiers, and destroyed 42,000 weapons, greatly aiding the country's stabilization. Burundi (2004-2006): UN peacekeepers helped the country recover from ethnic conflict, aiding the transition from civil war to stability, and extended their mission to protect these gains. Liberia ( 2003-2018): United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) brokered peace agreements, oversaw disarmament, and supported democratic elections in Liberia. Sierra Leone (1999 to 2005): Peacekeepers ended the country’s civil war and facilitated the implementation of the Lome Peace Agreement. The mission’s success was driven by the commitment of both warring parties to the peace process, its clear mandate, and the support from the international community.

Failures:Somalia (1992-1995): The Battle of Mogadishu (1993) saw US soldiers killed and their bodies paraded, leading to the swift withdrawal of American and UN forces. By 1995, the UN withdrew completely, marking the mission a failure. Rwanda (1994): In 1994, over 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis ethnic group, were killed in a genocide. Despite early warnings, the UN failed to intervene or provide enough resources to prevent it. Srebrenica (1995): In 1995, UN peacekeepers in Srebrenica, Bosnia, failed to prevent the execution of 8,000 Muslim men and boys by Bosnian Serb forces, despite declaring it a "safe area." India's Contribution in UN Peacekeeping MissionsIndia’s Role: India has played a significant role in UN Peacekeeping Missions contributing more troops than any other country, with over 253,000 personnel serving in 49 of the 72 UN missions since 1948. As of January 2024, around 5,900 Indian troops are deployed across 12 UN peacekeeping missions. Past Missions:Haiti (2017-19): India contributed two Formed Police Units (FPU) with around 280 personnel from BSF, CISF, and Assam Rifles from November 2017 to July 2019, achieving great success. Liberia (2007-16):. 125-member all-women police unit in Liberia inspired a fourfold increase in women applying to join the police. Sierra Leone (1999-2001): India contributed two Infantry Battalion groups, two engineer companies, Attack helicopter unit, and medical unit among others. Sudan (2005): India has contributed two Infantry Battalion groups, Engineer Company, Signal Company, among others. Rwanda (1994-96): An Infantry Battalion, Signal Company, Engineer Company, Staff Officers, and Military Observers were provided. Somalia (1993-94): Indian Army deployed a Brigade Group comprising 5,000 all ranks and the Navy deployed four battleships.

Conclusion 

The recent endorsement of AUSSOM by the UN Security Council underscores the continued struggle to stabilize Somalia amidst its prolonged civil war. While African-led missions like ATMIS and AUSSOM are crucial, historical failures of UN peacekeeping, such as in Somalia and Rwanda, emphasize the need for clear mandates, resources, and international cooperation.