India strongly condemns Veto hindrance of UNSC terrorist listings, calls for transparent reform

New York, March 12: In a bold move at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India has strongly condemned the misuse of veto powers by certain countries to obstruct evidence-based terrorist listings. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, criticised the practice as unwarranted and contradictory to the council's commitment to combatting global terrorism. The condemnation, delivered during a UNSC session, highlighted the lack of transparency in decisions to reject listing requests, characterising it as a veiled form of veto.

Without explicitly naming China, Ruchira Kamboj's comments seem to allude to China's past actions, particularly its technical hold on designating Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Sajid Mir as a global terrorist. This move effectively blocked the proposal, requiring consensus from all member countries for adoption. The Indian representative expressed concern over decisions being made behind closed doors, emphasising the need for openness and transparency in such crucial matters.

She called attention to the disguised veto's impervious nature, urging a broader discussion among the UNSC members. The underlying issue, she argued, lies in the opaque working methods of the council's subsidiary bodies, which lack a legal basis in the charter or resolutions. The veiled attack on China underscores the need for accountability and justification when blocking evidence-based proposals targeting globally sanctioned terrorists.

She also advocated for transparency in the selection of chairs for subsidiary bodies, highlighting the importance of an open and consultative process. The Permanent Representative highlighted the necessity of honouring the consensus of the elected ten (E-10) on chairs, particularly in relation to the Permanent Five (P-5). Her remarks shed light on the need for a more integrated and transparent approach to decision-making within the UNSC subsidiary bodies.

In addition to addressing immediate concerns, Ruchira Kamboj reiterated India's call for comprehensive UNSC reforms. She urged nations obstructing progress on this front to contribute to making the council more adaptable to 21st-century challenges. The Indian representative emphasised the evolving threats to international peace and security, urging a council that reflects contemporary realities and the geographical and developmental diversity of the multipolar world.

As part of the reform agenda, she stressed the importance of a more inclusive Security Council that accommodates the voices of developing countries and unrepresented regions like Africa, Latin America, and the majority of Asia and the Pacific. She underscored the essential nature of expanding the council's membership in both categories to address the existing representation imbalance effectively.

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