Photo:oceanuslive.org
PANA
New York, US – The African Group at the UN has said African countries deserve to be “fully represented” in all decision-making organs of the UN, including the Security Council.
Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Mr. Vandi Chidi Minah, made this known in a statement he presented on behalf of the Africa Group on Thursday in New York, at the UN General Assembly session on the reform of the UN Security Council.
“Full representation of Africa in the Security Council should be according to the Elzuwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. This in brief means no less than two permanent seats with all the prerogatives and privileges of permanent membership thereof , including the right of veto
if it continues to exist and also two additional non permanent seats,” M. Minah said.
He recalled that in 1945, when the UN was formed, most of Africa was not represented. And when the reforms took place in 1963, Africa was not considered for inclusion into the permanent category, even though it was represented.
The Sierra Leonean envoy also urged the UN member states to “step up efforts” in working with Africa to address this injustice and ensure equality and fairness in the discharge of global responsibilities.
PANA reports that the debate focused on the question of equitable representation and expansion of the UN Security Council to include new members, as well as reforms on its working methods.
At present, the Council has 15 members, five of which are permanent and have the right of veto – China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and the US.
The other 10 non-permanent members that are elected on two-year terms do not have any
veto power.
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