Introduction to International Democracy

Primacy of the UN General Assembly

Security Council Reform

Strengthening the UN Economic and Social Council

Selection of high-level officials for international institutions

UN Parliamentary Assembly

Expanding Citizens’ Rights

Accountability and Transparency

International processes for democracy

Implementation of UN Conferences and Summits of the 1990s

ReformtheUN.org

Security Council Reform

Security Council reform has been on the agenda for many years but has become even more essential in a time when powerful nations act unilaterally and without regard or respect for the multilateral system. No principle UN organ has failed in its responsibility as has the Security Council and few can question the need for this body to become more effective at fulfilling its purpose of maintaining international peace and security.

In reforming the Security Council, WFM opposes the addition of any new permanent members especially with veto power. This retrograde step continues to mire the Council in greater inefficiency and less accountability, while a provision of limited use of the veto and total abstention in cases of genocide and large-scale human rights abuses would enhance the Council’s legitimacy and credibility.

WFM supports a more democratic Security Council with transparent decision-making procedures and equal representation of all the regions of the world. In addition to expansion of the Council, WFM also calls for the establishment of a mechanism for consultation with the approximate 170 non-members.

WFM supports the empowerment of the UN General Assembly to act when the Security Council is either unwilling or blocked from addressing humanitarian or security crises. We therefore call for a recognized Primacy of the UN General Assembly and greater use of General Assembly Resolution 377 (V) of 3 November 1950, better know as "Uniting for Peace." WFM calls on all governments to invoke this Resolution when the Security Council fails to maintain international peace and security.

At the same time, the UN's conflict prevention capacity and peacekeeping mechanisms must be enhanced, including methods for employing more humane and effective sanctions.

To coordinate these various suggestions for Security Council reform, WFM co-founded the NGO Working Group on the UN Security Council in 1995. Currently, the group consists of approximately thirty NGO representatives whose organizations have a special interest in Council matters. Meetings consist of off-the-record briefings with the Security Council member ambassadors or their high-level representatives. The group also meets from time to time with top UN officials. WFM advocates an extended use of NGO consultations by the Council members and emphasizes the importance of increased consultation with appropriate NGOs from the field in the countries of conflict.