Can Global Institutions Intervene? Dr. Aruna Sharma

Dr. Aruna Sharma Practitioner Development Economist and former Secretary of the Ministry of Steel

The United Nations (UN) was established after the world wars to create a platform for dialogue to prevent future large-scale wars and devastating events like Hiroshima-Nagasaki. Some of its generally accepted principles included non-occupation of areas, keeping civilians, Red Cross and aid agencies out of the attack area and providing them access.

But what happened in Ukraine, Iran and Lebanon was completely contrary to these principles. The UN, NATO and BRICS member countries did intervene to bring all the parties to the negotiating table, but it took many months and years to reach here. Is it not necessary today to strengthen the UN to ensure that such a situation does not arise? It is important to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals are not hindered.

Although the purpose of the UN, formed through a charter, is to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, encourage social and economic development, protect the environment and provide humanitarian assistance in emergency situations. It also coordinates global efforts to prevent conflicts, maintain international law, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

But the UN had to face serious challenges in achieving its objectives in Russia-Ukraine war, Iran-Israel war, Gaza, Lebanon etc. The situation became such that it became difficult for the UN to even ensure humanitarian aid and war crimes were condemned according to the clout of countries rather than the UN Charter. In such a situation, we need to think from the beginning to make this organization strong again.

In the Russia-Ukraine war, the UN was limited to mere paperwork. It passed resolutions on Russia’s unconditional withdrawal, attempting to present a peace formula. But this formula came 4 years after the attack, hence remained ineffective. It also failed to ensure humanitarian assistance, as it was repeatedly prevented from reaching those affected. It was only after huge loss of life that he was able to provide help to 1.3 crore affected people. Because of this silent role of the UN, 2025 proved to be disastrous for the Ukrainians.

Then in 2026, a new front opened between Israel and Iran. This disrupted global trade routes and traffic. There were gross violations of human rights, starting with the attack on schoolgirls in Iran and similar incidents in Lebanon. Other UN members also became active only when the energy supply stopped.

The statements of the UN Secretary General were also limited to appeals for restraint, whereas the objective was not merely to appeal, but to ensure that the member states unitedly ensure that the established norms of the UN are not violated. In such a situation, is there no need to think again that the UN should have its own strength?

The goal of the UN is to prevent human rights violations and bring prosperity. But wars have disrupted these efforts and pushed countries into a vicious cycle of inflation and poverty. Trade and supply chains are being affected. Civilians are losing their lives and being pushed into poverty. All this will have long term effects. International law has also become a victim of these wars. The bigger concern is the spread of this conflict to other areas.

Today again the need to strengthen the UN and its institutions has been felt. The first step was to initiate a prosecution by South Africa for humanitarian crimes in the International Court of Justice. This provided some opportunity to prevent the conflict from turning into a major war, but it also proved to be a ‘paper tiger’. Neither any resolution was shown, nor any concrete action was taken. Yes, diplomatic dialogue must continue. But is there no need to make the UN more powerful to obey international laws?

There is a need to reconstitute the UN Security Council. China, France, Russia, Britain, America along with Iran, India, South. Africa should be made a permanent member. The system of electing temporary members by the General Assembly should also continue. (These are the author’s own views)

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