UNSC warns Israel against dismantling UNRWA operations

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has warned Israel against dismantling the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) operations, urging it to facilitate humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The UNSC issued the strong warning on October 30, 2024 following Israel’s recent enactment of a law prohibiting the activities of the UNRWA.

In a statement reached by consensus, the 15-member council unanimously expressed grave concerns regarding Israel’s recent legislation banning UNRWA activities, emphasizing the agency’s critical role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.

The UNSC resolves that the Israeli government shall adhere to its international obligations and respect the privileges and immunities of the UNRWA.

Furthermore, the UNSC urged Israel to fulfill its obligations and facilitate “full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian assistance” throughout the Gaza Strip.

“The call to action emphasizes the need for Israel to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential aid to Palestinian refugees, who are facing a dire humanitarian crisis,” AriseNews reported.

“By fulfilling its international obligations, Israel can play a crucial role in alleviating the suffering of Palestinian refugees and contributing to regional stability and peace.”

“This warning reaffirms the international community’s unwavering dedication to addressing the humanitarian requirements of the Palestinian people, especially amidst the persisting tensions and instability in the region, the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reported

UNSC

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN). Its primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security.

History and Evolution

The UN organ was established in 1945 under the UN Charter with China, France, Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It was expanded to 15 members in 1965.

Composition

The council consists of five permanent members regarded as the P5. These members include China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

It has 10 non-permanent members elected for 2-year terms representing 5 regional groups.

The permanent members include African Group with 3 seats, Asia-Pacific Group with 2 seats, Latin American and Caribbean Group with 2 seats, Western European and Others Group with 2 seats, and Eastern European Group with 1 seat.

Functions

The UNSC is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, preventing and resolving conflicts, and imposing economic sanctions.

Also, the organ authorizes peacekeeping missions, approves changes to the UN Charter, and elects judges to the International Court of Justice.

Decision-Making

Decisions in the UNSC require 9 votes including concurring votes of all 5 P5 members.

Each P5 member can veto a decision and resolutions are adopted by a majority vote (9/15).

Types of Meetings

The UNSC engages in public meetings, private meetings, consultations, and emergency meetings.

Presidency

The presidency rotates monthly among its members, following the English alphabetical order of member states.

Reform Efforts

Ongoing debates and discussions focus on expanding the  membership, increasing representation for underrepresented regions (e.g., Africa), limiting or abolishing veto power, and improving working methods and transparency.

Key Documents

The UN organ’s key documents include Charter (Chapter VII), UNSC Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace, and Security), and the UNSC Resolution 2178 (Counter-Terrorism).

UNSC Subsidiary Organs

Peacebuilding Commission, Counter-Terrorism Committee, Sanctions Committees, and Peacekeeping Operations are all subsidiaries of  the council.

UNSC Sanctions

Sanctions are imposed on countries or entities because of reasons like threats to peace and security, human rights abuses, terrorism, and proliferation of WMDs.

UNSC Peacekeeping

The UNSC authorizes and oversees peacekeeping operations to maintain peace, prevent conflict, and protect civilians.

Challenges

The organ is faced with ineffective response to crises, veto power limitations, representation and legitimacy, and funding and resource constraints.

References

UN Charter, UNSC website, UN Documentation Centre, and Security Council Report are all the UNSC references.

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