GA: Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council

Mdme President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland. 

We thank the President for her messages this morning on the importance of this process, and the timely appointment of the Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations.

Allow me to extend our sincere gratitude to Ambassador Albanai for again taking on the important role of Co-Chair of the IGN. Your wisdom and institutional memory guiding this process, the 4th session in a row, is very valuable. We also warmly welcome Ambassador Gregoire-van Haaren to this important task, and wish the co-chairs all the best. 

The 80th Session of the General Assembly will no doubt be a year of reforms, and Security Council reform must be part of these efforts. We need a consolidated model and to move to text-based negotiations.   The  Council must be better equipped to act and to fulfil its mandate of maintaining international peace and security. We need a Council which reflects the diverse world of today, and which can address the needs and concerns of people from all regions of the world. 

The Nordic countries continue to advocate for a more representative, effective, transparent and accountable Security Council. 

We support the expansion of a reformed Council with both more non-permanent and permanent members. 

That includes, as reflected in the Pact for the Future, redressing the historical injustice done to the African continent through better representation for African countries in both categories. 

Reform of the Council is vital to improve representation and legitimacy; this will also necessitate further reform of the Council’s working methods for an increased membership. In the meantime, we must review and improve its methods of work, ensuring an effective and accountable Council.

Vetoes continue to be cast in the Security Council despite urgent need for action. Too often the Council is prevented from action by the use of or the threat of the veto. The Nordic countries continue to support the ongoing initiatives to limit the scope of the veto. We must consider the possible negative impacts of the veto on the current, as well as a future enlarged Security Council- and on the United Nations as a whole. 

Reforms must ensure that vetoes are in line with the broader principles of the Charter. It is unacceptable that countries violating the UN Charter use their veto to continue violations unchecked. A veto should never be used to paralyse Council action on critical matters or shield acts of aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. 

President,
The Nordics firmly support strengthening the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly, and strengthening the assembly’s own role in matters of international peace and security. 

We deeply regret that language was removed from the IGN Roll-over decision last year recognising the central role of the GA in the IGN process and reiterating commitment of our Heads of State and Government to strengthen efforts in the framework of the IGN as a priority and without delay. 

President,
We urge that a clear timeline for the IGN process be prepared in order for a consolidated model to be presented by the Chairs and for text-based negotiations to be initiated. The Nordic Countries support your leadership in this process and stand ready to contribute constructively. 

Thank you.