Session 24

The United Nations is criticized by many for various reasons, the most recurring one being, the veto-power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council, namely the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom. These members can block any resolution from being passed if it is not in their nation’s interest. In the case of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, US made us of its power many times so as to protect Israel’s interests and in turn protect its own interests. Palestine was denied statehood on many occasions which is a fundamental right (i.e the right to self-determination) which has led many to question whether the UN has any real power. The Security Council has able to resolve up to 50% of the conflicts it has dealt with in the past and has significantly changed things in the international arena, however, it has limited power. For power lies with the ‘big players’, players who can easily change the game and for this reason, the UN is not a 100% effective.