UN failed miserably in primary functions

CHENNAI: The United Nations (UN) has miserably failed in discharging its primary functions, according to Professor A Raghunadha Reddy, dean, Department of International Law and Organisation, TN Dr Ambedkar Law University.He was speaking during a two-day national seminar on ‘21st century UN: Reform Issues and Challenges,’ organised by the Government Law College, Chengalpattu, in association with the TN Dr Ambedkar Law University here on Monday.Despite various meetings of the UN Security Council and numerous resolutions, the UN lacked political will to deal with complex situations in the case of Rwanda, Kosovo and the US-led invasion of Iraq, he said. Reddy felt that ever since the inception of the Security Council, a permanent member’s right to veto, has been a point of contention.  The power has been abused several times and has never played a central role in international financial relations, due to the existence of the Bretton Woods institutions (World Bank, IMF), he asserted.Further, thanks to the increasing cost of peacekeeping and other activities, the body has plunged into a deep financial crisis, he said. “Therefore, the UN has failed miserably in achieving the desired goals and discharging its functions. This has necessitated a thorough reform and restructuring of the UN system,” Reddy said.However, Justice P Shanmugam, a retired judge of the Madras High Court, said that the UN was indeed delivering on its purpose. V Vijayakumar, the vice-chancellor of the Law University, welcomed.