Position Paper

Reform of the UN Security Council

Group of Like-Minded Countries — “Uniting for Consensus”

1. The Like-Minded Countries recognise the historic opportunity that is afforded by the discussion on reform now in progress in the General Assembly. They hold the view that the prospect for reform seems within reach more than ever before and as Member States should seize the opportunity.

2. The Like-Minded Countries reaffirm that as Member States have the right to serve in all United Nations organs on the basis of the principle of sovereign equality through periodic elections which will ensure accountability to the general membership.

3. Like-Minded Countries believe that adequate time should be allowed to reach a negotiated outcome and the sense of ownership of al! Members in the reform process should be preserved.

4. The Like-Minded Countries reaffirm that the broadest possible consensus is needed to reform the collective security system, in particular the Security Council, by enhancing its credibility and legitimacy, to address new threats and challenges. They reiterate their commitment to reform the Security Council to make it more democratic, more effective, more equitably representative, more transparent and more accountable, in the benefit of developing and developed countries alike.

5. They recall that models A and B presented by the High Level Panel represent proposals, but not necessarily final solutions for the reform of the Security Council. The Like-Minded Countries agree that model B, with appropriate improvements, represents the best option for reaching the broadest possible consensus among Member States. Model B is democratic and more flexible, providing for fairer and equitable representation and accountability and preserving the institutional balance among the principal Organs.

6. Among the elements of model B to be further considered by Member States, particular attention should be given to:

   1. Duration of long-term seats.

   2. Number of possible consecutive re-elections.

   3. Question of eligibility for the two-year seats of those elected for long-term seats.

   4. Criteria for elections.

   5. The role of regional groups in nominating candidates for election.

   6. Rotation/elections for seats allocated to regions.

   7. Composition of the regional groups.

7. Discussions on Security Council reform should not overshadow other issues relating to overall institutional reform, in which context the role of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council should be enhanced. Security Council reform should also address the issue of working methods, on which solid progress for reaching an agreement has already been achieved.

8. The Like-Minded Countries are convinced that an open, inclusive and transparent dialogue should begin with a view to defining what elements could command the broadest possible agreement in the General Assembly among Member States and within the regional groups. They believe that this is a time for all to show flexibility in achieving a reform in the interest of the Organization as a whole, and they pledge to do so.