Charles Michel calls for reform of UN Security Council Amid peacekeeping failures

European Council President Charles Michel has called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more "inclusive, legitimate, and effective."

Speaking before the Council on September 25, Michel drew attention to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, highlighting the failures of some permanent members to uphold their responsibility in maintaining global peace, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

Michel criticized the Security Council’s current structure, reminding member states that holding a permanent seat is not a privilege but a "grave responsibility."

He emphasized the need for greater accountability, stating that neglecting to address crimes against humanity risks making them a permanent feature of international relations.

"A permanent seat on this Security Council is not a privilege. It is a responsibility, a grave responsibility bestowed on only five nations to be the guardians of world peace," Michel stated, urging reform to better reflect today's geopolitical realities.

Michel also warned of the dangers of impunity, noting, "When these crimes go unpunished, they become normal, the way of the world, and the victim loses faith."

His remarks come amid growing criticism of the Council's ability to act decisively on pressing global security issues, sparking renewed debate on the need for structural changes to ensure it better fulfils its mandate.