Security Council reform should be aimed at enhancing its human face-Bangladesh Ambassador to the UN

UsaNewsOnline.Com, New York : The much anticipated reform of the Security Council should be aimed at further enhancing its human face and interactions, said Ambassador Masud Bin Momen of Bangladesh at a Security Council Open Debate on its working methods 6 February. The Bangladesh Ambassador urged the Council to invite Rohingya representatives to share their narratives with the Council and thus amplify their voice.

The Open Debate was organised by the delegation of Kuwait in its capacity as Council President for the month of February 2018.

The Bangladesh Ambassador recalled the Secretary General’s letter to the Council about the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in September 2017 under Article 99 of the Charter, and recommended that the Secretary General consider using this provision more often in case of similar humanitarian exigencies.

Ambassador Masud joined many other delegations in calling for avoiding the use of veto in the Security Council in case of mass atrocity crimes committed against civilians.

He underscored the importance of ensuring accountability for the serious crimes committed against the Rohingya since 25 August 2017. “This would be critical for restoring their confidence in their safe, dignified and voluntary return to Myanmar”, he added.

The Bangladesh Ambassador urged the Council members to demonstrate unity and pragmatism towards adopting a Resolution in response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, building on the Presidential Statement adopted last year.

He stressed the usefulness of the Council’s visits to the field and recommended an early visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar for the Council members to witness the current situation with the possible repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar.

Nearly 60 Member States took part in the Open Debate and made a range of recommendations on further improving and democratizing the working methods of the Council.

A large number of troop and police contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations emphasized the need for in-depth consultations between the Council and the concerned delegations.