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Politics

Nasser Bourita's Call for Charter Reform: Unveiling the Power of Unity and Solidarity

Thursday 26 September 2024 - 07:59

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In a thought-provoking address before the Security Council, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, urged a critical re-examination of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing its foundational role in guiding international actions and efforts.

Bourita highlighted the Charter's unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the sovereign equality of all UN member states, stating that any multilateral action without respect for these principles is an illusion. He stressed that the pre-eminence of the Charter must be honored to strengthen international peace and security.

However, Bourita also cautioned against a variable-geometry approach to the Charter, emphasizing that respect for its principles cannot be partial. He drew attention to the urgent need to revisit the Charter, aligning it with the evolving realities of the world. In this context, he referenced a message from His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the UN Millennium Summit in 2000, where the Sovereign called for a reform of the Charter to update its obsolete provisions while preserving its universal principles.

The Minister's speech took a poignant turn as he addressed the dire situation in Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily of women and children, and an untold number of injuries and displacements. This crisis, Bourita argued, should prompt all member states to question the effectiveness and relevance of the UN Charter and its mechanisms.

He deplored the Security Council's inability to fulfill its mission in the face of serious Charter violations, particularly the action of member states in harboring, financing, and arming separatist militias that threaten the territorial integrity of neighboring states. This, Bourita asserted, constitutes a grave violation of the UN Charter's principles.

The asymmetrical application of the Charter's principles, Bourita suggested, undermines the spirit of unity and solidarity that underpinned the new world order post-1945. He emphasized that the provisions of the Charter are not mere words but principles and values that member states must respect in good faith.

In conclusion, Bourita highlighted the timeliness of this debate as a crucial contribution to the collective reflection on ways to align the Charter with the new realities and multidimensional challenges of the world. He also celebrated the recent adoption of the Pact for the Future as an opportunity for joint action to realize aspirations for a world of peace, prosperity, and respect for universal human values.

This speech serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of global challenges and the need for continuous reform to ensure the UN Charter remains a relevant and effective tool for international peace and security.