Committees

UK must be bold in its defence of the rules-based international order

27 June 2018

The House of Lords International Relations Committee calls on the Government to use the United Nations General Assembly in September to champion multilateralism, to push for increased resources for the UN and to advocate internal reform to strengthen the organisation, says report published today.

Background

The Lords International Relations Committee today publishes its report, 'The United Nations General Assembly 2018', in which it calls on the UK Government to prioritise issues of conflict prevention, terrorism, reform, human rights and migration, delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and more effective action against sexual abuse in peacekeeping.

Chairman's comments

Commenting on the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Lord Howell of Guildford, said:

"The rules-based international order is facing considerable greater stresses and threats. At a time when conflicts are numerous, protracted, and complex, the role of the UN in seeking to resolve and settle conflicts is ever more essential.

"In advance of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly in September, we urge the UK Government, as a permanent Member of the Security Council, to work with its partners to strengthen the UN. The Government should encourage other member states to increase the funding they provide, and support an ambitious role for the UN in facing global challenges."

Other conclusions and recommendations

  • Member states must provide adequate resources if the UN is to meet the demands being placed upon it
  • The Government should use its permanent status on the Security Council to discourage the use of vetoes, especially in cases of extreme humanitarian concern
  • We support the efforts being made to strengthen the effectiveness of the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons
  • We remain concerned by the internal fragmentation of the UN system and support work to foster greater coherence across agencies and officials.

Further information

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