Homework Assignment: Homework Block D (April 27). 

Focus Group Forum Question:

Should the five permanent members of the Security Council continue to retain their veto power? Why or why not?

From the beginning of its establishment, the United Nations has been an extremely controversial organization. Many of its decisions have upset several people and its capability has often been put to question. The UN’s Security Council consists of five permanent members: China, France, U.S.A, U.K and the USSR. These countries have complete veto power, which means that they have the right to change any law or rule, whatsoever, that the Security Council passes on. According to me, there are two sides to this situation. The UN must have definitely chosen these particular countries to have veto power for a very valid reason. Perhaps, these countries demonstrated very high standards of political decisions or favored the idea of gender equality? These countries could also prove to make very critical decisions. For instance, if the Security Council passes a law, which states: “Woman cannot participate in any kind of military activity”, these countries could disagree and say that if woman are capable to do so, then why must they be stopped? This decision would not only promote gender equality but would also, possibly be the start of great female military officials. On the other hand, these five countries could also make wrong decisions that could ruin many other countries. For example, the Security Council passes a law that states: “All countries may use Iraq’s oil for international as well as domestic purposes”. Although, it unfair to use a country’s natural resource without giving it anything in return, the five countries many agree to this law, because this agreement could be very beneficial for them. Therefore, it is hard to say weather China, France, U.S.A, U.K and the USSR should continue to retain their veto power, as their decisions may prove to be extremely helpful as well as completely unfair and unnecessary depending on the situation.