UN Security Council Powerless Against Mass Atrocities, Says French FM
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot delivered a stark assessment of the international body's deteriorating capacity to address global emergencies through military deployment or punitive measures.
"Too often now we're seeing situations of mass atrocities where the UN Security Council is not able to project force or to take action, or sanctions," Barrot told journalists during a press briefing.
The minister revealed that consensus is emerging among G7 nations and strategic partners including India that sweeping institutional overhaul cannot wait, pointing to widespread international sentiment that the organization "cannot provide full-fledged solutions."
Barrot clarified the crisis stems not from obsolescence but from outdated governing structures requiring urgent modernization on two fronts: democratic representation and operational effectiveness.
Paris advocates expanding permanent Security Council membership to include Japan, India, Germany, Brazil, and two African nations alongside current powers United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, and France.
A France-Mexico diplomatic initiative seeks voluntary veto restraint by permanent members during documented mass atrocity situations, garnering backing from 107 countries to date. Barrot signaled Paris aims to secure additional commitments or formal resolution adoption before year's end if circumstances permit.
"It's not about abolishing veto," he clarified. "It's about maintaining a reasonable use of veto ... when the world witnesses the unbearable reality of human humanitarian catastrophes."
Despite condemning Security Council paralysis, Barrot defended UN operational networks as indispensable, citing recent visits to Sudan-adjacent refugee facilities where "the situation would be untenable. It would be inhuman, it would be dire." without existing logistics infrastructure.
France intends leveraging forthcoming diplomatic events—including a May summit co-hosted with Kenya focused on Africa—to advance reform advocacy and enhance peacekeeping delivery systems.
Barrot also addressed continental defense priorities, asserting Europe has "clearly stood up" militarily over recent years while emphasizing continued industrial and capability expansion remains imperative.
He framed potential shifts in US military positioning as catalysts for strengthening Europe's role within NATO rather than setbacks.
On China, Barrot reiterated EU doctrine characterizing Beijing as "a partner, a competitor, and a systemic rival," stressing economic recalibration while cautioning against sweeping protectionist policies. He noted Europe may ultimately implement defensive economic measures should cooperative approaches falter.
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