UN’s Founding Principles Under Fire as Sudanese Foreign Minister Calls for Reform
As the United Nations summit for the future kicked off on Sunday, September 22, Sudan’s foreign minister, Hussein Awad Ali, took center stage to address the plenary. In a strongly worded statement, Ali denounced the "double standards and selectivity" in implementing the principles of the UN Charter, the founding document of the United Nations.
Ali emphasized the need for the international community to strictly adhere to the UN Charter’s principles and purposes, avoiding the selective application of certain principles while ignoring others. He stressed that the stability of the international order is built on the respect for the UN Charter, particularly in matters of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, state sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The Sudanese diplomat’s comments come as his country has repeatedly accused the United Arab Emirates of arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group in the ongoing war in Sudan. Ali’s criticism of the UN’s selective application of its principles has sparked concerns about the organization’s ability to address the challenges faced by developing countries, post-conflict countries, and those in special situations, particularly in the face of poverty, conflicts, and climate change.
In his address, Ali called for a comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture to address these challenges and problems. He emphasized the need for a more equitable and sustainable approach to global governance, one that takes into account the unique needs and circumstances of different countries and regions.
As the UN continues to grapple with calls for reform, Ali’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the need for the organization to uphold its founding principles and values. The international community is watching closely to see how the UN will respond to these criticisms and work towards a more just and equitable world.
