Is the United Nations Fair?

A Closer Look at Its Unequal Treatment of Countries

The United Nations (UN) was created in October 1945, in the aftermath of World War II, with a clear vision: to prevent future wars, foster global peace, and improve the quality of life for all people. While its mission remains noble, its actions and internal structure often raise a crucial question: Is the United Nations fair to all countries?

Understanding the Structure of the United Nations

The United Nations operates through six primary organs, each with specific functions that work collectively to achieve the organization’s goals:

1. The Security Council

Arguably the most powerful body of the UN, the Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It investigates global conflicts, recommends solutions, and has the authority to impose sanctions or authorize military interventions. However, its decision-making power is not evenly distributed among its members—a factor central to the criticism the UN faces.

2. The General Assembly

The General Assembly represents all 193 member states equally. Each country, regardless of size or influence, gets one vote. It deliberates on major international issues and supervises the budget and operations of other UN organs. It also elects non-permanent members to the Security Council.

3. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Founded in 1945, ECOSOC addresses global economic, social, and environmental challenges. Its 56 members are elected by the General Assembly. The council focuses on areas such as health, education, employment, human rights, sustainable development, and gender equality.

4. The Trusteeship Council

Originally established to oversee the administration of territories that were not yet self-governing, the Trusteeship Council guided them toward independence. Since most of these territories have achieved self-governance, this body is now inactive but still exists within the UN framework.

5. The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Based in The Hague, the ICJ resolves legal disputes between states and offers advisory opinions to the UN. It plays a vital role in interpreting international law and encouraging peaceful resolutions through judicial means.

6. The United Nations Secretariat

Led by the Secretary-General, the Secretariat is the UN’s administrative backbone. It manages the day-to-day work, coordinates peacekeeping operations, conducts research, and ensures the implementation of UN policies. Its headquarters is located in New York City, USA.

(2) The Power Imbalance Within the Security Council

The UN Security Council is composed of 15 members:

● 5 permanent members (P5): United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China
● 10 non-permanent members, elected for two-year terms

What sets the permanent members apart is their veto power. This means that if any of the P5 opposes a resolution, it automatically fails—even if all other members support it. This power gives these five countries enormous influence over global decisions.
The non-permanent members, though elected by the General Assembly, have limited power. They can vote on resolutions but cannot veto them. In many cases, non-permanent members are countries that maintain favorable relations with the P5, meaning that diversity of opinion is often stifled in favor of political alignment.

(3) Unequal Treatment: A Two-Tier System

The UN, in practice, seems to operate with a two-tier system of countries:
● Tier 1: Nations that have strong diplomatic ties with the P5 or are part of major alliances. These countries are often shielded from criticism and rarely face penalties, even when involved in controversial actions.

● Tier 2: Countries that lack strong alliances or challenge the interests of the P5. These nations frequently face swift action, including sanctions and military interventions, sometimes without broad global support.


This imbalance often leads to severe humanitarian consequences. Civilian populations in weaker or isolated nations are the ones who bear the brunt of these political dynamics.

The Call for Reform: Making the UN More Democratic

As the world changes, so too should its global institutions. Critics argue that the UN, especially the Security Council, must evolve to better reflect the diversity and complexity of today’s world.

Reform Proposal 1: Expand the Security Council

● Increase the number of Security Council members from 15 to 20.
● Include five new permanent members, chosen through global public elections.
● These elections would take place in two phases:
○ Phase 1: The top 15 countries with the highest public vote would be shortlisted.
○ Phase 2: The top 5 from the shortlist would become new permanent members.
● Each new permanent member would serve for a fixed term (e.g., 5–10 years), after which elections would be held again.

This reform would ensure a more inclusive representation of the global population and diminish the grip of historical superpowers.

Reform Proposal 2: Limit the Security Council’s Power on Critical Issues

For issues involving large-scale humanitarian impact—such as those resulting in more than 200 deaths or affecting over 10,000 people—the Security Council should not act alone. Instead:

● The matter should be referred to the General Assembly, where every member nation has an equal vote.
● Approval should require a two-thirds majority, ensuring that no resolution is passed without broad global consensus.

Why Reform Is Urgent

From 2023 to 2024, the world has witnessed numerous wars and humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands of casualties. In many cases, the UN has been unable or unwilling to act decisively, largely due to vetoes or political interests of the P5.

If structural reforms are not implemented:

● Ongoing wars may escalate further.
● New conflicts may emerge, potentially more destructive than ever before.
● The credibility and relevance of the UN may be irreparably damaged.

Final Thoughts

The United Nations was founded on the ideals of peace, equality, and cooperation, but its current structure reflects a power imbalance that undermines those very values. To remain effective in a rapidly changing world, it must embrace reform, promote equal representation, and listen to the voices of all nations—not just a powerful few. A fairer, stronger United Nations is not just an ideal—it is a necessity for global peace and justice.