In recent years, there has been some turmoil surrounding membership in the United Nations (UN). The UN is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations. It was established in 1945 after World War II to prevent another such conflict. The UN has 193 member states, with the latest member being South Sudan, which joined in 2011.
Russia’s Suspension from the UN Human Rights Council
In April 2022, the UN General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council in response to reports of gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights by Russian troops in Ukraine. This is the second time a country has been suspended from the Council – the first was Libya in 2011. Russia has called its removal illegal and has vowed to continue working with the UN. However, Russia remains a member of the UN itself and still has voting rights in the General Assembly.
Process for Suspension
The process for suspending a country from the Human Rights Council is laid out in UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251. A country can be suspended if there is a gross and systematic violation of human rights. The motion to suspend must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the UN General Assembly. Out of 193 countries, 93 voted in favor of Russia’s suspension, while 24 voted against and 58 abstained. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia cannot veto decisions of the General Assembly.
Impact of Suspension
Russia’s suspension bars it from voting on human rights resolutions and participating in debates. However, it can still speak as an observer and participate in other UN activities. The suspension draws further global attention to Russia’s human rights violations. It is seen as a diplomatic blow to Russia’s international standing. However, Russia maintains it will continue cooperating with the UN on human rights issues despite its suspension.
Past Precedents for Suspension
Prior to Russia, Libya was the only country suspended from the Human Rights Council, back in 2011 during the rule of Muammar Gaddafi. This also occurred in response to concern over the Libyan government’s human rights violations during the Arab Spring protests. Libya’s suspension was backed by the Arab League. After Gaddafi’s fall, Libya’s membership was reinstated in November of 2011.
Other Cases of Countries Leaving the UN
While suspension from the Human Rights Council is very rare, there have been some cases of countries voluntarily withdrawing from the UN entirely:
- Indonesia – Withdrew in 1965 but rejoined in 1966
- Singapore – Withdrew in 1965 but rejoined in 1966
- North Korea – Withdrew in 1994 and has not rejoined
Indonesia and Singapore withdrew in protest over Malaysia being elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. However, they rejoined the following year. North Korea withdrew after the UN Security Council raised concerns about North Korea’s attempts to develop nuclear weapons. North Korea has since faced economic sanctions and international isolation.
Requirements to Be a UN Member
To join the UN, a state must:
- Be peace-loving and accept the obligations in the UN Charter
- Be able to carry out Charter obligations
- Be willing to do so
- Be internationally recognized as independent (if it is a new state)
- Have the recommendation of the UN Security Council
- Have the approval of two-thirds of the General Assembly
When applying for membership, states submit a letter with a declaration that they will uphold their Charter obligations. The Security Council considers the application and makes a recommendation to the General Assembly, which then votes on admission. The process for suspending or expelling an existing member is much more complex, as there are no outlined procedures for this in the UN Charter.
Consequences of Leaving the UN
There can be significant consequences for a country that withdraws from the UN:
- Loss of voting rights in the General Assembly and other UN bodies
- Exclusion from budgetary decision making
- No access to UN agencies like WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF
- Weakened international diplomatic influence
- Reduced participation in setting global norms and policies
- Potential increase in economic sanctions or military interventions
Without the protection of the UN Charter, a country loses the international legal shield against unwarranted interventions. They become isolated on the world stage. However, countries also cannot be forced to remain part of the UN against their will.
US Threats to Leave the UN
While no member countries have fully withdrawn since North Korea, there have been threats from time to time about leaving the UN. Most notably, conservative American politicians occasionally threaten to pull the US out of the UN. Reasons include:
- Disagreements with UN policies on Israel/Palestine, Iran, and other issues
- Objections to required payments to support UN peacekeeping forces
- Fears of impingement on US sovereignty
For example, in 2015, several Republican US Senators introduced a bill to cut UN funding after Palestine was recognized by the UN cultural agency UNESCO. However, the US remaining in the UN has been supported by both Democrat and Republican administrations. Global cooperation through the UN aligns with US interests and values, despite periodic policy differences. Withdrawal could reduce US global influence and leadership.
Could Taiwan Join the UN?
Taiwan, or the Republic of China, was an original member of the UN from 1945 to 1971. However, in 1971 it lost its seat in the UN after the General Assembly voted to recognize the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China. Taiwan has lobbied to rejoin periodically but has been unsuccessful so far. Obstacles include:
- China objects to Taiwan’s participation as it views the island as Chinese territory
- UN recognizes one China policy and Beijing as official government
- Taiwan’s lack of formal diplomatic relations and treaties with most countries
Taiwan does participate in some UN specialized agencies like WHO, but had its role reduced in recent decades amid pressure from China. Joining the UN remains an ongoing debate between China and Taiwan. If Taiwan sought independence through UN admission, it could worsen cross-strait tensions.
Are UN Reforms and Changes Needed?
There are frequently discussions around reforming and improving the UN. Suggested reforms include:
- Changes to the structure and representation of the Security Council
- Increased authority and independence for the Secretary General
- More equitable funding mechanisms
- Streamlining ineffective programs and bureaucracies
However, reaching consensus for sweeping reforms is difficult with so many member states. There are also risks that overhauls could undermine the core functions of the UN. Still, adaptations can allow the UN to become more effective at preventing conflict, promoting human rights, and addressing global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and inequality.
Proposals for Security Council Reform
There are frequent calls for changes to the powerful UN Security Council, which has five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Each has veto power over resolutions. Possible changes include:
- Adding new permanent members like India, Germany, Japan, Brazil
- Creating longer-term or rotating seats for underrepresented regions
- Limiting use of the veto power
However, the permanent members are unlikely to agree to reforms that reduce their status, influence, or veto power. This has stymied reform efforts so far.
Conclusion
While Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council shows that countries violating UN principles can face consequences, full withdrawal from the UN remains very rare. The UN still provides benefits that most member states are unwilling to relinquish, from security cooperation to development initiatives. Yet with 193 member states encompassing diverse cultures and ideologies, disagreements inevitably arise. Reconciling national interests with the UN’sfounding aspirations for cooperation and shared values continues to be a complex challenge. Whether further countries will withdraw or be suspended or expelled remains to be seen. But the UN continues striving to promote peaceful and progressive solutions to world problems.