LETTER: Restore the UN as a force for good in the world

DEAR News Of The Area,

A RECENT column by John Blackbourn (‘Dreadful decisions’, Page 28, NOTA, 30/10/26) expresses a cynical view on the value of the United Nations.

As we approach Remembrance Day on Wednesday, November 11, it is useful to reflect on why the United Nations was established and what it can, and cannot, achieve.

The UN was established in 1945, when the world was in ruins from World War II, by representatives of 50 countries in order to maintain international peace and security, give humanitarian assistance to those in need, protect human rights, and uphold international law.

Australia was instrumental in its establishment and Australia’s delegation, led by Dr H V “Doc” Evatt, championed the rights of smaller and middle powers against dominant Great Powers.

Doc Evatt also presided over the third regular session of the General Assembly, in 1948, when the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted.

So Australia has a long and proud record of achievement and participation in the activities of the UN which, I believe, is certainly worth the relatively small amount of money involved.

If one wants to question government spending I would suggest that we examine the benefit of spending $268 billion on submarines that we may never see, which are designed to be used in a war with our largest trading partner.

In my opinion, AUKUS is a tax we pay to the USA for questionable benefit and dubious aims.

Mr Blackbourn is within rights to question the operation of the UN as it is not a perfect institution by any means. But that does not inevitably mean that we should disengage. On the contrary, particularly in this time of autocrats and the threats to democracy, we should redouble our efforts to make the UN a force for good in the world.

Remember that the UN has no army. It cannot enforce any resolution. It is a representative body and largely relies on the moral authority granted to it by its representatives, including Australia.

One failing is that the five permanent members of the Security Council, the original five Great Powers that hold nuclear weapons, hold the power of veto. This power is often used to prevent resolutions from being adopted for partisan reasons.

How many wars has the UN prevented? That is like asking how many houses have I not built, or how many bananas have I not eaten.

On Remembrance Day we reflect on the sacrifices made in war. The UN was established to try and avoid such horrific conflagrations as WWII from happening again, in large part to give meaning to, and to honour, those who died.

As WWII fades from living memory we must never forget the sacrifices made so that our children can grow up in a peaceful world.

Hans Blix, once the 1st Executive Chairman of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission, responded to a question about the purpose of the UN thus: “The purpose of the UN is not to take us to heaven, but to prevent us descending into hell”.

Regards,

Peter Sobey,

Valla.