France has been constantly advocating for an ambitious reform of the Security Council [fr]

Mr. President,

The Pact for the Future and the high-level week of the 79th General Assembly have shown how deeply attached we are to a system based on the respect for the rule of law and the clear principles established by the United Nations Charter. But let’s be clear: the need for a transformation is very pronounced. It is because we believe in the UN and in multilateralism that France has been constantly advocating for an ambitious reform of the Security Council. The President of the Republic has stated it very firmly during the UNGA general debate.

The vast majority of this Assembly defend this reform, because they want to make sure that the Security Council is more effective and a better reflection of 21st century realities.

To this end, France believes an expansion of the Council in both categories of members is essential, and is not opposed to granting veto power to the new permanent members. As we collectively affirmed in the Pact for the Future, it is abnormal that Africa is not better represented on the Security Council. We ask therefore for two permanent seats to be given to African states, as well as a greater number of elected seats. France has been advocating this for more than 20 years, alongside the G4 members, namely Germany, Japan, India and Brazil.

It is our responsibility to bring this reform of the Security Council to a successful conclusion, even in the absence of consensus, as exemplified by the previous reform in 1963. I therefore reiterate our appeal to launch negotiations without delay, on the basis of a draft resolution which could have the support of 2/3 of the Member States in the General Assembly. Such a process, which is provided for in the UN Charter, is the only one likely to bring our efforts to fruition. It is in line with the Charter, and more realistic than aiming for a hypothetical unanimity which could lead us into a deadlock.

In this perspective, France welcomes the early re-appointment of the co-chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations. We congratulate Ambassadors Albanai and Marschik on their reappointment as co-chairmen, and support their decision to start this session of intergovernmental negotiations at the earliest opportunity. The goal now is to arrive at a single document, and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations in 2025 provides an opportunity to register progress. Not through statements but with a text.

Mr. President,

A modern Security Council is not just an expanded Council. It is also a Council with renewed working methods, particularly with regard to the use of the veto. Since 2015, together with Mexico, France has been spearheading an initiative aimed at restricting the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities. This initiative does not require a change in the Charter in order to be implemented. We are convinced that the Security Council should not be impeded in its action in such kind of situations.

106 member states from all regions of the world have already registered support for this initiative. We call on all those wishing to move forward to do the same.

Thank you for your attention.