UN Security Council in need of urgent overhaul for effective peacekeeping: Ellen Sirleaf

Former Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf has called for the urgent enforcement of international law and reform of the UN Security Council to address escalating conflicts and prevent future crises.

Ms. Sirleaf made this statement while addressing a High-Level Debate on Leadership for Peace in the UN Security Council chamber on Wednesday in New York. Speaking as a member of the Group of Elders, established by former South African president Nelson Mandela, she emphasized the global need for leadership for peace.

“Preserving peace should be the primary responsibility of any leader, yet the leadership for peace that the world desperately needs is sorely lacking,” she said, urging action on three key issues.

First, she stressed the need for leaders to consistently uphold international law, citing a growing number of systematic violations in conflict zones from Ukraine to Gaza and beyond. Ms. Sirleaf condemned the impunity granted to those committing atrocities and criticized powerful states for intervening in conflicts, supplying weapons to warring parties, and fueling aggression.

“Powerful states, including some permanent members of this council, are deliberately ignoring international norms,” she stated. She also called the war of aggression in Ukraine a blatant violation of the UN Charter, noting the Security Council’s inaction and paralysis in response.

Ms. Sirleaf highlighted instances where certain Council members undermined decisions of the International Court of Justice and threatened the International Criminal Court and its officials.

“It is vital that our international judicial institutions are supported and their decisions upheld,” she added. “International law must be applied consistently, regardless of who is being held accountable.”

Looking ahead to 2025, which will mark 25 years since the passage of Security Council Resolution 1325, she pointed out that despite recognizing the crucial role women must play in peace and security, decisions that impact these areas are still predominantly made by men, often the very men who initiated the conflicts.