Akanshya Shah

Of late, intellectuals here are claiming that it is high time Nepal received a recognition at the United Nations for its long standing contribution towards the goals of this world body. This time around Nepal is to contest for the non-permanent Asian seat of the UN Security Council for the upcoming 2007-2008 term. This would require Nepal to carry a rigorous campaigning for itself at the regional and international arena. Foreign Minister Bhekh Bahadur Thapa is believed to have already started lobbying amongst neighbours and others in order to create an environment for the same.

Nepal has already served twice as a non-permanent member on the Security Council since it became a member of the UN in December 1955. Nepal was a non-permanent member of the Security Council during 1969-70 and then again during 1988-89 and on both these periods Nepal played a significant role in the world body. This also included the then issue of Namibia’s independence. Besides following the principle of Panchasheel, Nepal accepts the UN Charter as the basis of its foreign policy and has time and again reiterated its commitment to maintenance of international peace, security and stability.

By participating in various UN meetings, Nepal reaffirmed it adherence to the policy of non-alignment, anti-colonisation and raised its voice against neo-colonialism and apartheid. Nepal has remained a forceful advocate of human rights and world peace by upholding the canons of disarmament. It has been following a policy of equi-distance with India and China and has refrained from joining regional military alliances.

“Nepal has established for itself the image of a neutral state, deemed so very essential to secure a place in the Security Council,” concurs Professor Prem Sharma of the Tribhuvan University.Therefore, going by the criteria set by the Charter itself, Nepal very well qualify to hold a position in the Council. According to Article 23 of the Charter, the General Assembly elects 10 members of the UN to be non-permanent members of the Security Council, taking into account “the contribution of members of the UN to the maintenance of international peace and security and to the other purposes of the organisation.” In being an ardent supporter of the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, Nepal has since the very beginning contributed towards UN efforts, especially in the peacekeeping operations.

It is clear that such an opportunity is going to boost the prestige of land-locked Nepal. It would also be welcomed by the Least Developed Countries who have been raising the issue of under-representation of LDCs in the Council. The desired status at the Council also means Nepal would consistently be in touch with the five permanent members and therefore would be able to espouse its cause better.

At a time when developing economies like Germany, Brazil and India are seeking permanent seats at the Security Council, Nepal’s admission would no doubt give it a stronger voice there. After having been a part of the BIMSTEC and Bangkok Agreement recently, this can also strengthen Nepal’s economic diplomacy at the UN. At the same time, all is going to depend on how well Nepal can play its diplimatic card at the world body.