The Maldives has called for reform of the United Nations Security Council, saying its composition must reflect the realities of the world today rather than the international order of 1945.
Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef said the Security Council must be expanded to make it more representative of the wider UN membership.
He called for expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, while stressing the need for greater representation for Africa and other underrepresented regions.
The Vice President also called for the abolition of the veto, saying the veto has contributed to paralysis within the Security Council in the face of major international crises.
He said small states must also have a meaningful place in the Council, stating that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) should have a rotating seat.
The Maldives has long supported a rotating Security Council seat for SIDS as part of broader reforms aimed at making the Council more representative and equitable.
The Vice President said reform of the Security Council is necessary to ensure that the body is capable of responding to the challenges and realities of the contemporary international system.
