QUES . “UNO through its various agencies has played its role to a good extent in promoting ethics in international relations.” In the light of this statement mention about the major factors which affect ‘Ethics in International Relations’ and the role of UNO in promoting it.
Relevance : UPSC GS MAINS PAPER IV ; TOPIC – ethical issues in international relations and funding
HINTS:
The international system lacks legal binding to follow ethical norms. However they are based on cooperation, international regimes and international law. The major factors that affect ethics in International relations are:
• Cooperation between nations through bilateral agreements.
• Global response to the problems of other countries.
• Legitimacy issues.
• Issues of accountability and transparency.
• Enforcement of mandates.
The accomplishments of the United Nations in the last 75 years are impressive in their own terms. Progress in human development during the 20th and 21st century has been dramatic, and the UN and its agencies have certainly helped the world become a more hospitable and livable place for millions.
The UNO has an impressive record of promoting ethics by extending help to poor countries and
insisting for accountability and good governance.
The agencies like UNESCO have promoted democratization and intellectual activity which aim to
improve material as well as spiritual life.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the principal UN agency working in the field of migration and works to ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.
The United Nations works to preserve international peace and security by settlement of disputes and interventions through the security council. It protects millions of lives which may otherwise get lost in international conflicts.
But still, there are some instances when we witness corruption, decline of ethical and moral values.
The United Nations has failed to prevent war and fulfill peacekeeping duties many times throughout
its history. Millions of people around the world have been killed and displaced since the UN was
founded in 1945.
The failed resolution on the Israel-Palestine conflict , Kashmir dispute and Russia- Ukraine war are very well known cases, where the UN faltered in terms of protection of people.
The internal rift between US and China compromised the power of the UN in intervening in the Corona crisis as both the powers were accusing each other and the security council was divided into groups. This
compromised the UN efficiency in handling the issue.
Thus it can be said that UNO has suffered some major setbacks, when all its aspects are considered but it has brought great benefits to our generation and has played its role to a good extent in promoting ethics in international relations.
