Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a sweeping reform of the United Nations, criticizing the disproportionate power wielded by the five permanent members of the Security Council.
Addressing a forum in Istanbul, Erdogan stated, “The UN needs to be completely reformed. The world cannot be left to the mercy of the five permanent (Security Council member) countries. The fate of 194 countries cannot be left in the hands or the lips of one of these five permanent members.”
Erdogan, a long-time critic of the current system, reiterated his belief that the veto power held by the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom undermines global democracy.
Erdogan highlighted past reforms, such as the International Criminal Court’s establishment, and called for further changes to address global challenges. He also stressed the failure of the UN in addressing crises in Gaza and Ukraine, adding that the current system has proven inadequate.
Furthermore, Erdogan criticized global inaction regarding the Gaza conflict, referring to Israel’s actions as a genocide. He urged a lasting ceasefire and expressed Turkey’s readiness to mediate peace.
Erdogan pointed to the Russia-Ukraine war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as proof of the global system’s fragility. He condemned the lack of decisive action and called on the international community to seize the opportunity to foster justice and stability.
The Turkish leader praised the International Criminal Court’s recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing their roles in the Gaza conflict.
Erdogan concluded by reaffirming Turkey’s historic role as a haven for the oppressed and its commitment to regional peace and justice.
