Ezulwini Consensus
The Ezulwini Consensus is a position on international relations and reform of the United Nations, agreed by the African Union. It calls for a more representative and democratic Security Council, in which Africa, like all other world regions, is represented.[1]
Background[]
The consensus is named after Ezulwini, a valley in central Swaziland now known as the Kingdom of Eswatini - with several tourist hotels - where the agreement was made in 2005.[2] The consensus was then adopted at an Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, in March 2005, in Addis Ababa.[1]
Agreement[]
The agreement covered several areas, including: EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 7th Extraordinary Session (7–8 March 2005). THE COMMON AFRICAN POSITION ON THE PROPOSED REFORM OF THE UNITED NATIONS: “THE EZULWINI CONSENSUS” (Report). African Union.
Collective security - preventive measures[]
- Underlining the serious threats posed by HIV/AIDS, poverty, and environmental degradation
- Encouraging debts of highly indebted states to be written off
- Recommending adoption of the and on Unconstitutional Changes of Governments.
- Calling for an end to illicit manufacturing, trade, and stockpiling of small arms & light weapons (SALW).
- Recommending steps toward "complete elimination of nuclear weapons"
Collective security - use of force[]
- A cautious approach to the Responsibility to protect: "It is important to reiterate the obligation of states to protect their citizens, but this should not be used as a pretext to undermine the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states."
- Prohibiting any use of force outside Article 51 of the UN Charter (self-defence) and Article 4h of AU (preventing genoicide and serious crimes against humanity).
- Calling for the UN to fund and support peacekeeping forces provided by regional organisations such as the AU.
- Proposing a Peacebuilding Commission.
United Nations reform[]
- At least two permanent seats (including veto power), and five non-permanent seats on the Security Council.[3]
- The African Union would choose which African governments get the seats.[3]
- Further calls for ECOSOC to be strengthened.
Sirte Declaration[]
The Ezulwini Consensus was followed by the Sirte Declaration of July 2005, which required at least two permanent seats and two non-permanent Security Council seats for African states.[3]
Related agreements[]
References and citations[]
- ^ a b "AFRICAN UNION (AU)" (PDF). Inventory of International Nonproliferation Organizations and Regimes. James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ "Walking a tightrope: SA, Africa and the UN". Helen Suzman Foundation. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ a b c "'OUT OF DATE AND OUT OF TOUCH', SECURITY COUNCIL REQUIRES URGENT REFORM, ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT SAYS, URGING DELEGATIONS TO MOVE SWIFTLY TO END IMPASSE". GA/10786. United Nations. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- African Union