Introduction
As the United Nations (UN) turns 80, its health is likened to that of a 100-year-old neglected and mistreated by three of its five children: the United States, Russia, and China. The situation appears dire.
Neglect by Major Powers
The UN, born from the ashes of World War II, now finds itself under the debris of conflicts such as those in Gaza and Ukraine. The United States, under President Donald Trump, poses the most significant threat to the UN. Trump openly disregards democratic norms and refuses to cede power to multilateral organizations, viewing them as a loss of national sovereignty.
The Role and Limitations of the UN
According to experts Olga Pellicer and Miguel Ángel Covián, the UN is not a global government with authority over member nations. It cannot impose laws or policies. However, they note an exception: the UN Security Council, which has been neglected by the United States, Russia, and China.
Mexico’s Relationship with the UN
The article mentions Olga Pellicer, a prominent Mexican multilateralist, who was notably absent from an exhibition titled “Building Our Future Together: 80 Years of Mexico in the UN.” The exhibition featured President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), whose actions have damaged Mexico’s multilateral tradition. His support for controversial figures and his disregard for international institutions, including the UN, raise questions about Mexico’s commitment to global cooperation.
Mexico’s Human Rights Record
The article critiques Mexico’s human rights record, pointing out that the government under AMLO failed to pressure Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro to stop repression and violence against his people. Additionally, the article mentions the controversial appointment of Rosario Piedra as the National Human Rights Commission head, which led to the apparent dissolution of the commission.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of the UN? The UN, at 80 years old, faces significant challenges from major powers like the United States. Its health is likened to that of a neglected 100-year-old.
- Which countries are neglecting the UN? The United States, Russia, and China—three of the UN’s five “children”—are accused of neglecting and mistreating the organization.
- What are the limitations of the UN? The UN is not a global government and cannot impose laws or policies on member nations, as explained by Olga Pellicer and Miguel Ángel Covián.
- How has Mexico’s relationship with the UN been affected? Under President AMLO, Mexico has shown a declining commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, raising concerns about its support for the UN.
- What is Mexico’s human rights record under AMLO? Critics argue that the Mexican government has failed to uphold human rights, both domestically and internationally, including its inaction regarding the situation in Venezuela.
