United Nations, Oct 26: The exclusion of the African continent from permanent membership of the UN Security Council raises question on the credibility of its representativeness, India has said, underlining the need for reforms in the world body to address "historical injustices".
"It is indeed an irony and a continuing question on the credibility of the Security Council's representativeness to not have the whole continent of Africa represented in the permanent category of membership, inspite of nearly 75 per cent of its work being focussed on Africa alone," India's Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur said here yesterday.
She was speaking in the UN General Assembly debate on 'New Partnership for Africa's Development'.
She said India's partnership with Africa has the potential to strengthen global governance systems and democratise multilateral institutions.
"We along with our African friends, continue to impress upon the need for urgent reforms of the Security Council and addressing historical injustices by making it reflective of contemporary realities," Kaur said.
Kaur is part of a delegation of ministers and members of Parliament from visiting the UN to participate in various sessions.
Kaur said the year 2015 would marks the 70th anniversary for the United Nations and 10 years following the 2005 World Summit mandate by heads of states and governments to achieve early reforms.
The occasion would be befitting opportunity to "deliver concrete outcomes on our pledged commitment to reforming institutions of global governance."
Kaur noted that despite positive strides, serious challenges remain before the African continent can achieve all round development and prosperity.
She said extreme poverty, hunger, lack of adequate nutrition and conflicts continue to plague development in Africa.
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