Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, on the Working Methods of the Security Council March 11th, 2024

Mr. President,

I thank Japan for organizing this debate. The working methods of the Security Council are the guiding principles that shape the Council’s day-to-day operations and are essential to its efficiency and for promoting fairness, objectivity, transparency, and inclusivity – so much in need, as we see.

In its recent mandate, Brazil was deeply engaged in the discussions towards a more transparent and inclusive penholder practice, in order to enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council. Brazil and the United Arab Emirates coordinated an E-10 proposal for a note from the President of the Council encouraging a more prominent role for elected members regarding penholderships and co-penholderships. That proposal was a fundamental step for the adoption of Note 945.

Enhancing cooperation between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission is paramount. The Commission’s expertise in cross-cutting issues and its bridging role recommend its increased involvement and advisory capacity during Council deliberations, especially concerning mandate renewals. A more structured and institutionalized practice of the relationship between the two bodies needs to be pursued. Brazil is committed to that during its PBC presidency this year.

The Sanctions Committees must comply with international law, including international human rights law, in listing or de-listing designated persons and entities. Listings must be strictly evidence-based. Individuals and entities must have the right to challenge their designation through an effective review mechanism. The mandate of the Office of the Ombudsperson should be extended to all sanctions regimes, provided that its working conditions are improved.

Poorly designed sanctions regimes often have negative economic and humanitarian impact on the very people they intend to protect. Among other improvements, they should be bound by sunset clauses and subject to periodic review, as appropriate. Sanctions committees need to monitor the proper implementation of the humanitarian carve-out of resolution 2664, including in the context of counter-terrorism.

Regarding the appointment of Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and heads of auxiliary bodies of the subsidiary organs, we advocate transparent and individualized consultations with elected members. Such appointment processes must observe gender and geographical balance.

Brazil reaffirms its commitment to full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in decisions processes regarding peace and security. We support the adoption of shared commitments on women and peace and security by Council members and encourage all briefers to incorporate gender-related issues into their presentations, recognizing the role of gender equality in achieving sustainable peace and security. As Chair of the PBC, Brazil is committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As a matter of transparency, we also encourage as much as possible the participation of civil society representatives in briefings to the Security Council.

As threats to international peace and security evolve, so must the Council. Any debate on the Council’s working methods must be underpinned by the overarching framework of Security Council reform, which includes its expansion. In our model of reform, the number of both permanent and non-permanent members should be increased. The gross under-representation of developing countries, and non representation of whole regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa among the permanent members critically undermines the Council’s effectiveness and legitimacy.

Brazil underlines the urgent need for genuine reform and calls on all Member States to support a clear path towards this goal, including through text-based negotiations. Only through concerted efforts can we ensure that the Security Council remains fit for purpose in the 21st century.

Thank you.