New York:The President of the International Crisis Group, Comfort Ero, has expressed concerns over the UN Security Council's growing dysfunction and the impact of geopolitical rivalries on international law. In an interview with Anadolu, Ero warned that the credibility and legitimacy of the Security Council are increasingly at risk due to these issues.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Ero highlighted tensions among major powers and the inability to hold them accountable as factors limiting the UN's capacity to maintain peace and security. She emphasized that the UN's effectiveness depends on member states' cooperation and willingness to address political issues underlying conflicts.

Ero also warned about the challenges posed by rising military competition and the overlap of regional conflicts, which complicate international peace efforts. She expressed concerns about nuclear proliferation and the fragility of arms control arrangements, citing specific conflicts such as those involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

The Security Council's divisions have created an environment where some governments feel emboldened to act without facing consequences, Ero noted. She questioned how the international system could constrain countries with veto power, such as Russia and the US, when they engage in actions that challenge international law.

Ero addressed demands for Security Council reform, particularly regarding the veto powers of its five permanent members. She expressed skepticism about the willingness of these members to relinquish their veto privileges, though she noted that Britain and France have shown restraint in using their vetoes compared to the US, China, and Russia.

The role of the UN General Assembly was also a focus for Ero, who called for it to play a greater role in scrutinizing powerful countries. She argued that despite the lack of binding force, General Assembly resolutions can challenge violations of international law and exert political pressure on violators.

Ero concluded that if the Security Council fails to fulfill its mandate effectively, countries might seek alternative security arrangements, forming coalitions outside of the UN framework.