Presidency: Urgent reforms needed to ensure UN can enforce international law, human rights standards fairly

The Presidency says urgent reforms are needed to ensure the United Nations (UN) is able to enforce international law and human rights standards fairly across the board.

This is part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, taking place in New York.

Ramaphosa is expected to engage global leaders on international issues, including geopolitical tensions, strengthening global economic governance, and punting the G20 agenda.

READ: Ramaphosa to champion multilateralism, protection of human rights at UN General Assembly

The meeting in New York comes amid concerns about the UN’s ability to respond to shifts in the global landscape, including criticism that there is a lack of effective enforcement mechanisms for General Assembly decisions.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the president’s calls for reforms are important to address the challenges faced by the family of nations.

"Essentially, we need a framework that is a lot more inclusive in terms of decision making, we need a framework that puts at its centre the respect and adherence of international law, and we need a framework that, in its inclusivity, considers the development aspirations of the entire globe."