Author: Nor-Eleslam
The United Nations Security Council has adopted the principle of equal access to its documents for all members, without discrimination, thanks to an initiative spearheaded by Algeria after over six months of consultations.
Shortly after beginning its term on the Security Council, Algeria discovered a significant disparity: non-permanent members could not access the council’s internal documents and archives, which were exclusively available to permanent members. This exclusivity, based on entrenched but legally unfounded practices, treated these materials as private resources of the permanent members, leaving elected members at a disadvantage.
Unwilling to accept this inequity, Algeria initiated a thorough investigation into the origins of this discriminatory practice. It became evident that the lack of access was not supported by any formal legal or regulatory basis but had become an unquestioned tradition.
Algeria’s Diplomatic Strategy
To address this issue, Algeria developed a strategic plan to highlight the legal gap and eliminate the unequal treatment of Security Council members. Algeria’s permanent mission in New York began extensive consultations, first within the A3+ group (African members on the Council), which expressed strong support for Algeria’s initiative. The consultations were subsequently expanded to include all elected members of the Council.
Despite facing resistance from some permanent members, who viewed these documents as their exclusive domain, Algeria persevered. The debate evolved from highlighting this unjust situation to a legal and procedural battle for equal rights. Supported by other elected members, Algeria launched several legal and procedural maneuvers, compiling a comprehensive case for negotiation.
The issue was raised in closed-door meetings, informal consultations among permanent representatives, and the working group on Security Council documentation and procedural matters, chaired by Japan.
Success of the Algerian Initiative
After more than six months of negotiations, Algeria’s efforts bore fruit. The Security Council adopted what has come to be known as the “Algerian Initiative” to codify equal access to its documents. The initiative amended the council’s working procedures through an update to the renowned Note by the President No. 507, first issued in 2017.
The revised document explicitly guarantees all Security Council members equal access to relevant documents concerning ongoing deliberations. It also outlines precise procedures for requesting specific documents. New provisions were added to sections six (cooperation and consultation within the Council) and thirteen (newly elected members), ensuring clarity and inclusivity.
A Milestone for Algerian Diplomacy
This breakthrough is part of a series of achievements by Algerian diplomacy during its first year on the Security Council. The revisions to Note No. 507, which serves as the Council’s official guide to procedural matters since its inception in 1946, represent a historic step toward greater transparency and fairness in the Council’s operations.
Dubbed the eradication of “document apartheid,” this success underscores Algeria’s commitment to equitable international governance and strengthens its reputation on the global stage.
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