Hungary’s candidacy for a Non-Permanent seat on the UN Security Council

Hungary has put forward its candidacy for a non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2012-2013. In the past, Hungary has been a non-permanent member of the Security Council on two occasions: first in 1968-1969 and then, almost twenty years ago, in 1992-1993. During Hungary’s last term which proved to be particularly intense and challenging, given the acute situation in our immediate neighbourhood, the Balkans, Hungarian diplomacy accumulated a considerable amount of valuable experience in the fields of conflict-management and conflict-resolution. Hungary’s geographical position, its significant expertise gained in the areas of democracy-building and the rule of law will also undoubtedly serve as a good basis for its effective contribution to the work of the Security Council. The elections will be held in the autumn of 2011 in the UN General Assembly.

Hungary’s Priorities in the United Nations Security Council

• Hungary, if elected to the United Nations Security Council, will serve all members of the United Nations in carrying out the duties and responsibilities entrusted to the Council in the spirit of transparency, partnership and universality.
• As a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Hungary will promote a more effective multilateralism and defend a just international order based on the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and the norms of international law. In the context of globalisation, Hungary considers the strengthening of international solidarity and cooperation as fundamental values essential to international relations.
• Hungary believes that the ability of the United Nations to play its role to the fullest extent in conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding should be further strengthened. In this regard, Hungary supports an integrated approach to today’s security threats, combining human security and development concerns with coordinated peacebuilding. Hungary is of the opinion that strengthening the United Nation’s capacity for preventive diplomacy and supporting sustainable peace processes will build long-term solutions and respond more effectively to conflicts.
• Hungary believes that further work needs to be done to respect the rights of civilians and to define the principle to protect them from mass violence and, notably, from genocide.
• Hungary is strongly committed to enhancing the central role of the United Nations in the coordination of global efforts to suppress international organised crime and terrorism, as well as to achieve non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and disarmament.
• Climate change cannot be dealt with in isolation, it needs to be addressed together with development, poverty reduction, education and human security issues such as water, food and health security. Hungary believes that the United Nations should continue to play an essential role in managing climate change and adapting to it. Its capability of cross-sectoral approaches should be increased in this regard.
• Hungary strongly supports the overall reform of the United Nations, aiming at creating a more coherent, effective and transparent Organisation. Hungary considers the close cooperation, through regular consultations and more effective coordination of work, between the Security Council and other bodies within the UN system particularly important.

Publication on Hungary’s candidacy to the UN Security Council