The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 to ensure global peace, security, and the protection of human rights. Its mandate included preventing wars, stopping occupations, and safeguarding oppressed peoples. Yet nearly eight decades later, conflicts, bloodshed, and human crises persist. Nowhere is this more evident than in Palestine, where generations of Palestinians have endured Israeli aggression, illegal settlements, and systemic oppression. The killings of children and women, the destruction of homes, and mass displacement have become grim daily realities.
Despite numerous UN resolutions in favour of Palestine, effective action has been scarce. The Security Council and General Assembly have debated the issue repeatedly, yet peace remains elusive. A recent survey revealed that 62 per cent of respondents believe the UN has failed completely on the Palestinian issue, while 21 per cent think the organisation cannot act independently due to pressure from major powers. Only 9 per cent trust the UN as a reliable institution. Growing perceptions of double standards and inaction have intensified despair among Palestinians, particularly children living amid rubble and prolonged occupation.
The root of the UN's weakness lies in the Security Council's veto power, which allows influential nations repeatedly siding with Israel to block meaningful resolutions. Geopolitical interests, regional military dominance, and economic priorities further enable the occupation. Many resolutions remain symbolic documents, and international double standards mean rapid action occurs elsewhere while silence prevails in Palestine. Internal divisions among Arab nations have also shielded Israel from accountability.
A lasting solution requires international cooperation, diplomacy, and a firm commitment to human rights. Misuse of veto powers must be curtailed, and Israel and Palestine should engage in internationally supervised negotiations for mutual recognition and transparent border demarcation. Humanitarian aid, reconstruction, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities must be prioritised to rebuild Palestinian lives.
The UN's mission was to ensure justice, yet its failure in Palestine has stained its credibility. The world witnesses the suffering of innocents, while the organization bows to political pressure. Ensuring justice should be a moral obligation of all nations, not dependent on the interests of powerful states. The international community must make the UN independent, impartial, and effective, or it risks being remembered not as a symbol of peace, but as a helpless spectator in history.
Sania Tasnim Lamia
Student, Jagannath University
tasnimlamia539@gmail.com
