NEW YORK, Aug 13 (BBC): UN chief António Guterres has called for Africa to be given a permanent seat at the UN Security Council as part of reforms to correct historical injustices.
The Security Council - the five permanent members of which are China, France, Russia, the UK and the US - has long been criticised for representing the realities that prevailed at the end of World War Two when much of Africa was still under colonial rule.
"The world has changed since 1945. But the composition of the Council, despite a few changes, has not kept pace," Mr Guterres said.
The 10 non-permanent members of the body are allocated by region, but unlike the five permanent members, they do not have the power of veto.
The African Union has long been pushing for the continent to have two permanent representatives on the council and an additional two seats as non-permanent representatives.
The debate on Monday was convened by Sierra Leone - and its President Julius Maada Bio made the case for the continent.
"The time for half-measures and incremental progress is over. Africa must be heard, and its demands for justice and equity must be met," he said.
The UN Security Council has significant responsibilities, including authorising peacekeeping operations, imposing international sanctions and determining how the UN should respond to conflicts around the world.
Other UN officials echoed the sentiments for reform, including Dennis Francis - the president of the UN General Assembly, as well as Mr Guterres.
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