Canada to seek two-year term on UN Security Council in 2021

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday, March 16, that Canada will seek a two-year term on the UN Security Council starting in 2021, citing the country's resettling of Syrian refugees and a desire to take part in peacekeeping efforts as evidence of a renewed commitment to engagement in world affairs, the Associated Press reports.

Trudeau, who took office in November, said Canada's ideals align with many of those dear to the UN, including human rights, gender equality and diversity. Canada last held a seat on the Security Council in 2000.

"It's time for Canada to step up once again," Trudeau said. Canada will compete with Ireland and Norway for two available seats on the council.

Trudeau's announcement at the UN in front of about 300 diplomats, staffers and others came after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's visit to Canada and meeting with Trudeau last month.

Canada has served six times on the Security Council since the late 1940s. In 2010 it lost a seat to Portugal, a defeat blamed on a lackluster attempt by the Conservative government then in charge.

The 15-member council has five permanent members who each have veto power: The United States, Britain, France, Russia and China. Ten additional members are elected for two-year terms.

The 193 members of the UN General Assembly won't vote on the seat Canada is pursuing until the fall of 2020.