Support a fair and functional United Nations — it’s what Archbishop Tutu wanted

In the third year since the death of Desmond Mpilo Tutu, Israel continued its systematic destruction of anything Palestinian; Russia and Nato appeared intent on reigniting a modern version of the Cold War; and Sudan descended into a hellish space of famine and civil war.

These conflicts each led to extreme human suffering that continues today. Collectively, they have unclothed the United Nations, stripping it of its central function to hold nations accountable for injustices and human rights transgressions.

What these developments reveal is that, three years after his death, the lessons Archbishop Tutu taught about equal justice, equal rights and human interdependence retain their relevance and healing power.

While Tutu is remembered as a widely revered symbol of post-apartheid reconciliation and forgiveness, he wasn’t so beloved — at home or abroad — in his revolutionary days when he spoke plain and uncomfortable truth to apartheid power.

After completing his responsibilities to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in his capacity as a free-ranging activist for a world of inclusive justice, the Arch visited Palestine (for the UN) and Sudan (in his capacity as a member of The Elders).

These experiences, and his work in support of climate justice, helped frame his responses to the challenges of the 21st century.

Tutu unequivocally supported the UN Charter pledge “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. He had a long relationship with the world body, going back to 1984 when he called on the Security Council to impose sanctions against South Africa.

In later years, he lamented the UN’s unequal power structure that accords veto rights to five privileged nations — rights the US has repeatedly used to defend the genocidal actions of the State of Israel over the past +14 months.

On this, third anniversary of the Arch’s death — in his honour — we call on all democrats to support a fair and functional United Nations.

We remember his teaching about all human beings on Earth belonging to one human family, God’s family. It is representatives of this family who represent us all in New York and Geneva.

In the post-colonial world, it is inappropriate to say that some brothers or sisters have more power in the family over others.

With more and more dramatic climate events at the door, it is imperative to iron out kinks in global democratic decision-making and enforcement. DM