Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Gavin O’Meara
Gavin O’Meara
Canada
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Legal Committee
Forest Hills Central High School
The United Nations is the largest intergovernmental organization in the world, which makes it responsible for protecting and regulating its member countries. One aspect of these duties that is often overlooked is that the officials representing countries also require regulation. These officials need to be held accountable for their actions, but debate arises when considering when and how officials should be regulated and held responsible, as each country has a unique set of legal restrictions.
Recently, this issue has been addressed in the 71st session of the 6th Committee of the UN Legal Council from October 6 to November 21, 2025. During this session, the council urged member states to prosecute individuals from their own countries, requested stronger vetting and training, and focused on how to provide additional support to victims. Canada was one of many signatories on this resolution, and therefore shows how Canada plans to address the issue.
Canada proposes that the UN focus on strengthening its stance on holding UN officials accountable, as having trustworthy and knowledgeable officials is necessary to uphold the values of the UN. Canada believes itself to be an outstanding example of honesty and integrity, so preventing deceit and personal interests from infecting the UN is of utmost importance to the delegation of Canada.
