Why accountability matters in international affairs Lack of accountability in international affairs has cost millions of people their lives, condemned billions to extreme poverty and threatens our environment. In a world of rapid communications, trade and travel, problems in one part of the global affect the rest of the world faster than ever. Unless global issues are addressed effectively, the peace and prosperity of everyone is threatened. The rise in demonstrations on global issues, against the WTO in Seattle or the World Bank in Washington, and global campaigns over 'third world' debt, human rights and the environment, are a powerful sign that people want a better and more accountable international system. Accountability is one of the ways in which society learns.
Accountability is a way of correcting mistakes, abuses of power, incompetence and ignorance.
The more open and accountable a society is, the more it is able to learn, improve - and prosper. The first three pages show why lack of accountability should concern us all. Part two explores ways in which accountability can improve international decision-making. Lack of accountability in peace and security The world's most powerful nations have failed in their responsibility under the UN Charter to prevent genocide, maintain world peace and settle international disputes by peaceful means in conformity with international law. Since the UN Charter was signed in 1948, more than 30 million people have been killed in armed conflict, over 100 million have fled their homes due to conflict, and violent conflict continues in many parts of the world.