UN to reform Security Council’s veto power

By page UN NewsChina, France, Russia, the UK and the US have the power to veto Security Council resolutions, which are enshrined in the UN Charter. This is a privilege granted because of the key role these countries played in the founding of the United Nations.

After the above resolution was passed on April 26, if one of the five permanent members uses its veto power, the UN General Assembly will meet so that all UN members can scrutinize and comment on the issue. that veto.

On behalf of the 83 co-sponsors, Liechtenstein Ambassador to the UN Christian Wenaweser introduced the draft resolution during a UN General Assembly debate. Once approved, the resolution will take effect immediately.

China, France, Russia, the UK and the US have veto power over Security Council resolutions. Photo: EPA

Wenaweser noted that all member states have given the Security Council the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, and stressed that the veto is effective in achieving the purposes and principles of the Constitution. UN chapter at all times.

“All members should have a say when the Security Council is unable to act, as its functions and powers are reflected in the charter, especially Article 10,” Wenaweser added.

The text of Article 10 provides that the Security Council may discuss any question or matter within the scope of the UN Charter as well as the powers and functions of any body referred to therein. The Security Council may also make recommendations to members of the United Nations or the Security Council, or both.

After the resolution was passed, Ambassador Liechtenstein described it as “an expression of our commitment to multilateralism”. In addition, the resolution forces China, France, Russia, the UK and the US to “pay greater political costs” if they use their veto power to repeal the Security Council resolution.