Delivered by: Ms. Ghasaq Shaheen, Deputy Permanent Representative
Mr. President,
It is regrettable that the Security Council has failed to fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security for the second time in less than a week. It has failed to find solutions to the crises that the world is witnessing, and to end the humanitarian suffering of peoples. This morning, the Council failed to adopt a resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. On Monday, it also failed to adopt a resolution to protect civilians in Sudan, in addition to its failure to adopt important resolutions on other issues, such as the non-weaponization of space and sanctions regimes. The veto power has been used seven times this year alone, not to mention the use of the “silent veto” several times during negotiations on draft resolutions, thus preventing them from being put to a vote.
The United Arab Emirates recognizes that the use of the veto power is guaranteed to permanent members according to the United Nations Charter. However, it should not be used irresponsibly, especially in conflicts that require immediate intervention by the Council and the use of its tools, and in cases where the Council is unanimously adopting important resolutions. The irresponsible use of the veto power may also cast doubt on the credibility of the Security Council and the UN system. These practices contradict the goals for which this organization was established, namely, saving future generations from the scourge of wars.
Guardrails must be established to restrict the use of the veto, particularly in cases of mass atrocities; the veto was designed to support the maintenance of international peace and security, not to undermine international law or ignore the will of the international community. The Secretary-General’s opinion must also be respected when it is based on Article 99 of the Charter, as was the case with the war on Gaza.
Today’s discussion underscores the importance of the role and jurisdiction of the General Assembly in maintaining international peace and security, in light of the Security Council’s inability to carry out its primary responsibility. The General Assembly plays an important role in holding emergency special sessions, in addition to holding sessions justifying the use of the veto in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 262/76, which must be developed and built upon as one of the vital tools for accountability.
Mr. President,
We also commend the important initiative launched by France and Mexico on the suspension of veto powers in cases of mass atrocities, and the Code of Conduct on Security Council Action against Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, or War Crimes, as developed by the Accountability, Coherence, and Transparency Group. Such initiatives ensure that the international community’s action to prevent atrocities against humanity and defenseless civilians is not hindered.
To enhance our discussions on this item, the introduction to the Security Council’s annual report to the General Assembly should include an analysis of the use of the veto during the reporting period, a comparison with previous reports, and a separate section on the veto if taken into consideration.
Here, we would like to commend the role of the ten elected members in bridging the gaps resulting from the deep divisions among the permanent members. This is what the UAE sought to do during its recent membership on the Council. We worked to bring viewpoints closer together to find consensual formulas through which resolutions could be adopted. We also stress the importance of penholders considering the concerns of the regions in question, and consulting with those regions before adopting resolutions.
In conclusion, Mr. President, in light of this critical stage the Security Council is going through, the entire world is looking forward to the Council playing its intended role in maintaining international peace and security. It has also become necessary to take serious steps towards reforming the Security Council, including reforming the use of veto power. We stress the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of collective action in responding to crises, especially those in our region, and ensuring compliance with international laws and norms.
Thank you, Mr. President.