When global powers hold the keys to international peace, a single stroke of a pen can halt action while conflict persists worldwide. Pakistan has urged the abolition or severe restriction of the United Nations Security Council's veto power, warning that the current mechanism causes "institutional paralysis" and deepens global inequalities, according to Geo News.

During a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debate on the use of the veto, Geo News reported that Gul Qaiser Sarwani, Counsellor and Political Coordinator at the Pakistan Mission, stated that the misuse of the veto undermines the Security Council's effectiveness and the credibility of the UN. Sarwani noted that the permanent five members—the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK—hold unmatched influence throughout the UN system.

Geo News reported that the UNGA session was convened in line with resolution 76/262, adopted in April 2022, which mandates a meeting within 10 working days of a veto being cast in the UNSC. Opening the meeting, UNGA's Bangladeshi President Khalilur Rahman noted that 21 such meetings have been convened, describing the mechanism as an established expression of transparency, accountability, and collective responsibility, according to Geo News.

Background

According to Geo News, the debate touched upon the campaign by India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan for permanent seats on the Security Council. Sarwani warned that adding more permanent members and expanding the veto would perpetuate historical privileges, create new centres of power, and increase the risk of institutional paralysis.

Highlighting the position of the Pakistan and Italy-led Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group, Geo News reported that Islamabad remains opposed to the addition of any new individual permanent member on an expanded Security Council. Sarwani stated that the veto should either be abolished or severely restricted rather than expanded, and noted that any measures must be consistent with the UN Charter provisions.

To balance the negative power of the veto to block decisions, Sarwani suggested placing restrictions on its use or enhancing the number and role of elected members through larger representation, thereby changing the approval threshold to make the Council more democratic, as reported by Geo News.

Why it matters

According to the sources, the effectiveness of the Security Council directly impacts people living in conflict, insecurity, and humanitarian suffering. UNGA President Khalilur Rahman noted, as reported by Geo News, that the cost is borne first and foremost by those most affected by violence and instability when the body does not act definitively.