41st PLENARY MEETING – AGENDA ITEM 63: USE OF THE VETO – DEBATE ON THE ITEM
STATEMENT BY H.E. MS REBECCA BRYANT, AMBASSADOR AND DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE, PERMANENT MISSION OF AUSTRALIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
20 November 2024
President,
Australia is a proud co-sponsor of the Veto Initiative reflected in resolution 76/262, and we are pleased to be part of today’s joint statement delivered by Lichtenstein.
Our opposition to the veto is longstanding – we have held this principled view since negotiations on the UN Charter decades ago.
We strongly support the implementation of the Initiative for Security Council transparency and accountability. Permanent Council members stand in this hall to justify why a veto has been cast.
The Veto Initiative is an important guardrail, but at the same time we need to address root causes - to refrain from the use of the veto in the first place.
So far this year we have seen the veto cast seven times – twice in the last few days alone.
The principal way to limit the veto is through voluntary restraint.
We remain committed to Council reform and consider the future of the veto central to reform progression.
President,
The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security - and the veto power can hinder its mandate.
When the veto power is used, we need checks and balances. The Veto Initiative provides this - supporting the Council in the upholding of its obligations.
Australia encourages permanent members to refrain from the veto, and all Member States to join in implementing resolution 76/262.
Thank you.