UN General Assembly: Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Use of the veto
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
26 October 2026
President,
Thank you for convening this debate on the use of the veto.
Australia's longstanding opposition to the veto reflects our commitment to a more effective, representative and responsive United Nations.
Today, I would like to make three points.
First, the use of the veto should be subject to appropriate transparency and accountability measures. The strong participation of Member States in the recent General Assembly debate that followed China and Russia’s veto of a resolution renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1737 Iran Sanctions Committee is an encouraging sign.
As a strong supporter of the veto initiative, Australia underscores the importance of the wider membership debating the circumstances surrounding specific uses of the veto.
We particularly value the engagement of Permanent Members in providing explanations for their use of the veto.
Second, Australia urges greater restraint in the use of the veto.
We continue to support the French-Mexican initiative, as well as the ACT Group Code of Conduct.
These initiatives represent practical steps that can help the Security Council to fulfil its mandate while ensuring that use of the veto is transparent and limited.
Australia calls on all Permanent Members to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from using the veto in cases involving mass atrocities.
Finally, Australia supports stronger engagement between the Security Council and the General Assembly when the veto has been used.
The General Assembly has an important role to play in promoting accountability and transparency to ensure the responsible use of veto powers.
We would like to see the Security Council's annual report contain substantive analysis of the occasions on which the veto has been used over the reporting period.
We also encourage the President of the General Assembly to provide concrete recommendations arising from relevant General Assembly meetings, with a view to improving the Council's effectiveness, credibility and responsiveness.
President, as a candidate for the Security Council for the 2029 2030 term, Australia is committed to working with Member States to strengthen the institutions that sustain international peace and security.
We encourage all Member States to support initiatives that promote transparency, accountability and restraint in the use of the veto, and the continued implementation of the veto initiative.
Together, these efforts can help ensure that the United Nations is better equipped to respond to the challenges of our time and deliver for those who need it most.
Thank you.