Can the UNSC veto be restricted in cases of severe international law violations?

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The UNSC Veto Should Not Be Permitted in Cases of Severe International Law Violations

Malaysia maintains that the veto power held by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is fundamentally unjust and advocates for its eventual abolition. At a minimum, Malaysia argues that this veto power should not be exercised in situations involving grave breaches of international law, such as war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, or the intentional destruction of civilian infrastructure, citing the ongoing situation in Gaza as a pertinent example. The abuse of this power by major global powers has demonstrably eroded the UNSC's credibility and hampered its ability to fulfil its primary mandate of maintaining international peace and security.
Malaysia's Stance on Veto Abolition and Reform

Malaysia has consistently championed comprehensive reforms of the UNSC, with a clear and unwavering position that the veto power is inherently unfair and should be abolished. This stance reflects a broader commitment to ensuring a more equitable and effective United Nations system. The Deputy Foreign Minister articulated that the current structure, particularly the veto mechanism, undermines the council's capacity to act decisively in critical global crises.
Support for Enhanced Transparency and Accountability

Beyond advocating for abolition, Malaysia has actively supported measures to improve the transparency and accountability of the Security Council. A significant demonstration of this support is the backing of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 76/262, adopted in 2022. This resolution mandates that the General Assembly convene automatically within 10 working days whenever a permanent member exercises its veto power, requiring the country in question to provide an explanation for its decision.
Implementation of the Veto Explanation Mechanism

The mechanism established by Resolution 76/262 has already seen practical application. For instance, an Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly was convened on April 16, 2026. This session was triggered by the vetoes cast by China and Russia on April 7, 2026, concerning a resolution related to the situation in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. This event exemplifies how the resolution enhances scrutiny of veto usage.
Broader Calls for UNSC Representation and Future Engagement

In addition to veto reform, Malaysia also advocates for an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership on the Security Council to ensure more equitable regional representation. Demonstrating its commitment to multilateralism, Malaysia has formally submitted its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for the 2036–2037 term. Furthermore, Malaysia's Foreign Minister is slated to reiterate these positions on Security Council reform and international peace and security during the 81st United Nations General Assembly General Debate in New York this September.

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Can the UNSC veto be restricted in cases of severe international law violations?

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