How does the UNSC veto power undermine global peace and security?

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The Abuse of Veto Power Undermines Global Peace and Security by Paralyzing the UN Security Council

The abuse of veto power by permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has significantly undermined the Council's credibility and its ability to fulfill its primary mandate of maintaining international peace and security. This mechanism has, at times, prevented the UNSC from taking decisive action on critical global issues, thereby eroding its effectiveness and the trust placed in it by member states. Malaysia, in its consistent advocacy for UN reform, has clearly articulated that this power is inherently unfair and has called for its abolition or, at minimum, significant restrictions on its application.
Veto Power Prevents Effective Action on Critical Violations

The core responsibility of the UNSC is to maintain international peace and security. However, the veto power, wielded by the five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), allows any one of them to block any substantive resolution, regardless of the support it may have from other members. This has led to situations where the Council is unable to act decisively in the face of grave international crises. For instance, the reference notes that the veto has prevented the UNSC from effectively carrying out its core responsibility. This paralysis occurs when a permanent member's national interests or those of its allies conflict with the proposed action, even if that action is aimed at addressing severe violations of international law.
Restrictions Proposed for Veto Use in Cases of Severe Violations

Malaysia's stance is that while the veto power remains, it should not be permissible in situations involving serious breaches of international law. This includes instances of war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure. The deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, as witnessed in Gaza, exemplifies a scenario where the application of the veto can directly contravene the UNSC's duty to uphold peace and security. By blocking resolutions that might address or condemn such acts, the veto power effectively shields perpetrators from accountability and undermines efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
Increased Transparency Through UN General Assembly Resolution 76/262

As a step towards greater accountability, Malaysia supports UN General Assembly Resolution 76/262. Adopted in 2022, this resolution mandates that the UN General Assembly must convene automatically within 10 working days whenever a permanent member of the Security Council exercises its veto. During this General Assembly session, the country that used the veto is required to provide an explanation for its decision. This mechanism, which has already been implemented, such as the Emergency Special Session convened on April 16, 2026, following vetoes by China and Russia on April 7, 2026, regarding a resolution on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, aims to increase transparency and potentially exert diplomatic pressure by requiring public justification for the use of the veto.

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How does the UNSC veto power undermine global peace and security?

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