Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, on the Use of the Veto - November 20th, 2024

Mr. President,

I thank you for convening this meeting.

The Veto Initiative represents a step forward in strengthening the General Assembly's role in matters of international peace and security, in accordance with the Charter.  It is evident, however, that this measure remains largely insufficient to address the challenges we face.

Over the past two years, in accordance with resolution A/76/262, this Assembly has gathered multiple times to discuss vetoes cast in the Security Council. Although these discussions have yielded some valuable exchanges, we must acknowledge that they have not deterred the use of the veto power. In addition, they have often served as platforms to amplify mutual accusations and cause further division. In many cases, the initiative has given the user of the veto an additional wide platform to score political points.

It is also clear that the views of the majority of the Member States continue to be largely disregarded in the Council’s decision-making process, and in the votes and vetoes by specific permanent members.

The systematic dismissal of the General Assembly’s positions not only undermines the Council's delegated authority but also deepens the frustration of the whole membership, which has entrusted the Council with such powers. It also deepens the public perception of the inaction and ineffectiveness of the multilateral system, a perception that is mainly generated by decisions - or lack of them - in the Security Council, the main face through which world public opinion tends to perceive the United Nations.

With power comes responsibility. The exceptional rights granted by the Charter to the P-5 require them to exercise such powers with the specific purpose of maintaining international peace and security. Yet, the sad reality is that abuse of the veto power has led the Council to repeatedly fail its responsibility under the Charter.

The result is what we see today in many parts of the world: the unchecked and widespread violation of international law, with all its horrific human and humanitarian consequences. It would be unfair to attribute all of them to inaction by the Security Council through abuse of the veto, but its share is considerable and, frankly, unacceptable.

As recalled in the Pact for the Future, the question of the veto is a key element of Security Council reform. But before that, the permanent members of the Security Council must always carefully consider their utmost legal, political and moral responsibility in making the Council fulfill its mandate in maintaining international peace and security.

Thank you.