Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the UNGA meeting on the Veto initiative (Sudan) - November 26th, 2024
Mr. President,
The issues we discuss here today reflect both the limitations of our current institutional framework and the urgency of action by the Security Council.
The repeated use of vetoes – twice in the past week alone – has become a serious systemic failure by the Council to meet its responsibilities under the Charter. It leads to unacceptable paralysis in the face of egregious and rampant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law. The human cost is often tremendous.
In Sudan, the consequences of such failures are very real and, frankly, outrageous. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 11 million people displaced, approximately 25 million facing acute food insecurity, and verified famine conditions in multiple regions. The healthcare system has collapsed. Disease outbreaks multiply. The regional implications are grave. The massive displacement of people into neighbouring countries threatens regional stability.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Security Council hears briefings, holds consultations, negotiates draft resolutions. But, as in other situations, it is unable to find the consensus needed to take any effective measure, thanks to the veto.
In the case of Sudan, inaction means, in practice, contributing to make it a forgotten conflict. It means not leading the international community out of its slumber in the face of tragedy.
We call for intensified diplomatic efforts to implement the Jeddah commitments. We also call for further support for regional initiatives, particularly the work of the African Union High Level Panel on Sudan and the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra.
Above all, we call on the Security Council to overcome internal disputes and act now, in this case and others where inaction is killing thousands. The veto power was intended to help maintain international peace and security and to threaten it.
Thank you.