Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
One year ago today, Member States took the landmark decision to adopt by consensus the resolution ‘standing mandate for a General Assembly debate when a veto is cast by the Security Council’.
Through its adoption, the General Assembly created a mechanism: to ensure accountability between UN organs in accordance with the Charter; and, to ask permanent members of the Security Council which have cast a veto to explain themselves to the wider UN membership.
After all, the casting of a veto is not a display of power, but rather an act of weakness which shows the caster of the veto has failed to convince others of their position.
The veto initiative was and remains a significant achievement and one which New Zealand believes has contributed to wider UN revitilization efforts. It has strengthened the credibility of the UN and wider multilateral system.
As a proud member of the core group, New Zealand actively supported this initiative from its inception.
We did so steadfast in our belief that the General Assembly has a legitimate interest in, and political responsibility to address situations where the use of the veto has resulted in paralysis in the Security Council’s decision-making responsibilities.
In the year since its adoption, resolution 76/262 has been activated on two separate occasions.
Sadly, two times too many.
The veto is the most undemocratic element of the UN. New Zealand has been a vocal opponent of the use of the veto since its inception in 1945. Our position that the veto should never be used remains unchanged.
However, in circumstances where it has been used, we are encouraged that this resolution has already proven to be an important and effective accountability mechanism.
On both occasions that the resolution has been activated, the ensuing General Assembly debate has been a demonstration of strong and inclusive multilateralism.
There has never been a greater need for innovation and creativity to secure the central place of the UN in addressing the collective challenges facing us, particularly as they relate to international peace and security. This is why New Zealand actively supports initiatives such as resolution 76/262 and participates in the work of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) Group.
Mr President,
When we reconvene on this agenda item in one year’s time, we hope that it will be a celebration of the non-use of the veto in the intervening year.
If, however, the resolution is re-activated as a result of the Security Council’s failure to perform its responsibility to act on behalf of all Member States, it is incumbent upon us all - as members of the General Assembly - to continue to exercise our collective political responsibility under the UN Charter to address matters of international peace and security.
Thank you.