The VETO power in the UN

veto

early 17th century: from Latin, literally ‘I forbid’, used by Roman tribunes of the people when opposing measures of the Senate.

After the failure of the League of the nations, it was essential to set up a committee that assured the peace and stability of the world. The victors of the war US-UK FRANCE RUSSIA &CHINA were given the P-5 (permanent five) status and a veto right. So what is this veto right. According to article 27 of the UN charter,

1.Each member of the Security Council will have one vote.

2.Decisions of the Security Council on procedural matters must be made with an affirmative vote of nine members.

3.Decisions of the Security Council on all other matters must be made by an affirmative vote of nine members including the concurring votes of the permanent members. If in decisions under Chapter VI, and under paragraph 3 of Article 52, a party to a dispute must abstain from voting.

In simple these countries have the power to stop any draft put forth in the UN right or wrong based on their interests. A draft proposed by a permanent member cannot be passed if even one permanent member refuses to recognize it.

Advantages of VETO

1. Alliances are insignificant to pass a resolution

2.Notorious policies are kept at bay

3. Veto promotes cooperation between the P5 members thus provides room for understanding each other

Disadvantages of VETO

1. Key resolutions involving human right violation find a tough time passing in the UNHRC ( Eg: Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka ).

2. If there is no veto, alliances become a significant factor in voting and passing resolutions which may be catastrophic.

3. This would hinder the relations between the P5 members.

Is a reform Necessary in the UN

During the League of Nations, 11 countries exercised the Veto power with 4 in the beginning and 7 joining later. This was a major reason for the failure of the League of Nations. But the UN council with 193/195 countries as members in the UN( 196 if Taiwan is considered) the balancing of power is inappropriate. Key issues like human rights must be dealt without any economic and political interests of the key nations. Thus a reform is necessary for the UN