Guterres Calls for Limiting Veto Power in UN Security Council, Emphasizes Need for Reform
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed support for limiting the use of veto power in the UN Security Council, suggesting that such a measure could enhance the council’s effectiveness and legitimacy in today’s international landscape. His remarks came during an interview with Spanish broadcaster TVE.
Guterres noted that despite the broad scope of the United Nations, it faces fundamental challenges within the Security Council. “The Council does not reflect the real balance of the contemporary world and should be expanded to include more permanent and non-permanent members,” he stated. He also emphasized that limiting the veto in exceptional situations, such as the threat of genocide, could be a significant step toward reforming the organization’s decision-making framework.
Reforming the UN Security Council
While underscoring the importance of reform, Guterres acknowledged the complexity of implementing substantial changes to the Council’s operational structure, noting that the body struggles with issues related to effectiveness, which impacts its ability to respond to global crises.
Veto Power and Council Composition
The UN Security Council is composed of 15 members, including five permanent members — the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom — who hold veto power. The remaining ten members are elected for two-year terms and do not possess the right to veto.
International Perspectives on UN Reform
Guterres has previously stated that a majority of UN member states recognize the need for comprehensive reform of the organization. In a related development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has also emphasized the importance of expanding the Security Council. He argued for the inclusion of countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, rather than focusing solely on Western nations.
Lavrov described the idea of eliminating the veto as unrealistic, warning that such a move could render the organization ineffective.
