How can the UN uphold human rights when China can use its veto to block accountability? The voices of Tibet, East Turkistan, SouthernMongolia & Manchuria must be heard, not silenced. Hong Kong & Taiwan must not be bullied into submission. Human rights must stand above veto power.
Delivered India's statement at the UNGA Plenary on the use of the Veto
Highlighted:
➡️ Veto is a responsibility, not a tool of narrow political expediency. We note that two of the P5 have not exercised veto for over three and a half decades. Most vetoes or threats of vetoes have emanated from three of the P5.
➡️ Piecemeal reforms will not work. All five clusters of UNSC reform must be addressed together.
➡️ Veto initiative of 2022 was seen as a harbinger of change. However, actual record of large number of vetoes cast since UNGA 76/262 tells a contrary story.
➡️ Unwritten consensus rules enable de facto vetoes in Council decisions and sanctions committees.
➡️ Consensus cannot become a disguised veto in the Inter Governmental Negotiations (IGN).
➡️ India aligns with the Common African Position: As long as the veto exists, all permanent members must enjoy equal rights.
➡️ New long-term seats without veto powers would create second-class members and perpetuate inequity. All permanent members, including new ones, must enjoy equal rights.
➡️ Begin text-based negotiations with clear timelines. The UNSC must reflect today's realities, not those of 1945.