Context
The U.N. General Assembly took a first step to put the five permanent members of the Security Council under the spotlight whenever they use their veto power, a move highlighted by Russia's veto threat paralyzing any action by the U.N.'s most powerful body on the Ukraine war.
What is veto power?
- The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have the right to veto or say no to any substantive resolution.
- It's also worth noting that a member's abstention vote has no bearing on whether or not the resolution is accepted.
- The use of the veto power is not affected by procedural votes.
How many countries have veto power?
The security council's five permanent members have veto power. They are as follows:
- China
- France
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- The United States of America
Origin of veto power
- It is stated in the United Nations Charter's Article 27. According to the Charter:
- A veto is granted to each member of the Security Council.
- A majority of nine members of the Security Council must vote affirmatively on procedural questions.
- The Security Council's decision on all other matters is taken by an affirmative vote of nine members, including the permanent members' concurring votes.
- A party to a dispute must abstain from voting in decisions made under Chapter VI and Article 52, paragraph 3.
- The veto power is probably the most important distinction between permanent and non-permanent members in the UN Charter.
