We must abolish the veto: President Dr. Muizzu at the UN Security Council
We must abolish the veto
President Dr. Muizzu at the UN Security Council
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu called for abolition of the veto during his historic address as the first Maldivian leader to speak at the United Nations Security Council on September 25, 2024.
He emphasized the immense responsibility the Council holds in maintaining global peace and security, while also highlighting the growing mistrust in the multilateral system, largely due to the ineffectiveness and inaction of the Council.
President Dr. Muizzu criticized the Council for its failure to respond adequately to ongoing crises, notably the situation in Gaza, where he pointed out that a genocide is unfolding without decisive action.
He referenced a report from UN experts that labeled the situation in Gaza as “a genocide in the making” and condemned the Council’s lack of enforcement of international law.
The architecture of a rules-based order is now crumbling under the rubble of destroyed homes and innocent lives in Gaza and Lebanon
President Dr. Muizzu stated
urging powerful Council members to reflect on the example they set.
He called for a more representative and accountable Council, noting that Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which constitute one-fifth of UN membership, deserve a permanent rotating seat at the table.
The President reiterated the need to abolish the veto power, which he claimed paralyzes the Council from acting against injustices, particularly in the Israel’s genocide on Palestinians.
The veto continues to paralyse the Council from stopping Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people. The veto has allowed Israel to continue with impunity, in practicing brutal occupation and risking regional security. The veto continues to enable the massacre of innocent people. So, let us ‘kill’ the veto.
President Dr. Muizzu asserted
He urged for renewed discussions on Security Council reform to take place promptly, pushing for a fresh start with text-based negotiations.
Moreover, he called for the Council to acknowledge and address non-traditional security threats, including the links between climate change and conflict, as well as the chaos caused by resource depletion.
He advocated for establishing mechanisms that would allow people to provide innovative solutions to the Council, emphasizing the importance of listening to the communities it serves.
Asserting the Maldives' commitment to multilateralism,
We are not questioning the value of the UN. But because the Security Council “acts on our behalf”, and we are obliged to “accept and carry out” decisions by the Council, we have a right to question its work, and its methods.
President Dr. Muizzu stated
He concluded with a powerful message demanding concrete action over empty rhetoric, insisting that the Council must live up to its responsibilities to ensure a secure future for all.
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