Overview
- On November 20, Baerbock called the Security Council’s veto the “poster child” of global gridlock and warned that repeated deadlock undermines the UN’s credibility.
- She urged members to explore new tools that complement the Veto Initiative, including the possibility of Assembly recommendations when the Council cannot act.
- Adopted in April 2022, the Veto Initiative mandates a General Assembly debate within 10 working days of any veto, increasing transparency without changing outcomes.
- Baerbock cited concrete consequences, pointing to the U.S. veto of a June 2025 Gaza ceasefire resolution backed by 14 Council members and Russia’s February veto on Ukraine-related amendments.
- Brazil told the Assembly the initiative has not constrained veto use, called for reviewing its effectiveness, and linked the issue to Council reform under the G4 model that includes an initial pledge by new permanent members not to use the veto.