Finland urges for elimination of single nation veto on UN Security Council
The United Nations Security Council consists of five permanent members with veto power: the United States, Russia, China, the UK, and France.
The president of Finland recently spoke out against the single-state veto power on the Security Council, calling for its abolition. Specifically, he highlighted the need to address issues such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and proposed expanding the council’s membership.
Alexander Stubb, Finland’s foreign policy leader, intends to advocate for reforms during the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting. He believes that expanding the council and suspending members involved in unlawful wars, like Russia’s actions in Ukraine, are crucial steps towards maintaining global peace.
Stubb’s proposed reforms include increasing the number of permanent members from five to ten, with additional representation from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Washington also supports the idea of including two permanent seats for Africa.
Furthermore, Stubb emphasized that no single state should possess veto power within the Security Council. He condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and suggested that any member engaged in illegal warfare should be removed from the council.
Stubb acknowledged the challenges of his proposals and urged larger nations to support them to enhance inclusivity and effectiveness within the UN system. He hopes that these reforms can be implemented by the UN’s 80th anniversary in 2025.
