The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have veto power.
Permanent Members with Veto Power
The United Nations Security Council is composed of 15 members, including 5 permanent members, as well as 10 non-permanent members. The permanent members possess the power to veto any substantive resolution. This means if any one of them votes against a resolution, it fails, even if all other members vote in favor. The permanent members, as stated in the reference, are:
- China
- France
- Russian Federation
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
Significance of Veto Power
The veto power held by these five nations grants them significant influence within the UN Security Council. This power reflects the geopolitical landscape established after World War II when the UN was founded.
Examples of Veto Use
The veto power has been used numerous times throughout the UN's history. Here are a few examples:
- During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union frequently used their veto power to block resolutions that they perceived as detrimental to their interests.
- More recently, Russia and China have often used their veto power to block resolutions related to the Syrian conflict.
- The United States has used its veto power to block resolutions critical of Israel.
Limitations of Veto Power
While the veto power is significant, it is not absolute. The General Assembly can, under certain circumstances, take action if the Security Council is deadlocked due to a veto. This is done through the "Uniting for Peace" procedure. However, this procedure is rarely used.
