Muha calls UN veto an 'obstacle’ to world peace

National Council chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha has criticised the veto power held by the five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, calling it the ‘weakest link’ in achieving global peace and security.He made the remarks last week at the inaugural international seminar on parliamentary diplomacy held in Havana, Cuba.Muha called on the international community to reform the UN Security Council to ensure it responds more meaningfully to global threats. “The growing trend of violent armed conflicts and the disregard for UN resolutions are signs that the world is sliding back into dangerous instability,” he said.He stressed that the veto is often used to protect national interests rather than addressing the collective needs of the global community, urging for strengthening of the UN system, particularly the security council, so that it can address threats to peace and security effectively.Muha also highlighted the United States of America’s (USA) economic embargo on Cuba, warning that it threatens not only the stability of the Cuban people, but also the global economy.Refusing to give up powerThe seminar, attended by representatives from over 20 countries, focused on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting international law, peace and sustainable development. The event also explored the increasing involvement of women in parliamentary diplomacy and the essential role of parliamentarians in fostering global cooperation.As the UN General Assembly convenes, many member states are again calling for changes to the security council, particularly questioning the veto power granted to the five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the USA.Critics have argued that the veto is often used to protect allies or prevent peacekeeping interventions.According to Al Jazeera, Israel continues its war on Gaza without UN intervention, as resolutions before the security council are consistently vetoed by the USA, which has historically blocked many resolutions sanctioning Israel for its occupation of Palestinian territories.Similarly, Russia’s war against Ukraine goes unchecked, with Russia vetoing any security council action aimed at curbing its aggression. The USA has expressed support for expanding the security council, but refused to give up its veto power, even as it criticised Russia for abusing its veto to shield its actions.US ambassador to the UK Linda Thomas-Greenfield pointed out that one of the permanent members has violated every tenet of the UN Charter by invading a neighbouring country, compromising its sovereignty and borders, yet still retains its veto authority.nikanor@erongo.com.na

Muha calls UN veto an 'obstacle’ to world peace

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Muha calls UN veto an 'obstacle’ to world peace

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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