STATEMENT BY REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE CDA A.I. MR MARK SEAH, AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLENARY MEETING ON AGENDA ITEM 63 “USE OF THE VETO” 23 APRIL 2024, NEW YORK

Mr President,

                Thank you for convening this important Plenary debate on agenda item 63 “Use of the veto”, in response to the letter sent by Liechtenstein on behalf of a group of countries on 8 March 2024. This standalone debate provides us with an important opportunity to review and improve the implementation of resolution 76/262 adopted by consensus two years ago. Singapore aligns with the statement delivered by Liechtenstein on behalf of a group of countries and would like to add the following points in our national capacity.

2              First, Singapore reiterates our support for resolution 76/262. Singapore was a member of the core group which presented resolution 76/262 and co-sponsored that resolution as we believe that it is important to affirm and strengthen the role of the GA in maintaining international peace and security, and to improve the working methods of the UN to achieve a more effective and responsive multilateral system. Over the past two years, the veto initiative has been an important tool in strengthening transparency and accountability in the work of the Security Council. We welcome the fact that Security Council member(s) which have cast the veto have explained their position(s) in the veto initiative debates, and that most Security Council members have also participated in such debates to explain their voting considerations.

3              Second, we regret that the use of the veto has continued unabated.  We have already seen five vetoes cast in the Security Council this year on draft resolutions which have received support from the overwhelming majority of members in the Security Council and which often reflect the will of the overwhelming majority of the General Assembly. This is especially concerning as it reflects an increasing divergence among the permanent members of the Security Council, at a time when Council unity to address issues of greatest concern to international peace and security is most needed. We particularly express disappointment that the Security Council was unable to agree on the way forward even on issues which had traditionally garnered consensus in the Security Council, such as the renewal of the mandates of subsidiary bodies.

4              Third, so long as the veto remains, we urge permanent members of the Security Council to show further restraint in its use. Singapore strongly supports efforts to create more accountability over the use of the veto, such as the French-Mexican initiative on suspending the use of veto in cases of mass atrocity, the ACT Group’s Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, and calls on Security Council members to abide by Article 27 (3) of the UN Charter. We urge all members of the Security Council, particularly the permanent members who have the grave responsibility of the veto, to lead by example and join these initiatives.

5              Fourth, as we mark the second anniversary of the adoption of resolution 76/262, the GA should consider how we can make this initiative more mature and innovative. The debate on the casting of a veto in the Security Council allows the GA to demand transparency and accountability from the members of the Security Council, but the GA also has a role to play when the Security Council is unable or unwilling to act to maintain international peace and security. We therefore encourage the GA to consider making constructive recommendations and taking action where Security Council action is blocked due to the use of the veto.

6              In conclusion, I reiterate Singapore’s commitment to strengthening the role and effectiveness of the GA. We will work with all interested Member States to reinvigorate the multilateral system for the needs of our time.

7              Thank you for your attention.

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