UAE criticises excessive use of veto power at Security Council

The UAE has criticised the use of veto during the draft resolution on the protection of civilians in Sudan that was co-sponsored by the UK and Sierra Leone.

The resolution put forth at the UN Security Council (UNSC) on November 18 was vetoed by Russia. The decision saw widespread backlash, with the international community saying it was "without justification" and " a disgrace." 

"In the days running up to the vote, the text had been watered down to ensure consensus. Its primary request was for the secretary-general to develop an implementation mechanism to ensure compliance with the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, a commitment both Sudan’s warring parties made last year to respect their obligations according to international humanitarian law." Human Rights Watch said. 

A Russian representative later said the draft resolution had a false understanding of who bears responsibility for the protection of civilians or who should invite foreign forces to Sudan: "It should solely be the Government of Sudan...UK authors who are clearly refusing Sudan that right," he said. 

“Our country will continue unfailingly to use its veto to prevent such events from happening for our African brothers,” he added, categorically rejecting the use of external accountability mechanisms. 

An Emirati representative to the UN called for restrain in the use of veto within the Security Council, saying the country put forward several proposals to restrict its use during sessions on the power. 

She stressed the use of veto has prevented the UN from fulfilling its responsibilities to protect civilians, is a serious setback to the credibility of the Security Council, and a betrayal of the hopes of millions of civilians who are looking for immediate protection.

"Compliance with international humanitarian law is not a suggestion, but an obligation that must be respected without exception," the representative said.

"Condemnation alone is no longer sufficient to address horrific violations, including sexual violence against women and girls, killing, maiming and recruitment of children, and indiscriminate attacks on civilians and vital facilities. There must be accountability for these violations," she added. 

"Every time we meet to work towards peace for the Sudanese people and to end their suffering, the Sudanese representative tries to exploit the meeting to blame others and divert attention from the serious violations against civilians in Sudan," the UAE representative said.