Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the UNGA debate on item 64, entitled “Use of the veto” - November 20th, 2025

Mr. President,

A few weeks ago, in this plenary, we regretted that, during its symbolic 10,000th meeting, the Security Council failed to meet its responsibilities under the Charter. Once again, action by the UN was blocked by one Council member, despite the support of the other 14 delegations. The repeated and excessive resort to the veto has proven a systemic failure of the Council to fulfill its duties.

Instead of promoting international peace and security, it has too often obstructed collective action, prevented responses to serious violations of international law and international humanitarian and human rights law, and perpetuated cycles of violence. The consequences are measured not in abstractions, but in human lives and in appalling damage to civil infrastructures.

Mr. President,

Brazil joins the call for a profound reflection on the use of the veto. It must never result in disrespect for the letter and the spirit of the Charter, nor should it result in shielding impunity or in prolonging human suffering and destruction. We must ensure that this power serves the UN Charter's purposes rather than obstructing them. This issue cannot be avoided in the discussions toward a comprehensive − and long overdue − Security Council reform, which remains a priority for the overwhelming majority of the membership.

For the sake of consistency, Brazil believes that the same responsibilities and obligations inherent to the current permanent members should also be extended to new permanent members in a reformed Council. However, as highlighted in the G4 reform model, new permanent members would commit not to use the veto until a decision on the matter is taken during a review, to be held fifteen years after the coming into force of the reform.

Brazil also believes that more transparency and accountability are needed now. As much as we supported the approval of Resolution 76/262, we feel that it has not fulfilled its purpose of constraining permanent members to cast their vetoes in the Council. On the contrary, it gave the permanent members another platform to come before the entire membership to yet again present the reasons why they vetoed a resolution. This Assembly should look back at the effects of Resolution 76/262 and seriously discuss what can be done to improve its effectiveness.

As we aim to move toward Security Council reform, the question of the veto is essential. Brazil is committed to finding solutions that make the Council truly fit for maintaining international peace and security.

Thank you