Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the Plenary Meeting on the use of the veto - October 1st, 2025

Ms. President,

Brazil deeply regrets that, on 18 September, the Security Council, on its symbolic 10.000th meeting, once again failed to meet its responsibilities under the UN Charter. Fourteen members voted in favor of a resolution that could have offered a concrete step toward alleviating the suffering in Gaza. Yet the will of the international community was blocked again by the veto.

The repeated and excessive resort to the veto has become a systemic failure of the Council. Instead of preserving peace and security, it has too often obstructed collective action, prevented responses to egregious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, and perpetuated cycles of violence. The cost is measured not in abstractions, but in human lives, including children, women, and humanitarian workers.

Nowhere is this clearer than in Gaza, where we are witnessing one of the gravest humanitarian crises of our time. The destruction, deprivation, and suffering inflicted on civilians constitute a collective tragedy.

Brazil has consistently condemned these atrocities and all violations of international humanitarian law, including the taking of hostages. The Council must uphold its responsibilities under the UN Charter and in respect of our common humanity. Continued paralysis in the face of what the international community has already recognized as genocide is indefensible.

Despite repeated briefings, consultations, and draft resolutions, the Council has been unable to take the decisive measures required. This paralysis undermines its credibility and erodes the foundations of multilateralism.

Brazil calls for a profound reflection on the veto. It must never be a shield for impunity or a tool to perpetuate suffering. The credibility of the Council depends on its ability to act. Inaction is costing thousands of innocent lives in Gaza and beyond.

It is time for the Council to live up to its Charter- responsibilities. The world cannot wait anymore. Gaza cannot wait anymore. Civilians martyrized by conflict everywhere cannot wait anymore. Enough is enough.

Lastly, we also regret that Resolution 76/262 has fallen short of the expectations to inhibit Council Members to cast vetoes. Coming to the GA to explain the reasons why a resolution was vetoed has simply become naturalized. It has become nothing more than a platform for Permanent Members to voice before the entire General Assembly the same arguments they used to block Council action.

Thank you.