Singapore: UN Veto – Relevance Questioned
- Singapore urged the United Nations to restrict veto power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council, citing increasing use during widespread conflicts.
- The United Nations Security Council is comprised of 15 members: five permanent members - China, France,Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - and ten non-permanent members...
- This veto power was established in the UN Charter in 1945, intended to reflect the post-World War II power dynamics.
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Singapore Calls for UN Security Council Veto Reform
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Singapore urged the United Nations to restrict veto power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council, citing increasing use during widespread conflicts. The call came during the UN General Assembly in New York on September 28, 2025.
Background: The UN Security Council Veto
The United Nations Security Council is comprised of 15 members: five permanent members – China, France,Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Each permanent member holds veto power, meaning any one of them can block a resolution, even if it has the support of the other 14 members.
This veto power was established in the UN Charter in 1945, intended to reflect the post-World War II power dynamics. Though, it has been a source of controversy ever as, frequently enough criticized for hindering the Council’s ability to respond effectively to international crises. The Council on Foreign Relations maintains a conflict tracker illustrating areas where Security Council action has been blocked or delayed.
Singapore’s Position and Concerns
Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, articulated Singapore’s concerns during his address to the UN General Assembly on September 28, 2025, as reported by Channel News Asia. He specifically called for restricting the “cynical use of veto rights” by the P5.
Balakrishnan’s statement reflects a growing sentiment among many UN member states that the veto power is undemocratic and allows permanent members to prioritize their national interests over collective security. Singapore has consistently advocated for a more inclusive and representative UN system.
According to Detik.com, Singapore believes reforms are necessary to make the UN more effective in addressing increasingly widespread conflicts.
Ancient Use of the Veto and Recent Examples
The veto has been used frequently throughout the UN’s history. The Security Council Report provides a comprehensive database of vetoes cast as 1945. Here’