Maldives President Urges Security Council to Abolish Veto Power of Permanent Members

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has called on the United Nations Security Council to abolish the veto power held by its five permanent members, arguing that the privilege obstructs meaningful resolutions and perpetuates global injustices. Speaking at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, President Muizzu highlighted the repeated failures of the Security Council to address international crises, particularly the ongoing violence against Palestinians.

President Muizzu criticized the veto power wielded by the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia, noting that their influence has repeatedly stymied efforts to halt Israeli actions in Palestinian territories. “Hundreds of innocent civilians are killed daily, and peace in the Middle East remains elusive, allowing regimes to rule by force,” Muizzu stated in his address.

He emphasized that the UN’s efforts to broker peace have been thwarted by the use of vetoes, which have been exercised over 200 times by the permanent members to protect their own strategic interests. President Muizzu called for an urgent reassessment of the veto system, arguing that it undermines the principles of global equity and justice.

Addressing Security Council members directly, President Muizzu questioned the precedent being set by their inaction. “Is this the example the Council wishes to set for the world?” he asked, urging that stalled negotiations be revisited with renewed determination and concrete deadlines. He specifically requested that the Security Council Chair expedite discussions to abolish the veto privilege by the conclusion of the 79th General Assembly.

The President also called for increased representation of small island nations like the Maldives on the Security Council, noting that they currently represent only 1% of the electorate. He argued that these nations deserve a voice in global decision-making, especially on matters that disproportionately impact them. “This is a historic opportunity to ensure equitable representation on the Security Council,” Muizzu told reporters.

The Maldives, a consistent advocate for Palestinian independence, reiterated its stance against the ongoing human rights abuses in Gaza and called for an end to what Muizzu described as Israel’s “inhumane ethnic cleansing.” The President also underscored the urgency of abolishing the veto power to prevent further injustices and allow the UN to function more democratically.

President Muizzu’s call aligns with broader criticisms of the Security Council’s structure, where the veto power is often seen as a tool that enables geopolitical maneuvering at the expense of global peace and security. The Maldives’ stance reflects growing frustration among smaller nations seeking fairer representation and a more accountable international system.