MFA Spokesperson’s Comments on the Adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on a “Standing Mandate for a General Assembly Debate when a Veto is Cast in the Security Council”

In response to media queries, the MFA Spokesperson said:

“Singapore welcomes the adoption of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (GA) Resolution A/76/L.52 on a “Standing mandate for a General Assembly debate when a veto is cast in the Security Council” on 26 April 2022.

The resolution introduces a requirement for a GA meeting to be convened automatically whenever a veto is cast by a permanent member of the Security Council. This will increase accountability and allow all UN Member States to express their views on vital matters of peace and security.

This resolution is a major step forward in strengthening the UN. In particular, the resolution will further enhance the role of the GA on important international issues.

Singapore has always been a strong advocate and supporter of reforms to make the UN Security Council more accountable and transparent, and to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the UN. In this spirit, Singapore had co-sponsored the resolution. We will continue doing our part to strengthen the UN and the rules-based multilateral system.”

Singapore’s statement delivered at the debate following the adoption of the resolution is appended.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
27 APRIL 2022

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GENERAL STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AFTER ADOPTION OF A/76/L.52 “STANDING MANDATE FOR A GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEBATE WHEN A VETO IS CAST IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL”

Singapore co-sponsored and actively supported the draft resolution to create a standing mandate for the General Assembly to hold a debate whenever a veto is cast in the Security Council.  We are pleased to note that more than 80 countries joined as co-sponsors and we welcome the adoption of the resolution by consensus.

2 Singapore has always taken a clear and consistent position that greater transparency and accountability in the work of the Security Council will improve the Council’s credibility and the legitimacy of its decisions.  This will in turn strengthen the legitimacy and credibility of the United Nations as a whole, and of the multilateral system.  We supported this resolution because it establishes a mechanism to ensure greater transparency and accountability every time a veto is cast by any permanent member. 
 

3 Singapore recognises the right of permanent members to use their veto power granted by the UN Charter.  This resolution does not question or limit that right.  However, casting a veto is a decision with major implications. Once taken, we believe that it is the responsibility of a permanent member to explain its decision to the General Assembly.  We also believe that it is important for the permanent member that has cast the veto to hear the views of the members of the General Assembly, including the views of small states who often do not have a voice on such matters. This resolution will therefore strengthen the General Assembly, and enhance its cooperation with the Security Council.     

4 This resolution will also provide a direct mechanism for the General Assembly to take a stand on critical issues of international peace and security where the Security Council is unable to act because of a lack of agreement among its permanent members.  This will enhance the credibility of the United Nations.  The adoption today of this resolution without a vote is an indication that there is overwhelming support for greater transparency and accountability on the use of the veto.  This resolution is not only timely, it is also a substantive and meaningful contribution to the work of the United Nations.

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