Abolishing the UN Security Council Veto: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Push for Global Reform

Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly, calling for the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to lose their veto power. He argued that the current system is unjust and obstructs global stability and peace.

The appeal comes as the UNSC remains deadlocked on multiple international issues, including Israel’s war on Gaza, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the Strait of Hormuz. The US has used its veto power to block seven resolutions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the past three years, while Russian vetoes have halted firm resolutions concerning the war in Ukraine.

Speaking to journalists in New York, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan advocated for abolishing the veto mechanism to create a model that encompasses all members rather than protecting just five. The permanent members holding this special power include the US, the UK, France, Russia, and China.

In an article published by Bloomberg, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan detailed that the structure of the UNSC no longer serves a changing world, arguing that a single nation should not be able to block international consensus. He also proposed giving greater authority to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to elect all UNSC members for set terms.

Formally ending the veto requires an amendment to the UN Charter under Article 108, which demands approval by two-thirds of the UNGA and ratification by two-thirds of UN members, including all members of the P5. Meanwhile, a proposal by France and Mexico to voluntarily suspend vetoes during mass atrocities has gained support from 128 states, though analysts suggest its impact remains limited and aspirational due to its non-binding nature.

Historically, Russia and the Soviet Union have cast the highest number of vetoes, followed by the US. Experts note that reforming the UNSC faces significant obstacles, as the P5 are unlikely to easily surrender their veto privileges or agree on expanding permanent membership.