UN General Assembly
2015

Encouraged by the major agreements of 2015, we are now moving forward on the reform and modernization of the Security Council. The design of that important mechanism, created in 1945, has already demonstrated significant limitations. It is unacceptable that the power of the veto has been used for exclusively national purposes, thereby holding back potential international action. The permanent members of the Security Council have a special responsibility for international peace and security, which they must assume at all times, especially when the most basic human rights are violated. With that objective in mind, we have supported the initiative of France to restrict the use of the veto in cases of serious breach of international law and human rights violations, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The aim is to ensure that United Nations resolutions are more effective, responsible and, above all, more representative of the ideals of humankind.