Russia’s Veto Blocks UN Security Council Action on Protecting African Civilians, UK Condemns
On Friday, November 26, 2024, the Russian Federation exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council, preventing the adoption of a resolution condemning the killing of civilians in Africa and calling for increased protection.
The resolution, drafted by the United Kingdom, expressed deep concern over the widespread violence targeting civilians in numerous African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. It urged all parties to armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law and human rights obligations, and to ensure that those responsible for atrocities are held accountable.
In a statement delivered at the Security Council meeting, UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward strongly condemned Russia’s use of the veto, calling it “a shameful act that undermines the Council’s responsibility to protect civilians.”
“Russia’s veto sends a clear message that it is willing to put its own political interests above the lives of innocent men, women, and children,” Ambassador Woodward said. “This is a betrayal of the victims of conflict, and it is a betrayal of the UN’s founding principles.”
The UK Ambassador emphasized that the protection of civilians is a fundamental principle of international law, and that the Security Council has a duty to uphold this principle.
“We cannot allow Russia to use its veto power to shield perpetrators of atrocities from justice,” Ambassador Woodward said. “We must continue to demand that Russia respect its obligations under the UN Charter, and that it put the protection of civilians first.”
The resolution failed to pass due to Russia’s veto, with 10 members voting in favor, 3 against (Russia, China, and Gabon), and 2 abstaining (Brazil and India).
Other members of the Security Council expressed disappointment and frustration over Russia’s veto.
“This is a dark day for the Security Council,” said US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield. “Russia’s use of the veto is a travesty of justice.”
French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere said that Russia’s veto “undermines the credibility of the Security Council and its ability to protect civilians.”
The African Union (AU) also condemned Russia’s veto, calling it “a betrayal of the trust placed in the UN Security Council by the peoples of Africa.”
In a statement, the AU said that the resolution “would have sent a strong message of solidarity with the victims of conflict in Africa and would have helped to ensure that those responsible for atrocities are held accountable.”
The AU called on Russia to reconsider its position and support the resolution.
The resolution’s failure to pass is a major setback for efforts to protect civilians in Africa. It is also a blow to the credibility of the UN Security Council, which is increasingly being seen as paralyzed by the veto power of its permanent members.
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