New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters, has delivered a forceful condemnation of the ongoing “abuse of the veto” by certain nations during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In an address that touched on global issues ranging from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the continuing conflict in Gaza, Peters reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and announced the country’s intent to seek a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2039-2040 term.
Peters, who has long been an advocate of international cooperation, used his address to reflect on New Zealand’s historical relationship with the UN, while also highlighting the increasingly fractured global landscape. His call for reform focused primarily on the controversial veto power wielded by the five permanent members of the UNSC, suggesting that its frequent misuse has undermined the efficacy of global governance.
In opening his speech, Peters recounted New Zealand’s pivotal role in the creation of the UN following World War II, specifically mentioning former Prime Minister Peter Fraser’s contributions to the establishment of the UN Charter in San Francisco in 1945. Fraser, Peters noted, was a key advocate for international collaboration, while also a realist, skeptical of the veto power granted to the UNSC’s permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“Forged in the immediate aftermath of that war, then-New Zealand prime minister Peter Fraser held ‘the greatest hopes’ for the Charter’s success, which he believed would be predicated on the ‘sincerity and moral determination’ of its members,” Peters said, linking Fraser’s early concerns to the current challenges facing the organization.
“But the beginning is a delicate time, and Fraser was also a realist. He understood the Charter was imperfect. From the earliest debates in San Francisco, New Zealand fought against the veto rights bestowed upon the Great Powers,” Peters continued, highlighting New Zealand’s long-standing skepticism of the veto system.
The Veto: A Tool for Power or Progress?
The veto power, which allows any of the five permanent members of the UNSC to block substantive resolutions, has been a topic of contention for decades. Critics, including Peters, argue that it has been frequently abused by major powers to further their own interests, often at the expense of broader international consensus.
Peters stated that the spirit of the United Nations Charter has been compromised by the very tool intended to maintain peace and security. “The spirit that created the United Nations Charter is now sagging under the weight of its own potted history,” he remarked, pointing to periods where the veto has stalled progress on urgent global issues.
“Power waxes and wanes so yesterday’s ‘Great Powers’, today’s permanent members of the Security Council, are challenged by periods of competition or worse, abuse of the veto,” he said. “This has serious implications for all states and the conduct of our foreign affairs. While some permanent members exercise restraint in their use of the veto, others consistently and frequently abuse this power.”
Russia’s Veto and the Ukraine Conflict
Peters directed pointed criticism at Russia, citing its use of the veto to shield itself from international condemnation over its ongoing war in Ukraine. In February 2022, Russia vetoed a draft UNSC resolution that would have condemned its military actions in Ukraine and demanded the withdrawal of its forces. This has been seen by many as a flagrant misuse of the veto power.
“Russia acted in utter contempt of the UN Charter when it invaded Ukraine,” Peters declared. “Not only does Russia lack the sincerity and moral determination required to make the United Nations work, but its delinquency should be a clarion call for long-overdue Security Council reform.”
Peters’ comments come amid ongoing calls for reforms to the UNSC, particularly regarding the veto, which many nations believe has enabled larger powers to evade accountability. These calls for change have intensified in light of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which have left the UNSC seemingly paralyzed in addressing one of the most significant conflicts of the 21st century.
UN Security Council Reform: A Call to Action
Peters urged the international community to seize the opportunity for reform, particularly in regard to the veto system. “The world is facing a myriad of regional and global crises. We see multiple, intersecting, and mutually reinforcing crises of conflict, climate change, and increasingly, a crisis of trust in our institutions,” he said. “The challenges we face in the General Assembly are stark, the worst in several generations.”
He stressed that international institutions, including the United Nations, must evolve to reflect the realities of the modern world, warning against complacency in the face of global challenges. “The world has changed, and so must we,” he said, calling for UNSC reform to adapt to shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Peters highlighted the rise of “mini-lateral” agreements, where countries increasingly collaborate outside the framework of the UN, as evidence of the organization’s waning influence. This, he argued, reinforces the urgency of reforms to ensure the UN remains relevant in addressing contemporary crises.
Gaza Conflict: A Plea for Peace
Turning his attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Peters expressed concern over the escalating violence and its long-term implications. The recent surge in violence, following attacks by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent military response, has drawn widespread international condemnation.
“This misery was caused by both Hamas’ monstrous terrorist attacks last year and the now overwhelming nature of Israel’s response,” Peters said, adding that the violence had reached an unprecedented and unsustainable level.
New Zealand, Peters said, remains deeply concerned about the generational impact of the conflict, with no resolution in sight. He called on the international community to do more to prevent further escalation. “We are most concerned about the generational consequences of this level of suffering and violence, with no end in sight and which sees us on the precipice of an even wider conflict.”
The minister’s remarks reflect a subtle but notable shift in New Zealand’s language regarding the conflict. Earlier in September, Peters had labeled the situation as having “gone on for far too long,” indicating an increasing impatience with the lack of diplomatic progress toward peace.
New Zealand’s Commitment to Global Peace
In a passionate conclusion to his speech, Peters reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to global peace and security, invoking the sacrifices made by New Zealanders in past wars. He emphasized the importance of avoiding another global catastrophe, such as those seen in the 20th century.
“There must never be another San Francisco conference picking up the pieces after another descent into global annihilation and human suffering,” Peters said. “So we must do more. Demand more. And deliver more.”
Peters’ rhetoric underscored New Zealand’s continued advocacy for peace and diplomacy, reinforcing the notion that the greatest victories for humanity come through peaceful means rather than conflict. “We must always seek the path of peace because the lasting victories of humanity are those of peace, not war.”
New Zealand’s Security Council Campaign
In the final portion of his speech, Peters announced New Zealand’s bid for a seat on the UNSC for the 2039-2040 term. This follows New Zealand’s previous term on the council from 2015 to 2016, a result of a decade-long campaign that saw the country champion the voices of smaller nations.
New Zealand’s campaign for a Security Council seat is expected to emphasize its commitment to global peace, the rule of law, and the reform of international institutions like the UNSC. In light of the country’s previous tenure, during which it pushed for greater transparency and accountability within the council, New Zealand is likely to focus on issues related to veto reform and the equitable representation of smaller nations.
As Peters stated, New Zealand remains steadfast in its belief that “global challenges require global solutions,” and that the UN, despite its imperfections, remains the best platform for fostering international cooperation.
Winston Peters’ speech at the UN General Assembly was a rallying cry for reform and unity in the face of global instability. His condemnation of the veto power’s misuse, particularly by Russia, and his impassioned plea for peace in conflict zones like Gaza, set the tone for New Zealand’s upcoming campaign for a UNSC seat.
In a world increasingly marked by division and discord, New Zealand’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its willingness to challenge the status quo resonate as a call for collective action. The message from Peters was clear: the global community must act decisively, reform its institutions, and strive for a future grounded in peace and justice.
