THE IMPACT OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 76/262 ON CURBING THE ABUSE OF THE VETO POWER

Abstract

This study examines the impact of United Nations General Assembly resolution 76/262 of 2022 on curbing the abusive use of the veto within the Security Council. It first presents the international context preceding the adoption of the resolution, marked by the growing paralysis of the Council resulting from the repeated use of the veto and the consequent international calls for enhanced transparency and accountability within the United Nations system. The study then clarifies the core objective of the resolution, namely the establishment of an institutional mechanism enabling the General Assembly to hold an open debate in every instance in which the veto is exercised, thereby contributing to limiting its misuse and strengthening Member States’ oversight of the justifications invoked for its use. The study further compares resolution 76/262 with the “Uniting for Peace” resolution, highlighting the difference in the role performed by each instrument. The former focuses on transparency and accountability, whereas the latter aims to empower the General Assembly to act when the Security Council is unable to discharge its responsibilities. The study concludes that, although resolution 76/262 does not restrict the legal authority of Security Council members to exercise the veto, it nonetheless constitutes an important step toward reducing its abusive use by increasing the political cost of resorting to it and by enhancing the role of the General Assembly in monitoring the work of the Security Council.