THE United Nations was formed to promote peace in the world. But, due to some hurdles present within the UN structure, it has been unable to resolve some of the most burning issues, and has, thus, failed to prevent wars. One such hurdle is the veto power of the five permanent members. Many international issues, like, say, the Kashmir dispute, are still lingering due to this veto power.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the principal organ of the world body. It is a consensus-building body which can pass a resolution to make a law to override the veto-vote on any particular issue which can cause war.

When any particular resolution pertaining to a conflict, like the Kashmir issue, is vetoed by any permanent member, the member state should have the opportunity to have the veto over-ruled through two-third majority in the UNGA.

This is nothing new, as this happens constitutionally in the United States where the president has the constitutional power to veto any bill or law passed by the Congress, but the Congress can override the presidential veto through two-third majority in the Congress. This is how the check and balance system of the US works.

A UNGA having power to override the veto in the Security Council will help to resolve international issues and conflicts which have the potential to disrupt international peace and security.

Kashif Shehzad Sehar
Layyah

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2021