The UN Security Council and the Franco-Mexican Initiative to Limit the Use of the Veto in Cases of Mass Atrocities

The frequent use of the veto by some permanent members of Security Council has prevented the organization from taking action to stop mass atrocities. The founders of the UN recognized that unity among powers was instrumental for the establishment of the new organization and to maintain peace. However, the veto was granted as a prerogative to be exercised in a responsible manner and not to obstruct the operation of the Council. Since 2014, foreign ministers from Mexico and France have proposed the permanent members to restrain from the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in great scale.