Written Answers Nos. 1-37
37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of peacekeeping missions proposed at the UN since 2014; the number vetoed at the Security Council; the country that exercised the veto in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29896/23]
View answerIreland's commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations and is the only country with an unbroken record of service in UN peacekeeping missions since 1958.
Under the UN Charter, the UN Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In fulfilling its mandate, the Security Council may adopt a range of measures, including the establishment of a UN peace mission or the authorisation of action by a group of States or a regional organisation, such as the European Union or the African Union. However, no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014.
The five permanent members of the Council can use their veto power to prevent the Security Council from adopting resolutions, including those related to the mandates of peacekeeping operations. In practice, the threat of a veto by a permanent member, rather than its actual use, is often enough to prevent the Council from taking action or to prevent a matter being formally considered by the Council. No new peacekeeping mission has been considered at the Security Council since 2014.
Ireland has consistently stated, including on many occasions at meetings of the Security Council throughout 2021 and 2022, that the veto is an anachronism that has no place in the 21st century and should be abolished.
Records on the use of vetoes at the United Nations Security Council are available at the United Nations Dag Hammarskjold Library, which is publicly accessible online. Since 2014, 26 draft resolutions have been vetoed at the Security Council. Since 2014 the USA has used its veto 3 times, China 9 times and the Russian Federation 23 times.
Ireland has consistently opposed all use of the veto. During our most recent Security Council term from 2021-2022, the veto was used on a number of occasions to prevent the Council from taking action on critical issues. In December 2021, Russia vetoed a draft resolution on Climate and Security, an initiative of Ireland and Niger that had the support of 113 UN Member States. Since February 2022, Russia has used its veto power on a number of occasions to prevent the Council from taking action to end its illegal war in Ukraine, as well as from even stating its condemnation of this grave breach of the UN Charter.
