Finland's national statement in UNGA Debate pursuant to GA resolution 76/262 following the use of the veto by a Security Council permanent member
Read the national statement of Finland at the United Nations General Assembly 68th Plenary meeting pursuant to General Assembly resolution 76/262 following the use of the veto by a permanent member during 9591st meeting of the Security Council on 28 March 2024 on the Panel of Experts assisting the UNSC 1718 Committee on DPRK sanctions regime, delivered by Ambassador, Permanent Representative Elina Kalkku on 11 April 2024
Mr President,
Finland aligns itself with the statement of the EU and with the statement of the group of States committed to the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 76/262, known as the Veto Initiative, delivered by the Kingdom of Norway
Mr President,
Finland deeply regrets the use of veto by the Russian Federation in the Security Council on 28th of March, blocking the extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts, which assists the 1718 Sanctions Committee in monitoring the implementation of sanctions on North Korea.
The vetoed draft resolution had wide support within the Security Council. The penholder had worked hard to seek a compromise, and 13 votes were cast in favour of the resolution.
This was the second time within a year that the Russian Federation used veto against a mandate of a Panel of Experts of a UN Sanctions Regime. This is an alarming development.
Mr President,
The use of veto by the Russian Federation undermines the role of the UN Security Council, on which the Member States have conferred the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Article 24 of the Charter is not a minor undertaking by the Members States. The veto ignores the principles of the UN Charter, which UN Member States keep defending on daily basis.
The Panel of Experts has been, during its existence, the main source of widely and internationally available, reliable, impartial and objective information on the implementation of the UN sanctions.
Although the veto does not challenge the sanctions themselves, it has serious implications. The Panel of Experts’ work is invaluable in providing credible assessment in support of all UN Member States, the national authorities responsible for implementing the sanctions, as well as businesses and civil society organizations. It is important to note that the Panel of Experts also monitor the possible unintended humanitarian consequences of the sanctions for the civilian population.
Mr President,
Finland underlines the significance of resolution 76/262. The two-year-old veto-initiative is a vital tool in making the Council more transparent and accountable. It accentuates the General Assembly’s capacity to take action and uphold the principles of the UN Charter, when the Security Council is unable to conduct its duties.
Mr. President
The ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile-related activities of the DPRK represent a serious threat to international peace and security. These illegal activities undermine the global non-proliferation and disarmament regime. Moreover, the arms transfers between DPRK and Russia also violate several Security Council resolutions.
To conclude, it is deeply regrettable that the veto of one member state stands in the way of using the means that the UN and the Security Council has at its disposal, to effectively maintain international peace and security, and to apply those measures that are available for the UN, to promote peaceful settlement of disputes.
Thank you.