UPSC Prelims
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Prelims Pinpointer
Prelims Pinpointer — September 25, 2026
Macron’s proposal to regulate the UNSC veto during humanitarian crises has revived the French-Mexican initiative — a recurring prelims favourite on UN organs and reform efforts.
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UNSC Veto Power: Should Permanent Membership Be Abolished?
News Context
- On September 22, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed regulating the UNSC veto power, especially during humanitarian crises and cases of genocide.
- France views the veto as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
- The proposal has renewed the French-Mexican initiative, with the UK also supporting voluntary restraint in using the veto.
About the UN Security Council (UNSC) — Key Facts for Prelims
- One of the six principal organs of the UN, primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
- 15 members total: 5 permanent (P5) + 10 non-permanent, elected for a two-year term.
- P5: United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia.
- 10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly based on regional representation; 5 elected every year.
- Every member has one vote, but only the P5 possess veto power.
About the Veto Power — Concepts for Prelims
- Allows any one P5 nation to block a substantive resolution even if all other 14 members vote in favour.
- The word “veto” does NOT appear anywhere in the UN Charter — created through a separate mechanism during the UN’s founding.
- Rationale: the UN as an organisation would not survive/remain effective if it took decisions against the fundamental interests of major powers.
- Applies only to substantive matters, NOT procedural matters.
⚠️ Classic prelims trap: the term “veto” is nowhere in the UN Charter itself — it was created through a separate mechanism at the UN’s founding, not a Charter provision. Don’t assume it’s a textual Charter term.
Key Reform Initiatives Discussed
- French-Mexican Initiative (2015): calls on P5 to voluntarily avoid using the veto in cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, large-scale war crimes. Does not seek to abolish the veto or amend the UN Charter.
- Liechtenstein Initiative (2022): requires the UNGA to meet within 10 working days after a UNSC veto, giving the concerned P5 member a chance to explain/defend its decision.
- ACT Code of Conduct: calls on all UNSC members (including non-permanent) to support credible action to prevent/stop genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes.
- Common feature: all three promote accountability and restraint, but are political commitments, not legally binding rules.
Source: The Hindu
