Veto power in UNSC

The US vetoed a resolution of the UN Security Council (UNSC) that called for a Gaza ceasefire.

All member countries of the UN are part of the General Assembly (UNGA) which can pass resolutions on relevant matters. Only a simple majority (of more than half the members) is required to pass its resolutions.

UN Security Council (UNSC) - It consists 15 members.
United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and China are the permanent members of UNSC and called as P5 countries.
Based on UNGA elections, the 10 additional members are elected for 2 years each.

In 1965, the number of non-permanent UNSC members was increased from six to 10.

UNSC resolutions are legally binding, unlike the UNGA’s.
Each party has 1 vote and it needs minimum of 9 votes to adopt a resolution.
Right to veto– Each of the P5 members has the power to veto a vote which is a negative vote against the resolution.
According to UN Charter, if any 1 of the P5 members cast a veto in UNSC, the resolution would fail while abstaining from voting is not a negative vote.
Exclusive veto power – After WW-II ended in 1945, the P5 were among the victors against Germany, Italy and Japan.
The US, the UK and the USSR (later Russia) were accorded certain exclusive rights to themselves in UNSC recognizing their key role in ending the war and forming UN.
They in turn offered seats to France and China that these countries would assume, or reassume, great-power status.
Limitations – Current body is limited in terms of representation.

Dumbarton Oaks conference was held in Washington DC in 1944 which was attended by representatives of China, Great Britain, the USSR and the US in drawing the contours of UN.

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