Veto Use
Matters
The UN was created at the close of the second world war in 1945. The new international system was created to better ensure a future free from the scourge of war. Five nations, the victors of that global conflict were granted the power to veto Security Council resolutions.
The Legal
Question
With no clear definition on legal limits to its use, the veto is often used in ways that serve the interests of the vetoing member over the rights of the people affected. A sound legal argument exists for challenging this status quo, especially on resolutions addressing atrocity crimes and the crime of aggression. A resolution in the General Assembly will ask the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion defining existing legal limits to veto use.
Canada
Can Lead
With the support of Canadian supporters, including former cabinet ministers, and sitting and former federal party leaders, leading academics, experts in international law and like-minded civil society organizations. With your help, the 'Curb The Veto' campaign aims to inspire the Canadian government to lead on this important initiative.
Building Toward Resolution
Our campaign is unfolding in phases. Each step brings us closer.
Laying the
Foundation
- Several high level strategy sessions took place in 2025 involving influential Canadians and ImPact Coalition partners in the US, UK and Europe.
- High level work was undertaken in 2025/26, by our coalition partners at international conferences to raise awareness. We're building trust and relationships that could lead to a group of UN member nations backing a General Assembly resolution. It is determined that Canada is in a good position to lead or co-lead.
- Canada’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors to the United Nations and the Prime Minister’s Office are being apprised through 2025/26 of campaign activities and progress.
- Former Minister of Justice and Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations Allan Rock, WFM-C Executive Director Alexandre MacIsaac, and 'Curb The Veto' campaigner John Cowan attended a screening of Tim Slade’s film, The Veto, during the International Bar Association conference in November of 2025.
With
Your Help
- Following the campaign website launch with the 3 calls to actions, we expect the feedback from civil society and public interest to intensify. Demand on staff and volunteer time will significantly increase.
- Campaigners are reaching out to government officials again following the website launch, requesting high level meetings to present comprehensive briefings, and to field any questions that arise.
- We are offering briefing and logistical support to federal ministers and staff, and have a small budget for travel.
- Financial assistance from donor supporters is needed, and is greatly appreciated during this phase. Any amount helps and tax receipts are available as part of the donation process, online or mail-in.
Next Steps
- Discussions and drafting are now underway in preparation for submitting documentation for a parliamentary petition. That accomplishment will mark the end of Phase Two of the 'Curb The Veto' campaign.
The Question
Before Canada
Will the Canadian government’s long view on multilateralism compel action confronting the veto? The commission of atrocities and crimes of aggression will not cease while UN member states deliberate. It is beyond time to act.
Campaign organizers understand that the goals of the campaign will not be achieved easily or quickly. Depending on progress and direction, we may ask Canadians for help a 3rd time post-petition.
World events may accelerate the need and quicken the response from governments.
We feel confident that Phases One & Two will have a measurable impact within the halls of power.
There is a legitimate legal avenue for addressing the problem of the P5 veto. What's missing is political courage and action. Diplomacy is key, and Canada won't have to go it alone.
A World in Transition
Calls for Security Council reform are loudest in Europe. Tensions are increasing over the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and North Africa. Humanity relies on international legal norms and state cooperation for ensuring human security.
Climate change, food and water insecurity, rising temperatures, rising sea levels and human migration further inflame existing geopolitical tensions. At the same time nations and regions are coming together in search of better economic stability and common security.
The tone has shifted...
“Jus cogens norms must be safeguarded as a matter of principle. If the prohibitions against genocide and crimes against humanity are accepted as jus cogens norms, can any permanent member claim a legitimate veto right in such circumstances? …We, the General Assembly must take a bold step, and request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on this very question.”
— Nataša Pirc Musar, Former President of Slovenia
80th Plenary Session, United Nations General Assembly, September 2025
Promoting Justice
The ‘Curb The Veto’ logo is rendered in the official languages of the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The image, developed by WFM-Canada is available, open source to use unaltered for the purposes of education and outreach, and for use in support of the work of this campaign.