UN General Assembly plenary meeting agenda item 62 ‘use of the veto’
Statement delivered by Ms. Kaisa Männik, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Estonia
11 November 2026, New York
President, distinguished delegates
Estonia welcomes today’s debate as an important reminder of the Security Council’s duty to uphold international peace and security in line with the UN Charter.
We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the European Union.
We deeply regret Russia’s decision to veto the renewal of MINURSO’s mandate, removing the only dedicated UN mechanism for monitoring the ceasefire and heightening the risk of renewed tensions and further escalation in the region.
Russia has already cast three vetoes in the Security Council this year, cementing its position as the most frequent user of veto power in the Council’s history.
Let us be clear: permanent membership carries special responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security, not immunity from accountability. It is therefore deeply regrettable that Russia continues to disregard the very rules it is entrusted with upholding.
President,
We remain committed to the UN-led political process, in line with Security Council Resolution 2797, and fully support the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy. We support negotiations based on Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal, aimed at achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution in accordance with the UN Charter.
We hope that a political solution to the situation in Western Sahara can be reached soon and emphasize the need for continued efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.
More broadly, we reaffirm our support for the full implementation of Article 27(3) of the UN Charter, which requires parties to a dispute to abstain from voting on decisions under Chapter VI. We also strongly support the ACT Code of Conduct and the French-Mexican initiative on veto restraint in situations involving mass atrocities.
Thank you.