Recently, the role and effectiveness of the United Nations (UN) have come under scrutiny. Questions abound regarding its handling of global crises, notably its apparent inaction in situations like the Israeli genocides and the Ukrainian conflict. These unresolved queries persist in the global consciousness, raising doubts about the UN's actual purpose and effectiveness.

There exists a widespread ambiguity regarding the UN's role in the world. To some, it represents a beacon of hope, championing world peace and human rights. Yet, to others, it is an impediment to peace, mired in bureaucracy and ineffectiveness. This dichotomy largely stems from the controversial power of veto held by certain member states.

The term 'veto', originating from Latin, translates to 'I object'. Interestingly, its Italian counterpart 'Vito', sharing the same Latin roots, means 'life'. This linguistic duality aptly reflects the core of our discussion: Is the veto power employed as a tool to prevent war and safeguard life, or does it signify an objection to the fundamental right to life for certain nations?

In the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations was established in 1945, aimed at easing international tensions, advocating civil rights, and diminishing the likelihood of large-scale future conflicts. Endowed with unique powers under its Charter and a distinct international presence, the UN addresses crucial 21st-century issues, including maintaining global peace and security, human rights protection, humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and upholding international law.

The UN Security Council, responsible for identifying threats to peace or acts of aggression, plays a pivotal role. Comprising 15 members, including five permanent and ten non-permanent members elected biennially by the General Assembly, each member wields one vote. As mandated by the UN Charter, all member states must adhere to Council decisions. The five permanent members – China, France, the former USSR (now succeeded by Russia), the United Kingdom, and the United States – hold a significant role within the UN, primarily due to their 'right to veto'. This power enables any one of them to unilaterally nullify a resolution or decision in the Security Council.

A journey through the annals of the United Nations reveals critical moments where veto power profoundly influenced global events. The inaugural exercise of this power dates back to February 16, 1946, a mere month following the first Security Council assembly. On this day, the Council faced the pivotal issue of Lebanon and Syria’s colonization and their quest for sovereignty. The USSR notably cast the first veto in history, supporting the expulsion of British and French troops from Syrian and Lebanese territories. This decisive move, facilitated by the veto, led to the withdrawal of colonial forces from both nations within that year.

Fast forward to September 30, 2022, when the United States tabled a resolution urging member states not to acknowledge any change in Ukraine's status and demanding Russia to retract its forces, thus ending the invasion initiated on February 24, 2022. In a pivotal turn of events, Russia employed its veto to thwart the resolution condemning its invasion of Ukraine.

The use of veto power by the United States on September 10, 1972, marked a significant shift in international diplomacy. This instance, aimed at defending Israel, signified the onset of a pattern where the U.S. recurrently leveraged its veto to shield Israel from global censure, punitive actions, and sanctions. This action, which was the second instance of U.S. exercising its veto power (the first being a resolution related to Rhodesia), inaugurated a series of 43 vetoes intended to protect Israel from accountability for its war crimes, occupation, and genocides in the Middle East. Consequently, this policy contributed to the continued suffering of Lebanon and Syria under Israeli military operations.

On October 25, 2023, the Security Council convened to address the "Palestinian question," including a vote for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza. In a move that sparked international controversy, the United States exercised its veto power, effectively blocking the initiative to end the ongoing genocide. Since October 7, over 19,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with the UN's inability to enforce a ceasefire largely attributed to the U.S.'s use of its veto power.

The underlying reality of the veto power is its role in sustaining the status quo, rather than preventing war or fostering global peace. Its utilization often reflects the interests of the powerful, irrespective of the broader implications for international peace and security. Consequently, the abuse of veto power in the United Nations underscores the elusive nature of global peace and security, revealing them as mere ideals rather than attainable goals.