UN passes resolution limiting Syrian aid after Russia veto threat

This appeared in The Millennial Source

After Russia threatened to use its United Nations Security Council (UNSC) , the United Nations (UN) passed a resolution on January 10 that reduces the amount of humanitarian and medical aid given to over 1 million people in northeastern Syria.

Although the UN managed to pass the resolution before the midnight deadline, some UNSC members expressed disappointment with the “watered-down” measure that certain observers fear will cause further ‘humanitarian disaster.’

Veto power

Of the six bodies that make up the UN, the Security Council — which is responsible for safeguarding international peace and security — is the organization’s most powerful. It is the only organ of the UN that can introduce sanctions or authorize military interventions. On the UNSC there are five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — plus ten temporary members.

Each member has one vote. For the UN to pass a resolution, nine of the 15 council members must vote for it, but the five permanent council members each have the power to veto a resolution. If they use their veto power, the UN cannot adopt a measure — even if the motion has enough votes.