UNGA veto initiative debate on the Security Council resolution on weapons of mass destruction in outer space

May 6, 2024

HOM Speech – as delivered.

Thank you, Mr. President.

We convene today because the Russian Federation has yet again cynically abused its veto power at the Security Council.

This time, and we all recall that we were here just a week ago, Russia prevented the adoption of a draft resolution at the Security Council, capably led by the United States and Japan, aimed at preventing a nuclear arms race in outer space.  Which surely is a good idea.

Let us think on this for a moment.

On the consequences for humanity if a weapon of mass destruction was detonated above us.

On the fact that a Permanent Member of the Security Council with a nuclear arsenal is willing to gamble with those consequences.  

The draft resolution which Russia vetoed called upon all of us to ensure that the uses of outer space are entirely peaceful. It called upon all of us to abide by the Charter and international law in outer space.

Is it any surprise that Russia, which holds the UN Charter in such contempt here on earth, would object to its application in outer space?

Russia says – and I am quoting from the official social media account of its Permanent Mission – that, quote: “the use of the veto itself should not be criticized, but the unwillingness of some Security Council members to hear and the views of others to find compromise and balanced solutions.”

As we understand it, the United States and Japan conducted an extensive and transparent negotiation process spanning several weeks.

As a testament to this process, thirteen Security Council members voted in favour of the draft resolution. Russia stood alone in blocking it. 

Sixty-five Member States from all regional groups co-sponsored the draft resolution – pointing to the seriousness with which many of us attach to this critical issue. 

Russia stands alone in objecting to our wishes.

Mr. President,

Canada deeply regrets that this resolution, which sought to maintain and reaffirm the existing commitments set out in the Outer Space Treaty, was vetoed.

As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia has a special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, a responsibility it has failed to assume in this and other cases.

Russia is calling for the negotiation of a legally binding instrument to prevent the placing of weapons in space. Yet, at the same time, it is blocking a resolution affirming the only existing obligation to not place weapons—the most destructive weapons—in orbit.

In all honesty, its position makes no sense.

Russia is also trying to divert attention by focusing on a treaty. Canada and other countries have made it clear that a treaty banning weapons in space must have a scope of application, definitions and a verification method.

The proposals by Russia and China do not contain these elements. Add to this Russia's veto and China's abstention and it becomes clear that these 2 countries are not interested in genuine disarmament in space.

Mister President,

For treaties and laws to be effective, there must be some degree of trust that states will abide by their obligations.

What is Russia telling us when it cannot accept a draft resolution that merely reaffirms existing international commitments by which it must already abide? 

By its actions, and by its words, Russia is telling us clearly that it believes that it is above the law. It asks us to believe when it believes in a treaty when it does not even believe in a resolution. 

Mister President, perhaps it’s time for Russia to come back down to earth.

Thank you.