<P> The United Nations Security Council `` power of veto '' refers to the veto power wielded solely by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council ( China , France , Russia , United Kingdom , and United States ) , enabling them to prevent the adoption of any `` substantive '' resolution . Abstention or absence from the vote by a permanent member does not prevent a draft resolution from being adopted . However , the veto power does not apply to `` procedural '' votes , as determined by the permanent members themselves . The permanent members can vote against a `` procedural '' draft resolution without blocking its adoption by the Council . A negative vote by a permanent member will also block the selection of a Secretary - General , although this is a `` recommendation '' to the General Assembly rather than a Resolution . The unconditional veto posessed by the five governments has been seen by critics as the most undemocratic character of the UN . Critics also claim that veto power is the main cause for international inaction on war crimes and crimes against humanity . However , the United States refused to join the United Nations unless it was given a veto . The absence of the United States from the League of Nations contributed to its ineffectiveness . </P>
<P> The United Nations Security Council `` power of veto '' refers to the veto power wielded solely by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council ( China , France , Russia , United Kingdom , and United States ) , enabling them to prevent the adoption of any `` substantive '' resolution . Abstention or absence from the vote by a permanent member does not prevent a draft resolution from being adopted . However , the veto power does not apply to `` procedural '' votes , as determined by the permanent members themselves . The permanent members can vote against a `` procedural '' draft resolution without blocking its adoption by the Council . A negative vote by a permanent member will also block the selection of a Secretary - General , although this is a `` recommendation '' to the General Assembly rather than a Resolution . The unconditional veto posessed by the five governments has been seen by critics as the most undemocratic character of the UN . Critics also claim that veto power is the main cause for international inaction on war crimes and crimes against humanity . However , the United States refused to join the United Nations unless it was given a veto . The absence of the United States from the League of Nations contributed to its ineffectiveness . </P>
who has veto power in the united nations
who has veto power in the united nations
China France Russia United Kingdom United States
China France Russia United Kingdom United States