The data for this list is derived from a similar list compiled by Krysstal, a British educational and information website (www.krysstal.com). The list has been edited for formal consistency and organized by topic rather than by year. Administrations responsible for the votes have been added. JL
Introduction
Every government adopts a system of values that shape its path and policies, but usually those values exist below the surface of events as forces that can be variously interpreted. Politicians, the corporate media, historians and critics--each according to their particular purpose--find it convenient to distort the character of nations. One forum exists, however, where all the world's countries work together to identify significant global issues, to formulate those issues as simple propositions, and then to ask each member nation to make public its position, either for or against. The results can be ignored by the media but they cannot be undone or explained away. To see the same questions confronted decade after decade and answered in the same way is to understand that those positions must reflect the country's underlying values, not just the winds of politics. In a country like the United States where truth hides below many layers of political misdirection, US votes in the United Nations may provide one of the best indications of who we really are.
An Overview of UN Voting
The US is active in the both of the principal deliberative bodies of the United Nations: the Security Council and the General Assembly, each with very different membership and rules.
In the Security Council. Fifteen countries comprise the Security Council, but only the five Permanent Member countries (the P5), can veto a resolution. Since the beginning of 1970 (the year of the first US veto) and continuing to 2008, the number of vetoes by the Permanent Members is as follows:
China, 8
France, 14
Russia(6) and USSR(10), 16
UK, 29
US, 83 (3 times the UK vetoes , 5 times the vetoes of France and Russia, 10 times those of China)
Note. In light of these numbers and the following list, this NewsHour transcription may surprise those who believe PBS to be a relatively objective source of news. PBS portrays China and Russia as the source of most vetoes in the UN and as the chief obstacles to a better world. In the early decades of the UN, the USSR used the veto constantly to thwart the work of the UN and the admission of new members. Because of these vetoes (110 of 122 vetoes before 1970), the USSR is responsible for almost half of the total UN vetoes. The PBS presentation misleads viewers to believe that the Cold War vetoes of the USSR are today characteristic of Russia and China (they are not) and that the US finds this behavior to be reprehensible (simply a lie, the US loves the veto). In fact, since 1970, it is the US (83 vetoes), not Russia (6 vetoes) or China (8 vetoes), that has used the veto routinely to block democratic proposals and humanitarian progress among the countries of the world.
In the General Assembly. Every UN member country has one vote in the General Assembly. No country can veto. Nevertheless, the US has a long history of negative votes in the General Assembly on issues supported by all, or almost all, of the other countries of the world.
The following list includes both US vetoes and US votes against the assembly (and one US abstention), arranged chronologically within each general topic. The list spans the period from 1970 (when US obstruction became routine) to 2008 (when the original Krysstal list was created). It includes 263 items of which 54 are vetoes. It is not easy to find a record of these votes and vetoes. It seems that neither the United States government nor the American media that reports its activities wants Americans to know about these anti-humanitarian positions of the US on issues that affect the people of the world.
Vetoes of Security Council resolutions are listed in blue text; votes against resolutions of the General Assembly are listed in black text with vote counts in red. If available, countries voting with the US are also indicated in red. The administration responsible for the dissenting vote or veto and the year is shown in green. In all cases, the minority vote or veto is (or includes) the vote or veto of the United States and is shown in bold type. As noted above, this list is derived substantially from a similar list compiled by Krysstal, a British educational and information website (www.krysstal.com).
The List.
US vetoes and votes against the assembly in the United Nations, 1970-2008. Resolution titles are written as though preceded by the word 'Resolution', for example 'Resolution on the rights of the child'. US vetoes and votes are shown in bold type.
Against children.
On the rights of the child. 150-0. US abstains. Reagan 1987.
Concerning the rights of children. 183-1. Bush2 2007.
For a treaty on children's rights. 159-1. Bush2 2008.
Against women.
For a United Nations Conference on Women. 121-2. Carter 1979.
To include Palestinian women in the United Nations Conference on Women. 122-2. Carter 1979.
Endorsing the Program of Action for the Second Half of the UN Decade for Women. 132-3 (w/Israel, Canada). Carter 1980.
Against human rights.
For alternative approaches within the United Nations system for improving the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. 136-1. Carter 1979.
Declaring that education, work, health care, proper nourishment, national development are human rights. 135-1. Reagan 1981.
Declaring that education, work, health care, proper nourishment, national development are human rights. 131-1. Reagan 1982.
Declaring that education, work, health care, proper nourishment, national development are human rights. 132-1. Reagan 1983.
About cooperation, human rights, trade and development. 134-1, 130-1, 130-1. Reagan 1985.
To improve the situation and ensure the human rights and dignity of all migrant workers. 148-1. Reagan 1986.
Concerning the right to food. 186-1. Bush2 2007.
For a right to food. 184-1. Bush2 2008.
Concerning the right to universal freedom of travel and the importance of family reunification. 121-4. Bush2 2008.
In support of racism, apartheid, fascism.
Condemning the racism of the Rhodesian government. US veto (w/UK). Nixon 1970.
Condemning South Africa's attempts to impose apartheid on Namibia. 2 US vetoes (w/France, UK). Ford 1976.
Condemning the apartheid situation in South Africa. 3 US vetoes (w/France, UK). Carter 1977.
For an end to all military and nuclear collaboration with the apartheid South Africa. 114-3. (w/France, UK) Carter 1979.
Strengthening the arms embargo against South Africa. 132-3 (w/France, UK). Carter 1979.
Condemning South Africa for attacks on neighboring states, condemning apartheid, strengthening of sanctions. 145-1, 124-1, 136-1, 129-2, 126-2, 139-1, 138-1. Reagan 1981.
For the ratification of the convention on the suppression and punishment of apartheid. 124-1. Reagan 1982.
For international action against apartheid. 141-1. Reagan 1982.
Condemning apartheid in sports. 138-1. Reagan 1982.
For the cessation of further foreign investments and loans for South Africa. 134-1. Reagan 1982.
Condemning apartheid South Africa. 110-1, 149-1, 140-1, 145-1. Reagan 1983.
Condemning support of South Africa in its Namibian and other policies. 146-2. Reagan 1984.
To eliminate apartheid. 146-2. Reagan 1984.
To eliminate racial discrimination. 145-1. Reagan 1984.
Concerning measures against Nazi, Fascist and neo-Fascist activities. 121-2. Reagan 1985.
Condemning racial discrimination. 109-13. Bush2 2008.
Against the environment.
For the establishment of a World Charter for the protection of the environment. 111-1. Reagan 1982.
For protections against products harmful to health and the environment. 146-1. Reagan 1984.
For protections against products harmful to health and the environment. 146-1. Reagan 1986.
For the protection of the global climate. 162-2 (w/Japan). Bush2 2007.
Against international law.
Concerning development of international law. 113-1. Reagan 1982
Concerning international law. 110-1. Reagan 1982.
Calling for all governments to observe international law. US veto. Reagan 1986.
Calling for compliance in the International Court of Justice concerning military and paramilitary activities against Nicaragua. 94-2 (w/Israel). Reagan 1987.
Calling for an end to the trade embargo against Nicaragua. 94-2 (w/Israel). Reagan 1987.
To establish the International Criminal Court. US veto. Bush2 2001.
Concerning the applicability of the Geneva Convention protection of civilians in time of war. 169-6. Bush2 2007.
no
US Vetoes and Votes
Against the Assembly on
UN Resolutions
1970-2008
Hidden from Americans, 263 Votes Against the World and Everything Good
Against peace, disarmament.
Concerning negotiations on disarmament and cessation of the nuclear arms race. 120-3. Carter 1978.
For the non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. 110-2. Carter 1980.
For the cessation of all nuclear test explosions. US veto (w/UK). Carter 1980.
For the ending of all test explosions of nuclear weapons. 118-2. Reagan 1981.
For action in support of measures to prevent nuclear war, curb the arms race and promote disarmament. 78-3. Reagan 1981.
Urging negotiations on prohibition of chemical and biological weapons. 109-1. Reagan 1981.
To establish a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East. 107-2. Reagan 1981.
For nuclear test bans, test ban negotiations, and nuclear free outer space. 111-1, 114-1, 138-1. Reagan 1982.
To prohibit chemical and bacteriological weapons. 95-1. Reagan 1982.
To prevent an arms race in outer space. 147-1. Reagan 1983.
To prohibit manufacture of new weapons of mass destruction. 116-1. Reagan 1983.
To reverse the arms race. 133-1. Reagan 1983.
To prohibit chemical and bacteriological weapons. 98-1. Reagan 1983.
Requesting a study on the naval arms race. 113-1. Reagan 1983.
Concerning disarmament and security. 132-1. Reagan 1983.
For the convening of a Middle East peace conference. 121-3. Reagan 1984.
To prohibit new types of weapons of mass destruction. 125-1. Reagan 1984.
To prohibit chemical and bacteriological weapons. 84-1. Reagan 1984.
Concerning a nuclear test ban. 123-1. Reagan 1984.
To study military research and development. 141-1. Reagan1984.
To establish a zone of peace and cooperation in the South Atlantic. 124-1. Reagan 1986.
For the establishment of a comprehensive system of international peace and security. 102-2 (w/France). Reagan 1986.
Opposing the build up of weapons in space. 154-1. Reagan 1987.
Opposing the development of new weapons of mass destruction. 135-1. Reagan 1987.
Opposing nuclear testing. 143-2, 137-3. Reagan 1987.
Establishing a South Atlantic "Zone of Peace". 124-1. Reagan 1987.
Opposing the acquisition of territory by force. US veto (w/Israel, Dominican Republic). Bush1 1989.
For a resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict based on earlier UN resolutions. US veto. Bush1 1989.
For international control of the production and processing of weapon-usable material. 147-1, 179-2. Bush2 2004.
For peaceful uses for outer space. 129-6 (w/ Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and the UK). Bush2 2007.
For the Indian Ocean to be declared a zone of peace. For a nuclear weapon-free South East Asia. 130-3, 174-1. Bush2 2007.
For progress towards an arms trade treaty. 129-1, 131-1, 130-1. Bush2 2008.
Banning the development of new weapons of mass destruction. 175-1. Bush2 2008.
Assuring non-nuclear states they will not be attacked or threatened with nuclear weapons. 121-1, 122-1. Bush2 2008.
Opposing development of an arms race in outer space. For transparency in outer space activities. 179-1, 178-1, 177-1, 180-1. Bush2 2008.
To decrease the operational readiness of nuclear weapons systems. To ban nuclear weapons. 141-3, 165-4, 166-5, 173-4, 130-3. Bush2 2008.
To end the use of depleted uranium in weapons. 141-4 Bush2 2008.
Concerning the trade in illicit small arms. 179-1, 176-1, 181-1. Bush2 2008.
For a nuclear free Central Asia and a nuclear free Southern Hemisphere. For prevention of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. 141-3, 171-3, 169-5. Bush2 2008.
For a comprehensive (nuclear) test ban treaty. For a nuclear weapon free world. 156-5, 175-1. Bush2 2008.
Concerning developments in IT for international security. 179-1, 175-1. Bush2 2008.
Against the rights of developing countries.
For the admission of Vietnam to the United Nations. 5 US vetoes. Ford 1976.
For protection of developing countries' exports. 111-2. Carter 1979.
Opposing support for intervention in the internal or external affairs of states. 104-2. Carter 1979.
To safeguard rights of developing countries in multinational trade negotiations. 112-1. Carter 1979.
To establish a New International Economic Order to promote the growth of underdeveloped countries and international economic co-operation. 134-1. Carter 1980.
Affirming that the development of nations and individuals is a human right. 120-1. Carter1980.
For the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. US veto (w/France, UK). Carter 1980.
Promoting co-operative movements in developing countries. 123-1. Reagan 1981.
Affirming the right of every state to choose its economic and social system in accord with the will of its people, without outside interference. 126-1. Reagan 1981.
Condemning activities of foreign economic interests in colonial territories. 133-3. Reagan 1981.
To implement the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States. 141-1. Reagan 1982.
Concerning the adequacy of facilities of the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. 132-1. Reagan 1982.
Concerning development of the energy resources of developing countries. 146-1. Reagan 1982.
Affirming the right of every state to choose its economic and social system in accord with the will of its people, without outside interference. 131-1. Reagan 1983.
Concerning the Transport and Communications Decade in Africa. 137-1. Reagan 1983.
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. 143-1 Reagan 1984.
In support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. 118-2. Reagan 1984.
Concerning the Industrial Development Decade for Africa. 120-1. Reagan 1984.
Declaring the right to development. 146-1. Reagan 1986.
Opposing the acquisition of territory by force. 151-3. Bush1 1989.
Assuring non-nuclear states they will not be attacked or threatened with nuclear weapons. 121-1, 122-1. Bush2 2008.
For a right of development for nations. 182-4. Bush2 2008.
For a new economic order. 123-1. Bush2 2008.
Against aid to countries in crisis.
Calling for developed countries to increase the quantity and quality of development assistance to underdeveloped countries. 119-1. Carter 1978.
Offering assistance to all the oppressed people of South Africa and their liberation movement. 134-3 (w/France, UK). Carter 1979.
Offering assistance to the oppressed people of South Africa and their national liberation movement. 137-3. Carter 1980.
Strengthening the United Nations to respond to natural and other disasters. 126-1. Reagan 1983.
Calling on the USA to end its trade embargo of Cuba. 59-2 (w/Israel). Bush1 1993.
Calling on the USA to end its trade embargo of Cuba. 88-4 (w/Israel, Albania, Paraguay). Clinton 1993.
Calling on the USA to end its trade embargo of Cuba. 101-2 (w/Israel). Clinton 1994.
Calling on the USA to end its trade embargo of Cuba. 117-3 (w/Israel, Uzbekistan). Clinton 1995.
Calling on the USA to end its trade embargo of Cuba. 138-2 (w/Israel). Clinton 1996.
Calling on the USA to end its trade embargo of Cuba. 143-2 (w/Israel). Clinton 1997.
Calling on the USA to end its trade embargo of Cuba. 157-2. Clinton 1998.
Calling on the USA to end its trade embargo of Cuba. 155-2. Clinton 1999.
To renew the peace keeping mission in Bosnia. US veto. Bush2 2002.
To end the USA's 40 year embargo of Cuba. 179-3 (w/Israel, Marshall Islands). Bush2 2003.
For an end to the financial embargo against Cuba. US veto. Bush2 2006.
Against Palestinians.
Affirming the rights of the Palestinians. Calling on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories. US veto. Nixon 1973.
For self determination for the Palestinians. US veto. Ford 1976.
Affirming the rights of the Palestinians. US veto. Ford 1976.
For the return of all inhabitants expelled by Israel. 121-3 Carter 1979.
Requesting a report on the living conditions of Palestinians in occupied Arab countries. 120-2 Carter 1979.
Offering assistance to the Palestinian people. 112-3 Carter 1979.
Affirming the right of self determination for the Palestinians. 120-3 Carter 1980.
To establish rights for the Palestinian people. 121-2, 119-3 Reagan 1981.
To clarify the status of Jerusalem. 139-2 Reagan 1981.
Concerning Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip. 141-2 Reagan 1981.
Concerning the rights of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. 121-3 Reagan 1981.
Concerning revenues from Palestinian refugees' properties. 117-2 Reagan 1981.
Establishing the University of Jerusalem for Palestinian refugees. 119-2. Reagan 1981.
Concerning sovereignty over national resources in occupied Palestine and other Arab territories. 115-2 Reagan 1981.
Affirming the non-applicability of Israeli law over the Golan Heights. 121-2 Reagan 1981.
Affirming the rights of the Palestinian people. 127-2 Reagan 1984.
Proposing economic assistance to the Palestinian people. 146-1 Reagan 1984.
To send three UN Security Council observers to the occupied territories. US veto. Bush1 1990.
Affirming that land in East Jerusalem annexed by Israel is occupied territory. US veto. Clinton 1995.
To send unarmed monitors to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. US veto. Bush2 2001.
For the right of self determination for the Palestinian people. Regarding the Palestinians and their rights. 176-5, 171-6, 170-6, 93-8, 165-7, 156-7, 164-1, 176-2, 109-8, 110-8, 161-8, 161-7, 160-6, 111-6. Bush2 2007.
Affirming the sovereignty of Palestinians over the occupied territories and their resources. 164-8 Bush2 2008.
Affirming the right of the Palestinians to self determination. 173-5 Bush2 2008.
Concerning Palestine, its people, their property and Israeli practices inPalestine, including settlements. 173-1, 172-6, 172-6, 173-6, 94-8, 173-6, 171-6, 165-8, 179-2, 177-3, 177-3. Bush2 2008.
In support of Israeli violations of human rights and international law.
Condemning Israel for killing hundreds of people in Syria and Lebanon in air raids. US veto. Nixon 1972.
Condemning Israel for attacking Lebanese civilians. US veto. Ford 1976.
Condemning Israel for building settlements in the occupied territories. US veto. Ford 1976.
Criticizing the living conditions of the Palestinians. 110-2. Carter 1978.
Condemning the Israeli human rights record in occupied territories. 97-3. Carter 1978.
For the return of all inhabitants expelled by Israel. 121-3. Carter 1979.
Demanding that Israel desist from human rights violations. 111-2. Carter 1979.
Requesting that Israel return displaced persons. 96-3. Carter 1980.
Condemning Israeli policy regarding the living conditions of the Palestinian people. 118-2. Carter 1980.
Condemning Israeli human rights practices in occupied territories. 118-2, 119-2, 117-2. Carter 1980.
Demanding that Israel cease excavations in areas of East Jerusalem considered by the United Nations to be part of the occupied territories. 114-2. Reagan 1981.
Condemning Israel for bombing Iraqi nuclear installations. 108-2. Reagan 1981.
Concerning Israeli human rights violations in occupied territories. 111-2. Reagan 1981.
Condemning Israel closing of universities in occupied territories. 114-2. Reagan 1981.
Opposing Israel's decision to build a canal linking the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. US veto. Reagan 1981.
Condemning the shooting of 11 Muslims at a shrine in Jerusalem by an Israeli soldier. US veto. Reagan 1982.
Calling on Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights occupied in 1967. US veto. Reagan 1982.
Condemning Israel for occupying and attacking southern Lebanon. US veto. Reagan 1984.
Condemning Israeli attack against Iraqi nuclear installation. 106-2. Reagan 1984.
Concerning Israeli human rights violations in occupied territories. 120-2. Reagan 1984.
Condemning assassination attempts against Palestinian mayors. 143-2. Reagan 1984.
Condemning Israel for failing to place its nuclear facilities under international safeguards. 94-2. Reagan 1984.
Condemning Israel for occupying and attacking southern Lebanon. US veto. Reagan 1985.
Condemning Israel for using excessive force in the occupied territories. US veto. Reagan 1985.
Condemning Israel for its actions against Lebanese civilians. US veto. Reagan 1986.
Calling on Israel to respect Muslim holy places. US veto. Reagan 1986.
Condemning Israel for sky-jacking a Libyan airliner. US veto. Reagan 1986.
Calling on Israel to abide by the Geneva Conventions in its treatment of the Palestinians. US veto. Reagan 1987.
Calling on Israel to stop deporting Palestinians. 145-2. Reagan 1987.
Condemning Israel for its actions in Lebanon. 2 US vetoes. Reagan 1987.
Calling on Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon. US veto. Reagan 1987.
Condemning Israeli practices against Palestinians in the occupied territories. 5 US vetoes. Reagan 1988.
Calling on Israel to cease building settlements in East Jerusalem and other occupied territories. 130-2. Clinton 1997.
Condemning Israel for acts of terror against civilians in the occupied territories. US veto. Bush2 2001.
Condemning the killing of UK worker for the United Nations by Israeli forces. Condemning the destruction of the World Food Program warehouse. US veto. Bush2 2002.
Condemning a decision by the Israeli parliament to "remove" the elected Palestinian president, Yasser Arafat. US veto. Bush2 2003.
Condemning the building of a wall by Israel on Palestinian land. US veto. Bush2 2003.
Condemning the assassination of Hamas leader, Sheik Ahmad Yassin. US veto. Bush2 2004.
Condemning the Israeli incursion and killings in Gaza. US veto. Bush2 2004.
For an end to Israeli military incursions and attacks on Gaza. 2 US vetoes. Bush2 2006.
Calling on Israel to pay the cost of cleaning up an oil slick off the coast of Lebanon caused by its bombing. 165-7. Bush2 2008.
Additional Obama vetoes and votes against the assembly concerning the actions and policies of Israel, 2009-11.
Calling for an end to the 22 day long Israeli attack on Gaza. 142-4. Obama 2009.
Calling for a halt to the illegal Israeli West Bank settlements. US veto. Obama 2011.
Calling for Israel to cease obstructing the movement and access of the staff, vehicles and supplies of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). 163-7. Obama 2011.
Calling for the immediate and complete cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in all of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan. 162-7. Obama 2011.