Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister has told the United Nations General Assembly in New York they face the task of finding solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time.
Mélanie Joly delivered an address in New York during the general debate of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly Monday.
She said Russian Leader Vladimir Putin is threatening the world's collective security with dangerous nuclear rhetoric.
"For Putin, this is a war to the death. For Ukraine, it is a war for life. Russia's war machine has caused enormous civilian suffering and destruction in Ukraine," said Joly.
Joly told the gathering that permanence on the security council is not a license to kill, nor to silence anyone, or a guarantee of impunity.
"The impacts of this illegal war are profoundly felt around the world. We must address the global security crisis, and other consequences of the illegal invasion with imagination and determination. And those who break the law must be met with the force of the law," she stressed.
Joly encouraged the UN to reduce the power of the veto.
"Political paralysis and the abuse of the veto are undermining the security council. We encourage efforts to reduce the power of the veto, to expand membership, and to ensure the voices of all are heard and responded to across the whole UN system," she added.
She said Canada will push for justice, and added the United Nations needs to commit to act for the citizens of today and the future.