Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira slammed the United Nations Security Council for its “paralysis” in addressing the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine during a G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

Vieira, speaking at the meeting which brought together representatives from 20 leading rich and developing nations, expressed his frustration with the inability of multilateral institutions to effectively deal with the current challenges facing the world. He highlighted the Security Council’s deadlock on passing resolutions, particularly when facing resistance from permanent members with veto power.

The Foreign Minister expressed his concern that the Security Council’s inaction is costing innocent lives in the ongoing conflicts, emphasizing the urgent need for action to stop the violence. He criticized the lack of progress in finding peaceful solutions and called for reform to make the Council more effective in addressing global crises.

Brazil, which took on the annual presidency of the G20, is in a key position to push for change within international institutions. Vieira’s comments underscored the importance of finding ways to overcome the obstacles that prevent meaningful action on urgent issues such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

As the G20 meeting continues, discussions are likely to focus on how to strengthen multilateral cooperation and improve the effectiveness of global institutions in order to better address the challenges facing the international community. Vieira’s criticisms serve as a reminder of the need for action to prevent further loss of life in conflict zones around the world.