In Parliament today, there was a very evident rhetoric that any action through the UN regarding Syria would be blocked. So here's a thread on why the UN can do more - despite the veto - because there are some instances where the veto does not apply... First, on investigations. The UN Security Council establishes these under Chapter VI of the Charter. Here, any member must abstain where they are a party to a dispute. Russia is such a party. Their veto shouldn't apply to investigations.