United Nations Security Council

Emblem of the United Nations

UN Security Council Nov 16 2023

United Nations Security Council regional groups

Cairo conference

Yalta Conference (Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin) (B&W)

Church House Westminister London 2016 (02)

United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), charged with ensuring international peace and security, accepting new members to the United Nations, and approving any changes to its Charter. Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action through resolutions; it is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states.

History

The Security Council was created following the end of World War II as a part of the new global organization, the United Nations. It was designed to address the failures of the previous international organization, the League of Nations, in maintaining world peace. Since its establishment, the UNSC has been involved in major decisions and interventions around the world, including peacekeeping missions and sanctions to prevent conflicts and ensure peaceful resolutions.

Composition

The Security Council consists of fifteen members, of which five are permanent: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China. These permanent members have the power to veto any substantive resolution. The other ten members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, with seats allocated on a regional basis.

Functions and Powers

The UNSC has a wide range of powers, detailed in Chapters VI and VII of the United Nations Charter. These include the resolution of conflicts, imposition of sanctions, and, if necessary, the authorization of military action. The Council also recommends the admission of new UN members and the appointment of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly.

Decision Making

Decisions on procedural matters are made by an affirmative vote of at least nine of the fifteen members. For decisions on substantive matters, including those on peace and security, nine votes are also required, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members, allowing for the exercise of the veto power.

Challenges and Criticisms

The UNSC has faced criticism for its structure, particularly the veto power of the permanent five members, which can block Council action. There are also concerns about its representation, with calls for reform to include more countries from different regions of the world to reflect the international community more accurately.

Reform Efforts

Efforts to reform the Security Council have been ongoing, with proposals focusing on the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent members and the limitation of the veto power to make the Council more democratic and effective. However, these reforms require a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly and the agreement of all five permanent members, making significant changes challenging to achieve.

Notable Resolutions and Actions

Over the years, the UNSC has passed numerous resolutions that have had significant impacts on international relations and global peace. These include interventions in conflicts, sanctions against countries violating international norms, and the establishment of peacekeeping missions in various hotspots around the world.