United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It was established in 1945 under the United Nations Charter and held its first session on 17 January 1946.

Composition and Membership

The UNSC consists of 15 member states, including five permanent members and ten non-permanent members. The five permanent members, also known as the “P5,” are:

• China
• France
• Russia (formerly the Soviet Union)
• The United Kingdom
• The United States

These permanent members have the power to veto any substantive resolution, which has often been a source of controversy and criticism.

The ten non-permanent members are elected by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for two-year terms, with five members elected each year. The selection process ensures a balanced geographical representation, with the seats allocated as follows:

• African Group: 3 seats
• Asia-Pacific Group: 2 seats
• Latin American and Caribbean Group: 2 seats
• Western European and Others Group: 2 seats
• Eastern European Group: 1 seat

As of 2021, the non-permanent members are Estonia, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Niger, Norway, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia, and Vietnam.

Functions and Powers

The primary responsibility of the UNSC is to maintain international peace and security. Its functions and powers include:

• Investigating disputes or situations that might lead to international friction or conflict
• Recommending methods of adjusting such disputes or terms of settlement
• Formulating plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments
• Determining the existence of a threat to peace or an act of aggression and recommending appropriate action
• Imposing economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or end aggression
• Authorizing the use of military force to maintain or restore international peace and security

The UNSC also plays a crucial role in peacekeeping operations, appointing the UN Secretary-General, and recommending the admission of new UN member states to the General Assembly.

Voting and Decision-Making

Each member of the UNSC has one vote. Decisions on procedural matters require an affirmative vote of nine members. For all other matters, an affirmative vote of nine members, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members, is necessary. This requirement of P5 concurrence is known as the “great power unanimity” or the “veto power.”

If a permanent member does not fully agree with a proposed resolution but does not wish to cast a veto, it may choose to abstain, thus allowing the resolution to be adopted if it obtains the required number of nine favorable votes.

Criticism and Reform Proposals

The UNSC has faced criticism for several reasons, including:

• The veto power of the permanent members, which can hinder the Council’s ability to act effectively
• The lack of representation and diversity, as the permanent members reflect the geopolitical realities of the post-World War II era
• The Council’s inability to prevent or resolve certain conflicts and human rights abuses

There have been various proposals to reform the UNSC, such as expanding the number of permanent and non-permanent members, limiting or abolishing the veto power, and improving the Council’s working methods and transparency. However, implementing these reforms has been challenging due to the divergent interests of member states and the need for consensus among the P5.

Notable Resolutions and Actions

Throughout its history, the UNSC has adopted numerous resolutions and taken actions to address threats to international peace and security. Some notable examples include:

• Resolution 82 (1950): Condemned North Korea’s invasion of South Korea and called for an immediate ceasefire
• Resolution 242 (1967): Called for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the 1967 Six-Day War and the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region
• Resolution 678 (1990): Authorized member states to use “all necessary means” to uphold and implement Resolution 660, which demanded Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait
• Resolution 1373 (2001): Adopted in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, requiring member states to take measures to combat terrorism and prevent its financing
• Resolution 1973 (2011): Authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and the use of “all necessary measures” to protect civilians during the Libyan Civil War

The United Nations Security Council plays a vital role in maintaining international peace and security. Despite its limitations and the challenges it faces, the UNSC remains the primary international body responsible for addressing threats to global stability and resolving conflicts. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the UNSC must adapt and reform to effectively fulfill its mandate and promote a more peaceful and secure world.