United Nations Security Council | International Law explained | Lex Animata by Hesham Elrafei

Summary

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the UN's six principal organs, established after World War II to maintain international peace and security. It consists of 15 members: five permanent members (the U.S., Russia, China, the UK, and France) with veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The UNSC can take actions to prevent aggression, resolve conflicts, and impose sanctions. In extreme cases, it can authorize military force. It also plays a role in appointing the UN Secretary-General and selecting judges for the International Court of Justice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the UN, established to maintain international peace and security.
• 😀 The UNSC consists of 15 member states: 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
• 😀 The five permanent members of the UNSC are the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, France, the People's Republic of China, and the United States.
• 😀 Each of the five permanent members has veto power, which means one negative vote can block any resolution, regardless of international support.
• 😀 The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly on a regional basis and serve two-year terms.
• 😀 A decision by the UNSC requires nine affirmative votes, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members.
• 😀 The Security Council has the authority to deal with acts of aggression and threats to international peace through peaceful settlement or direct intervention.
• 😀 Peacekeeping missions may be authorized by the UNSC to intervene in conflicted countries and enforce peace on the ground.
• 😀 If peaceful solutions are not possible, the UNSC can impose international sanctions or authorize military force to maintain peace and security.
• 😀 The UNSC also plays a role in recommending the appointment of the UN Secretary-General and the election of judges to the International Court of Justice.
• 😀 Decisions made by the UNSC are binding on all member states of the United Nations.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the United Nations Security Council?

The main purpose of the United Nations Security Council is to maintain international peace and security.

How many principal organs does the United Nations have, and what are they?

The United Nations has six principal organs: the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.

Why was the Security Council created?

The Security Council was created after World War II as an executive power to help maintain international peace and security.

How is the membership of the Security Council structured?

The Security Council has 15 members: five permanent members (Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, and the United States), and 10 non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.

What power do the five permanent members of the Security Council have?

The five permanent members of the Security Council have veto power, meaning one negative vote from any of them can block any resolution, regardless of international support.

How are the ten non-permanent members of the Security Council chosen?

The ten non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly on a regional basis and serve two-year terms.

What is required for a decision to be made by the Security Council?

For a decision to be made, the Security Council requires nine affirmative votes, including the concurring votes of the permanent members.

What actions can the Security Council take to address threats to international peace?

The Security Council can work towards peaceful dispute settlements, intervene with peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions on rogue states, or even authorize military force if necessary.

What is the role of the Security Council in relation to the UN Secretary-General and the International Court of Justice?

The Security Council recommends the appointment of the UN Secretary-General and the election of judges for the International Court of Justice.

Are the decisions of the Security Council binding on all states?

Yes, the decisions of the Security Council are binding on all UN member states.