United Nations Security Council (What is it?)
- The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
- It was established under the UN Charter, 1945, and began functioning in 1946.
- It is headquartered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.
- Under Article 24 of the UN Charter, UN member states confer primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security upon the Security Council.
Key Features of UNSC
- Total Membership: 15 members.
- 5 Permanent Members (P5): USA, UK, France, Russia and China.
- 10 Non-Permanent Members elected for a two-year term.
- Presidency: Rotates monthly among the 15 members in English alphabetical order.
- Voting Procedure (Article 27):
- Procedural matters require at least 9 affirmative votes.
- Substantive matters require at least 9 affirmative votes, including the concurrence of the permanent members.
- Veto Power: Any one of the five permanent members can block a substantive resolution through a negative vote.
- Election of Non-Permanent Members: Elected by the UN General Assembly through a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
- Regional Representation: Seats are distributed among geographical groups to ensure regional representation.
Powers and Functions of UNSC
- Peace and Security: Investigates disputes and recommends peaceful settlement under Chapter VI of the UN Charter.
- Sanctions: Can impose economic, diplomatic and other non-military sanctions under Article 41.
- Military Action: Can authorise the use of force under Article 42 when non-military measures are inadequate.
- Peacekeeping: Authorises and mandates UN peacekeeping operations.
- Membership: Recommends the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly under Article 4.
- Judicial Appointments: Along with the UN General Assembly, elects judges of the International Court of Justice.
India’s Demand for UNSC Reforms
- Underrepresentation: Developing countries, particularly Africa, Asia and Latin America, lack adequate representation in permanent membership.
- Outdated Structure: The present composition reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 rather than contemporary global power distribution.
- Veto-related Paralysis: Use of veto power by permanent members often obstructs collective action during international conflicts.
- Democratic Deficit: The concentration of decision-making power among five permanent members undermines the principle of sovereign equality.
Conclusion
The UNSC remains central to global peace and security, but its effectiveness is constrained by unequal representation and veto-based decision-making. Reforms are essential to make it more representative, democratic and responsive to contemporary geopolitical realities.
| This Concept has been discussed in the following article: DAMNING REPORT |