Question

The United Nations Organisation was established to maintain peace and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. With reference to this, explain the following:
(a) The composition of the Security Council.
(b) Are the major decisions taken in the Security Council?
(c) The functions of the Security Council related to maintaining World Peace.

Answer 1

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Composition:

UNSC is composed of 15 Members: five permanent members: China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.

The UNSC can take decisions that are binding for all UN members and it is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions. All decisions on all substantive matters require the affirmative votes of nine members.

Functions:

1. In cases where conflict is occurring, the Council may issue ceasefire directives, send in UN peacekeeping forces or use enforcement actions, such as sanctions.

2. To recommend to the parties that they reach agreement through peaceful means.

3. Appoint, or ask the UN Secretary General to appoint, special representatives to assist and guide efforts towards conflict resolution.