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Introduction to the United Nations Security Council. Keeping International Peace. What is the Security Council?. The Security Council is one of the principal organs of the UN Its main responsibility is the maintenance of international peace and security under the UN Charter
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Introduction to the United Nations Security Council Keeping International Peace
What is the Security Council? • The Security Council is one of the principal organs of the UN • Its main responsibility is the maintenance of international peace and security under the UN Charter • They meet at different locations around the world • It consists of 15 member countries with 5 permanent members and 10 elected ones with 2 year terms
Which Countries are part of the Security Council? The 5 permanent members of the security council are: - China - France - Russia - United Kingdom - United States
10 Current Non-Permanent Members of the SC • These current members serve 2 year terms • Azerbaijan (2013) India (2012) • South Africa (2012) Togo (2013) • Colombia (2012) Morocco (2013) • Germany (2012) Pakistan (2013) • Guatemala (2013) Portugal (2012)
The Overall Role of the SC • for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is so organized as to be able to function continuously, and a representative of each of its members must be present at all times at United Nations Headquarters
Specific Role of SC • Under the Charter, the functions and powers of the Security Council are: • キto maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations; • キto investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction; • キto recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement;
キto formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments; • キto determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken; • キto call on Members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression; • キto take military action against an aggressor;
キto recommend the admission of new Members; • キto exercise the trusteeship functions of the United Nations in "strategic areas” • キto recommend to the GeneralAssembly the appointment of the Secretary-General (the UN Leader) and, together with the Assembly, to elect the Judges of the International Court of Justice.
Presidency of the SC • Every month of the year, a new country is selected from the 15 countries on the SC to act as “leader” • Currently (July 2012) it is Columbia, and next month is will be France
The UN SC Process for Decisions • When a complaint concerning a threat to peace is brought before it, the Council's first action is usually to recommend to the parties to try to reach agreement by peaceful means. • In some cases, the Council itself undertakes investigation and mediation. It may appoint special representatives or request the Secretary-General to do so or to use her/his good offices.
Each Council member has one vote. Decisions on procedural matters are made by an affirmative vote of at least 9 of the 15 members. • Big decisions require 9 votes, including all 5 of the permanent members. • The 5 permanent members carry “veto” power, meaning “great power of unanimity”.