Source: TH
Subject: International Organisation
Context: The Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, despite the draft being significantly watered down to gain their support.
About United Nations Security Council (UNSC):
What It Is?
- The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions that member states are legally obligated to follow.
Established In: 1945.
Organisation and Structure:
The Council consists of 15 members divided into two categories:
- Permanent Members (P5): Five nations with Veto Power—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- A veto by any one of these five can block any substantive resolution, regardless of its level of support.
- Non-Permanent Members: Ten members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. These seats are distributed geographically:
- Africa: 3 seats
- Asia-Pacific: 2 seats
- Eastern Europe: 1 seat
- Latin America and the Caribbean: 2 seats
- Western Europe and Others: 2 seats
Aim:
- To investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction.
- To facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes through mediation or Peacekeeping Operations.
- To take military action against an aggressor or impose economic sanctions to restore peace.
How It Works?
- Voting: Each member has one vote. For a resolution to pass, it needs at least nine affirmative votes and zero vetoes from the P5.
- Presidency: The presidency of the Council rotates monthly among the 15 members in alphabetical order.
- Binding Nature: Under Article 25 of the UN Charter, all UN members agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council.
Key Functions:
- Sanctions: Imposing economic and trade sanctions (e.g., arms embargos) to pressure states into compliance.
- Peacekeeping Operations: Deploying Blue Helmets to monitor ceasefires and protect civilians in conflict zones.
- Authorizing Military Action: Under Chapter VII of the Charter, the Council can authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international security.
- Investigative Powers: Sending missions to determine the facts of a conflict and recommending terms of settlement.
- Admission of New Members: Recommending to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-General and the admission of new UN Member States.
Significance:
- It is the ultimate arbiter of international legality regarding the use of force.
- As seen in the 2026 West Asia war, it is the primary forum where world powers negotiate to prevent regional conflicts from becoming global catastrophes.
