Composition and Function of United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

The United Nations Security Council is one of the six main organs of the United Nations and has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It is composed of 15 member states, including five permanent members (P5) and ten non-permanent members. Here are details about the composition and main functions of the Security Council:

• Composition of United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

1. Permanent Members (P5):

The Security Council’s five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These countries hold the power of veto, which means that any substantive decision requires the affirmative votes of all five permanent members.

2. Non-Permanent Members:

The remaining ten seats on the Security Council are occupied by non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly. The non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms, with five seats being vacated and replaced every year.

• Functions of United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

1. Maintenance of International Peace and Security:

The primary function of the Security Council is to maintain international peace and security. It does so by identifying threats to peace, calling for ceasefires, imposing sanctions, and authorizing the use of force, including peacekeeping operations.

2. Peacekeeping Operations:

The Security Council has the authority to establish and deploy United Nations peacekeeping missions to areas affected by conflicts. These missions are aimed at promoting peace, assisting with political processes, protecting civilians, and facilitating humanitarian efforts.

3. Resolution Adoption:

The Security Council can adopt resolutions that are binding on all UN member states. Resolutions may include imposing sanctions, establishing arms embargoes, creating international tribunals, or authorizing the use of force in response to threats to international peace and security.

4. Conflict Mediation and Resolution:

The Security Council plays a crucial role in mediating and resolving conflicts. It can facilitate negotiations between conflicting parties, engage in diplomatic efforts, and support peace processes through its resolutions and actions.

5. Admission of New Member States:

The Security Council has the authority to recommend the admission of new member states to the United Nations. This recommendation must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly.

6. Reports and Recommendations:

The Security Council regularly receives reports from the UN Secretary-General, regional organizations, and other UN bodies. It can make recommendations to member states on actions to address conflicts, security threats, and other matters related to international peace and security.

It is important to note that the decisions and actions of the Security Council are binding on UN member states. The composition of the Council, with the P5 having veto power, can at times influence the decision-making process and effectiveness of its actions. However, the Security Council remains a critical forum for global discussions on peace and security issues, providing a platform for dialogue and international cooperation.

Books Recommended:                Check it Out

1. Textbook on Public International Law, Dr. Rakesh.Kr. Singh , Universal Publications

2. Law of Extradition In India by V K Bansal , Buttersworth Publications.

3. Modern Introduction to International Law (edited by Peter Malanczuk) ,Routledge Publications , 1997.

4. Theory of International Law by Robert Kolb , Hart Publications , 2016 .

5. Humanitarian Intervention : The United Nations in An Evolving World Order by Sean Murphy , University of Pennsylvania Press , 1996.

6. Introduction to International Relations : Theories and Approaches , Robert Jackson Oxford University Press , 1973.

7. Collective Security under International Law by Hans Kelsen , Law Books Exchange Ltd, 1957.

8. Public International Law by Malcolm Shaw 8th Edition , Cambridge Publications.

9. The Public International Law Theory of Hans Kelsen : Believing in Universal Law by Jochen Von Bernstorff , Cambridge Publications 2010.

10. Cases and Materials on Public International Law by D J Harris , Sweet Maxwell Publications.