United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council is the UN organ entrusted with the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Under Article 24 of the UN Charter, UN members confer this responsibility on the Council, which acts on their behalf while performing its duties.

Charter mandate

The Council addresses disputes, threats to peace, breaches of peace and acts of aggression. Its primary responsibility does not make its competence wholly exclusive, but the Charter limits General Assembly recommendations on disputes or situations while the Council is exercising its assigned functions.

• Under Chapter VI, the Council may investigate disputes and recommend methods or terms for their peaceful settlement.
• Under Article 39 and Chapter VII, it may determine whether a threat to peace, breach of peace or act of aggression exists.
• It may impose non-military measures under Article 41 and authorize military action under Article 42 when necessary.
• Under Article 25, UN members agree to accept and carry out Security Council decisions in accordance with the Charter.

Composition and decision-making

The Council has 15 members: five permanent members and ten members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

• Under Article 27, procedural decisions require nine affirmative votes.
• Other decisions require nine affirmative votes, including the concurring votes of the permanent members, which forms the basis of the veto.

Significance of the responsibility

The Council combines peaceful dispute settlement with enforcement powers, making it the central UN organ for collective security. Its effectiveness nevertheless depends on cooperation among members, especially the permanent members, whose veto can prevent substantive action.