Question

The Security Council is the most important and effective organ of the UN. In this context describe.

1. Composition of the Security Council.
2. Veto power.
3. Four of its functions.

Answer 1

1. The Security Council is known as the UN's 'Executive Wing'. The Council is made up of 15 members, five of whom are permanent members: China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States. The General Assembly elects the ten non-permanent members with a two-thirds majority for two-year terms. A departing member is not eligible for immediate reelection. The Council's Presidency rotates monthly, in accordance with the English alphabetical order of members.
2. The negative vote of a permanent member is known as a veto. If one of the five permanent members exercises his or her veto, the Council is helpless to act. Abstention from voting, however, does not constitute a negative vote or veto.
3. Four functions of the Security Council are as follows:
   1. To maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations.
   2. To investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction and to take military action against an aggressor.
   3. To recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement.
   4. To formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments.