   |
Structure |
Sanctions |
|
of the Security Council |
|
|
| UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) | Sanctions Committees: Elected Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons for the period until 31 December 2001 |
| Background |
The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the Charter, 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. On 31 January 1992, the first ever Summit Meeting of the Council was convened at Headquarters, attended by Heads of State and Government of 13 of its 15 members and by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the remaining two. The Council may meet elsewhere than at Headquarters; in 1972, it held a session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the following year in Panama City, Panama.
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 his good offices. It may set forth principles for a peaceful settlement.
When a dispute leads to fighting, the Council's first concern is to bring it to an end as soon as possible. On many occasions, the Council has issued cease-fire directives which have been instrumental in preventing wider hostilities. It also sends United Nations peace-keeping forces to help reduce tensions in troubled areas, keep opposing forces apart and create conditions of calm in which peaceful settlements may be sought. The Council may decide on enforcement measures, economic sanctions (such as trade embargoes) or collective military action.
A Member State against which preventive or enforcement action has been taken by the Security Council may be suspended from the exercise of the rights and privileges of membership by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. A Member State which has persistently violated the principles of the Charter may be expelled from the United Nations by the Assembly on the Council's recommendation.
A State which is a Member of the United Nations but not of the Security Council may participate, without a vote, in its discussions when the Council considers that that country's interests are affected. Both Members of the United Nations and non-members, if they are parties to a dispute being considered by the Council, are invited to take part, without a vote, in the Council's discussions; the Council sets the conditions for participation by a non-member State.
The presidency of the Council rotates monthly, according to the English alphabetical listing of its member States.
| Members |
The Council has 15 members-- five permanent members and 10 elected by the General Assembly
for two-year terms:
Membership and Presidency of the Security Council in 2001 |
||
Month |
Presidency |
Membership Term Ends |
January |
31 December 2002 |
|
February |
Tunisia |
31 December 2001 |
March |
31 December 2001 |
|
April |
Permanent Member |
|
May |
Permanent Member |
|
June |
31 December 2001 |
|
July |
Permanent Member |
|
August |
Colombia |
31 December 2002 |
September |
France |
Permanent Member |
October |
Ireland |
31 December 2002 |
November |
Jamaica |
31 December 2001 |
December |
Mali |
31 December 2001 |
Mauritius |
31 December 2002 |
|
Norway |
31 December 2002 |
|
Russian Federation |
Permanent Member |
|
The following countries began their two-year membership term on 1 January 2001:
| Colombia | Ireland |
| Mauritius | Norway |
| Singapore |
Each Council member has one vote. Decisions on procedural matters are made by an affirmative vote of at least nine of the 15 members. Decisions onsubstantive matters require nine votes, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members. This is the rule of "great Power unanimity", often referred to as the "veto" power.
Under the Charter, all Members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council. While other organs of the United Nations make recommendations to Governments, the Council alone has the power to take decisions which Member States are obligated under the Charter to carry out.
| Functions and Powers |
Under the Charter, the functions and powers of the Security Council are:
| Structure |
Standing Committees -- There are two committees
at present, and each includes representatives of all Security Council member States. Between June 1948 and August 2000, there have been 53 United Nations peace-keeping operations. Sources: Basic Facts About the United Nations, Sales
No.E.98.I.20., Press Release GA/9784 (10 Oct. 2000), and the Office of the Director of
Security Council Affairs Division, DPA.
Ad Hoc Committees -- They are established as needed, comprise all Council members
and meet in closed session.
Working Group on General Issues on Sanctions
Peace-keeping Operations
International Tribunals
Last updated on 30 January 2001
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