The Security Council
Iran nuclear issue
- On 16 January 2016, the IAEA reported that Iran has taken a series of initial nuclear-related measures called for by resolution 2231 (2015).
- Accordingly, the provisions of previous resolutions on the Iran nuclear issue have been terminated.
- All States shall now comply with all provisions of resolution 2231 (2015).
Under the Charter, the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions.
The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
The Security Council also recommends to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-General and the admission of new Members to the United Nations. And, together with the General Assembly, it elects the judges of the International Court of Justice.
Latest News
Security Council renews sanctions against those blocking peace in South Sudan
07 April 2016 Determining that the situation in South Sudan poses a continuing threat to regional peace and security, the United Nations Security Council today renewed, until 1 June, its sanctions regime imposed last year against those blocking peace in the war-torn country, including a travel ban and a freeze on their assets.
Political progress to end Darfur conflict through dialogue ‘remains elusive’ – UN peacekeeping chief
06 April 2016 Intensified fighting since January has resulted in a rapidly worsening security situation and large-scale displacement in Sudan’s Darfur region, the top United Nations peacekeeping official warned today, stressing that it is important that Security Council “impress on all parties to the conflict […] that a political solution remains the only viable option.”
