The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the most powerful organ of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Unlike other UN bodies, UNSC decisions are legally binding on all UN member states.
- Established: 1945
- Headquarters: New York City, USA
- Legal basis: Chapter V of the UN Charter
Primary Responsibilities of UNSC
- Prevent and resolve international conflicts
- Authorize peacekeeping missions
- Impose economic sanctions
- Approve military action (use of force)
- Recommend appointment of the UN Secretary-General
- Admit new UN member states (with General Assembly)
Composition of the UNSC (15 Members)
1. Permanent Members (P5)
These countries have veto power:
- United States
- Russia
- China
- France
- United Kingdom
These nations were victors of World War II, which explains their privileged status.
2. Non-Permanent Members (10)
- Elected by the UN General Assembly
- Term: 2 years (no immediate re-election)
- Distributed regionally:
- Africa – 3
- Asia-Pacific – 2
- Latin America & Caribbean – 2
- Western Europe & Others – 2
- Eastern Europe – 1
- India has served 8 times as a non-permanent member (most recently 2021–22).
Voting System & Veto Power
- Voting Rules : Each member = 1 vote
- 9 affirmative votes required for a resolution to pass
- A single “No” vote by any P5 can block a resolution
- Abstention by a P5 does not count as veto
Veto usage (1946–2025 approx.)
- USSR/Russia: ~120+
- USA: ~85+
- UK: ~30
- France: ~20
- China: ~18
Veto is often criticized as undemocratic but defended as a tool to prevent major-power wars.
UNSC & Peacekeeping Operations
- Peacekeeping missions authorized: 70+ since 1948
- Active missions (2025): ~12
- Personnel deployed: ~75,000
- Top troop contributors: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Rwanda
UNSC Powers under UN Charter
Chapter VI – Pacific Settlement : Negotiation, mediation, arbitration
Chapter VII – Enforcement Action
- Sanctions
- Military intervention
- Blockades
- Arms embargoes
- Example: Sanctions on North Korea, Iran, Taliban