United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council is the branch of the United Nations whose pivotal responsibility is the maintenance of international peace and security. The United Nations Charter recognizes the Security Council as the only UN body able to establish international sanctions, peacekeeping operations and to authorize for collective military actions against aggressors. According to the UN Charter -while other UN organs make recommendations to Governments- the Council alone has the power to approve legally binding resolutions to which member states are obligated to adjust and carry out.

In accordance with Chapter V of the UN Charter, the basic structure of the SC is defined by two member groups: the permanent five members (China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members (elected by the General Assembly on a rotating basis and by regional proportionality). Permanent members have the power to veto SC Resolutions.

The Council may convene at any time, whenever peace is threatened. This feature is perhaps the most efficient crisis resolution medium at the disposal of the United Nations and represents an excellent opportunity to embark on discussions that may favor the spread of UN values across the globe.

• UN Security Council Official Website: www.un.org/Docs/sc/index.html