UN security council Flashcards
Which chapter of the charter is about the SC?
chapter 5
members of the security council
the SC consists of 15 members, 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent
non-permanent members are elected by the general assembly for two year terms (some just for one year), the ten non-permanent seats are distributed on a geographical basis
(Asia 2, Africa 3, Latin America and the Caribbean 2, Eastern Europe 1, and Western Europe and other countries 2)
each member of the SC has one representative
which are the current non-permanent members?
Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway and the United Arab Emirates
States that are not members in the SC and their role
more than 50 countries have never held a seat in the SC
non-members may participate in discussions in the SC when the topic of discussion is its own country (EX: defend themselves against accusations of violating human rights). However, they can only participate in the debate but have no voting power
Security council presidency
The presidency of the council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the english alphabetical order of the name of the states
(norway was in january 2022, currently Albania holds the presidency)
Functions and power of the Security Council
Article 25 and 26
The members of the UN have to carry out the decisions of the security council in accordance with the UN charter. The only organ in the UN that can make decisions that the other members are obligated to follow (binding)
promote the establishments and maintenance of international peace and security
investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction
take military action against an aggressor
call on members of the UN to apply economic sanction and other measures not involving the use of force to stop aggression
recommend the admission of new members
recommend to the GA the appointment of the secretary-general and, together with the Assembly elect the judges o the ICJ
Voting in the Security council
article 27
each member have one vote, decisions of the SC shall be made by an affirmative vote of nine members (procedural matter)
decisions of the security council on all other matters shall be made by affirmative vote of nine members including the votes of the permanent members
The right to veto
the five permanent members have the right to veto, so if one of them cast a negative vote then the resolution will not be approved
they can also abstain from voting - in which case the resolution can be approved if the has the necessary nine favourable votes
examples:
Russia have vetoed 4 resolutions concering its allied Syria since 2011
US has used its veto to protect Israel against resolutions drafts by the SC 42 times since 1972
SC must approve new members of the UN, China has vetoed against Taiwanese memberships
Criticism of the UN structure and power
The five membership system has been criticized as the majority of power falls in their hands. Especially in regards to their veto power, the “smaller” members have no saying,
Also, the P5 which have the main responsibility of maintaining international peace and security are the states that caused the most international conflict and tension.
Reform proposals
Increasing the number of non-permanent members and restrict or fully remove the veto right from the P5
Procedure of the SC
Holds periodic meetings twice a year (article 28)
can establish subsidiary organs if needed
Shall adopt its own rules of procedure, including the method of selecting its President
the president shall call a meeting of the SC at the request of any member of the Security council
(FYLL INN MER)
Non members can participate without vite
Chapter 7
the SC shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of peace or acts of aggression - shall make recommendations on what measures shall be taken in accordance with article 41 and 42
article 41
the SC may decide to take measures and employ measures not involving the use of armed forces.
the SC will call on the members of the UN to apply these measures
these may include complete of partial interruption of economic relations and of rail, sea, air, postal, telegraphic, radio and other means of
article 42
Should the SC consider the measures provided for in article 41 be inadequate, it may take action by air, sea and land forces as may be necessary to restore international peace. Such action may include demonstrations, blockade and other operations by air, sea or land forces of the members of the UN
Article 43
all members of the UN must make available to the Security Council, on its call, armed forces, assistance, facilities, including rights of passage necessary for the purpose of maintaining international peace and security.
