How does the UN Security Council work?
Short answer
The UN Security Council is the UN organ with primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members; 5 permanent members hold veto power, and its decisions can be binding.
Checklist
- 15 members5 permanent, 10 non-permanent.
- 9 affirmative votesThe minimum needed for substantive decisions.
- VetoA negative vote by any of the five permanent members blocks a decision.
- BindingnessChapter VII decisions are binding.
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council bears primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It meets at UN headquarters in New York and is the only UN organ whose decisions can be made binding on member states.
Members and structure
- 5 permanent members: The United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France. They hold veto power.
- 10 non-permanent members: Elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, with regional distribution taken into account. Half are replaced each year, and they cannot be immediately re-elected.
- Rotating presidency: The presidency rotates monthly among members in English alphabetical order.
Roles and powers
The Council can recommend peaceful settlement of disputes and determine whether there is a threat to the peace, a breach of the peace or an act of aggression. It can then impose sanctions (economic measures, arms embargoes, etc.) or, if necessary, authorize the use of force. It also establishes peacekeeping operations and recommends new member applications to the General Assembly.
How are decisions made?
- Agenda and meetingAny member, the Secretary-General or, in some cases, other states can bring a matter to the Council's attention.
- Draft resolutionOne or more members prepare a text; negotiations often take place in closed consultations.
- VoteFor non-procedural matters, adoption needs at least 9 affirmative votes and no veto from any permanent member.
- ImplementationAn adopted resolution may be binding; member states, UN bodies and, where relevant, sanctions committees follow its implementation.
Criticism and limits
Because of the veto, the Council may be unable to act in some crises. In such cases the matter is sometimes taken to the General Assembly, whose resolutions are generally recommendatory. Debates on reforming the Council's structure have been ongoing for a long time.
Frequently asked questions
Are Security Council decisions binding on everyone?
Decisions taken under Chapter VII of the Charter are binding on member states. Recommendatory resolutions are not binding.
How were the permanent members determined?
The five permanent members are named explicitly in the Charter from the UN's founding. Changing this requires amending the Charter.
Can non-member countries attend meetings?
States that are parties to a matter on the Council's agenda can be invited to take part in the discussion without a vote.
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