What is UN Security Council (UNSC)?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The veto power held by the five permanent members (P5) is a critical aspect. Any one of them can block any resolution, regardless of how many other members support it. This power reflects the historical context of the UNSC's creation and the desire to ensure that the major powers would support its decisions. For example, Russia has frequently used its veto to block resolutions related to the Syrian conflict.
- 2.
The UNSC can authorize peacekeeping operations. These operations involve deploying troops and observers to conflict zones to monitor ceasefires, protect civilians, and help implement peace agreements. A good example is the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been in place since 1978.
- 3.
The UNSC can impose sanctions on countries or individuals that threaten international peace and security. These sanctions can include economic measures, such as trade embargoes or asset freezes, as well as arms embargoes and travel bans. For instance, sanctions have been imposed on North Korea in response to its nuclear weapons program.
- 4.
Under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the UNSC can authorize the use of force. This is the most powerful tool at its disposal, and it is only used as a last resort when all other measures have failed. The authorization of military intervention in Libya in 2011 is an example of this.
- 5.
The UNSC also plays a role in the appointment of the UN Secretary-General. While the General Assembly formally appoints the Secretary-General, the UNSC first recommends a candidate.
- 6.
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) reports to the UNSC on issues like economic development and humanitarian crises that could potentially threaten international peace and security. This highlights the interconnectedness of various global challenges.
- 7.
The UNSC's decisions are binding on all UN member states. This means that all countries are legally obligated to comply with the resolutions passed by the UNSC. This is a key difference between the UNSC and the UN General Assembly, whose resolutions are generally non-binding.
- 8.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, can be involved in cases brought before the UNSC. The UNSC can request advisory opinions from the ICJ on legal questions.
- 9.
The UNSC's effectiveness is often hampered by the political divisions among its permanent members. Disagreements between the P5 can lead to gridlock and prevent the UNSC from taking action on important issues. This is particularly evident in situations involving the interests of one or more of the P5.
- 10.
The debate over UNSC reform centers on increasing the number of permanent and non-permanent members to better reflect the current global landscape. Countries like India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan (the G4 nations) are strong contenders for permanent seats.
- 11.
The UNSC has a Counter-Terrorism Committee, established after the September 11, 2001 attacks, to monitor and promote the implementation of UN resolutions related to counter-terrorism.
- 12.
The UNSC can establish international criminal tribunals to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) are examples of such tribunals.
Recent Developments
10 developmentsIn 2022, Russia vetoed a UNSC resolution condemning its invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the limitations of the UNSC in addressing conflicts involving permanent members.
In 2023, the UNSC renewed the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in South Sudan (UNMISS), focusing on protecting civilians and supporting the peace process.
In 2024, discussions on UNSC reform continued, with various proposals for expanding the council and addressing the issue of the veto power.
Several countries, including India and Brazil, have reiterated their calls for permanent seats on the UNSC, arguing that the current composition is outdated and unrepresentative.
The UNSC has been actively involved in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and increased access for humanitarian aid.
The UNSC imposed sanctions on individuals and entities associated with the conflict in Sudan, aiming to pressure the warring parties to return to negotiations.
The UNSC has expressed concern over the increasing use of artificial intelligence in warfare and its potential implications for international peace and security.
The UNSC has been monitoring the situation in Myanmar following the military coup, calling for a return to democracy and the release of political prisoners.
The UNSC has been working to address the threat of terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, through sanctions, peacekeeping operations, and counter-terrorism initiatives.
The UNSC has been focusing on the issue of climate change and its impact on international peace and security, recognizing that climate change can exacerbate existing conflicts and create new ones.
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International RelationsUPSC Relevance
The UNSC is a frequent topic in the UPSC exam, particularly in GS Paper 2 (International Relations). Questions often focus on its structure, functions, powers, and limitations. You should be prepared to discuss the debate over UNSC reform, India's bid for a permanent seat, and the role of the UNSC in addressing various global challenges.
In Prelims, you might encounter questions about the veto power, the composition of the UNSC, and its relationship with other UN bodies. In Mains, you'll likely be asked to analyze the effectiveness of the UNSC and propose solutions for improving its performance. Recent years have seen questions on the UNSC's role in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and conflict resolution.