United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – UPSC Prelims

United Nations Security Council (UNSC):

UNSC is one of six principal organs of the United Nations Organisation (UNO).
Its mandate is to maintain international peace and security.
UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent viz. China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.
Each of the five permanent members has veto power.
10 non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms each.

Non-permanent members are:
- Belgium
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Dominican Republic
- Equatorial Guinea
- Germany
- Indonesia
- Kuwait
- Peru
- Poland
- South Africa
Its powers include establishment of peacekeeping operations, imposing international sanctions, and authorization of collective military action through resolutions.
It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states.
General Assembly elects each year five non-permanent members of the Security Council.
Non-permanent members of the Council should be elected according to the following pattern:
1. Five from African and Asian States;
2. One from Eastern European States;
3. Two from Latin American States;
4. Two from Western European and other States.