The Security Council of UN

The Security Council of United Nations has big responsibility under the Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is well organized to function continuously and effectively, as a representative of each of its members that must be present at all times at United Nations Headquarters. The first ever Summit Meeting of the Council was convened at Headquarters, on 31st January 1992 attended by Heads of State and Government of 13 of its 15 members. Previously, the first meeting was held on 1946 at Church House, London.

There are 15 members altogether in this council including five permanent members of UN which are China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States. Based on the outline in the United Nations Charter, the power of UN Security Council is mostly including of the establishment of peacekeeping operations and the international sanctions with the authorization of military action.

Security Council Discusses Situation in Somalia

The precidency of the security council is held in turn by the members of the Security Council in the English alphabetical order of their names. Each President holds office for one calendar month.

There are several functions and powers exercised by this Council. This is important to ensure the Security Council is always uphold its principle according to UN Charter. The various functions are:

To maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations

-To investigate any dispute or situation which mightlead to international friction;

-To recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement

-To formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments;

-To determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken;

-To call on Members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force -to prevent or stop aggression;

-To take military action against an aggressor;

-To exercise the trusteeship functions of the United Nations in "strategic areas".

The Security Council also is very committed in resolving various problems regarding peace condition in certain countries. The establishment of resolution under the Sanctions Committees draws their objective clearly to maintaining peace and security. The resolution concerning Rwanda, Somalia, Sierra Leone and Al-Qaeda with Taliban are the efforts made by them to overcome problems in those countries.

written by: Nur Syazwani Mohd Yusoff A127014

source of article: official website of United Nations. The link is http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/