• The Security Council is one of the six organs of the UN and is responsible for maintaining international peace and security

Membership

  • It consists of 15 members: 5 permanent members (P5) with veto power—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the USA—and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Organs of UN

  • General Assembly
  • Security Council
  • Economic and Social Council
  • Trusteeship Council (Suspended)
  • International Court of Justice

Features of the Security Council

  • Each Member has one vote. The permanent members have veto powers, which means they can override decisions taken by their vote.
  • All member States under the UN are obligated to comply with security council decisions.
  • The Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
  • Non Security Council may participate, without a vote, in its discussions when the council considers that country’s interests are affected.

Source: The Hindu