United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

Fresh SSB batches starting 17th July. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

"The Security Council is the pivot on which the peace of the world turns." 

Introduction 

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has the authority to make legally binding decisions, including imposing sanctions, authorizing military action, and establishing peacekeeping missions. Established in 1945, the UNSC remains a key forum for addressing global conflicts and crises. Composition of UNSC

• Total Members: 15
  • Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These nations hold veto power.
  • Non-Permanent Members: 10 members elected for a two-year term by the UN General Assembly based on geographical representation.

• Maintaining Peace and Security: Resolve conflicts through peaceful means, impose sanctions, and authorize peacekeeping operations.
• Conflict Resolution: Mediate disputes between countries to prevent escalation.
• International Sanctions: Impose economic, trade, or diplomatic sanctions to maintain global stability.
• Military Action: Authorize the use of force in severe cases to restore peace.
• Admitting New Members: Recommend the admission of new UN member states.

• The P5 members have the privilege to veto any substantive resolution, giving them significant influence over the council’s decisions.
• While intended to ensure unity among major powers, it often leads to deadlock on sensitive issues.

• Lack of Representation: Emerging powers like India, Brazil, and South Africa demand permanent membership to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
• Veto Power Misuse: P5 countries have been accused of using the veto to block resolutions that do not align with their national interests.
• Ineffectiveness in Conflict Resolution: The UNSC has faced criticism for its inability to respond effectively to crises in regions like Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.
• Reform Demands: Calls for UNSC reforms include increasing the number of permanent and non-permanent members and limiting veto usage.

• India’s Contributions: India has been a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times, most recently from 2021 to 2022.
• Global Advocate: India actively supports multilateralism, counter-terrorism efforts, and climate action.
• Permanent Membership Demand: India advocates for a permanent seat, citing its large population, growing economy, and significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.

• Reform and Expansion: Expand the UNSC to include more permanent and non-permanent members for equitable representation.
• Restricting Veto Power: Implement mechanisms to prevent the misuse of vetoes, especially in cases of humanitarian crises.
• Strengthening Diplomacy: Promote dialogue and consensus-building among nations for effective conflict resolution.
• Enhanced Cooperation: Collaborate with regional organizations like the African Union (AU) and ASEAN for localized peace efforts.

The UNSC remains a crucial pillar of the international order. While it has played a pivotal role in maintaining global peace, reforming its structure and decision-making process is essential to address modern challenges effectively. A more representative and transparent UNSC can strengthen global governance and promote lasting peace.