The United Nations II

Abstract

Key facts Headquarters: New York Members: 192 countries Mandate: to end international war, and promote social and economic development. Key structure: the Security Council has fifteen members, five of which are listed in Article 23 as permanent members, and the remaining ten are elected for two-year terms; decisions are passed when nine members support a resolution including the five permanent members. Key obligations: member states must give up the use of force except for self-defense, must carry out Security Council decisions, and must provide military resources to the Council for its enforcement actions. Enforcement: the Security Council can take any action it deems necessary, including the use of force, to respond to threats to international peace and security. Key legal clauses of the UN Charter: Article 24(1) “… the United Nations … confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.” Article 25 “The Members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council.” Article 39 “The Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression and shall … decide what measures shall be taken in accordance with Articles 41 and 42, to maintain or restore international peace and security.” Article 41 “The Security Council may decide what measures not involving the use of armed force are to be employed to give effect to its decisions.”