Security Council

What is the Security Council?

It is one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

The Security Council has four purposes:

1. Maintain international peace and security;

2. Encourage friendly relations among nations;

3. Cooperate in the solution of international problems and in the development of respect for human rights;

4. Serve as a center that harmonizes the efforts of nations.

How it Works?

When it receives a complaint concerning a threat to peace, the first step taken by the Council is generally to recommend that the parties attempt to reach an agreement by peaceful means.

Because of the way in which it is organized, it can function uninterruptedly, and a representative of each of its members must always be present at United Nations Headquarters.

How is it conformed?

The Security Council is composed of 15 members:

• Five permanent members: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America

 • 10 non-permanent members: Bolivia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Japan, Italy, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Ukraine, Uruguay, Sweden

Historical facts:

The Security Council held its first sitting on January 17, 1946 at Church House, Westminster, London. Currently, the Security Council is permanently installed at United Nations Headquarters in New York.