Assignment Question

Q. The Security Council takes the lead in determining

the existence of a threat to the peace or act of
aggression: Based on this explain the role of UNSC in
the present day world:

a) Composition of UNSC

b) Powers and Functions of UNSC

c) Explain by giving three examples where UNSC was

effective.

d) Explain by giving three examples where UNSC was

ineffective

e) Conclusion
 Acknowledgement

I’d like to sincerely thank my dedicated

Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Bhavna.S.Dharni, for
her unwavering guidance, which played a
pivotal role in the success of this project.
I also extend my gratitude to our school
Principal, for providing the excellent opportunity
to work on this project.

My heartfelt appreciation also goes out to my

parents for their constant support throughout
this project, as well as to my friends and all
those who contributed directly or indirectly to
the successful completion of this school project

.
List of Contents
 Introduction
After the bitter experience of two World Wars within a span of 25 years,
the world leaders realised the necessity for establishing an organisation
more powerful than the League of Nations. They held many conferences
to discuss the nature and viability of such an organisation. Their efforts
finally took shape at San Francisco on October 24,1945 in the form of
the United Nations Organization.
The text for the UN Charter was drafted at the San Francisco
Conference held in June 1945. The Charter was signed by 50
participating nations. The United Nations formally came into existence in
October,1945 when the Charter was ratified by 29 nations including the
five permanent members of the Security Council.

Main Objectives Of the UN

➔ To maintain international peace and security.
➔ To develop friendly relations among nations.
➔ To achieve international cooperation.
➔ To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations.
➔ Disarm,decolonise and develop are the three new objectives
set by the UN.
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

Introduction

The Security Council

is the executive
body of the United Nations.
It has the primary responsibility
for the maintenance of
international peace and security.
Its powers as outlined in the
United Nations Charter
include establishing peacekeeping
operations, enacting international
sanctions and authorise military action.
The UNSC is the only UN body with authority to issue
resolutions that are binding on member states.

Abbreviation UNSC
Formation 24 October,1945
Headquarters New York, USA
First Session 17 January,1946
Parent Organization United Nations
Website un.org/securitycouncil
 COMPOSITION OF UNSC

The Security Council consists of fifteen members, of which five

are permanent: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom,
and the United States. These were the great powers that were
the victors of World War II. Permanent members can veto
(block) any substantive Security Council resolution, including
those on the admission of new member states to the United
Nations or nominees for the office of Secretary-General. The
other ten members are elected on a regional basis for a term of
two years, by the General Assembly by a two-third majority.

Non-Permanent Members of the UNSC

Countries Number
Afro-Asian Countries 5
Latin American Countries 2
West European and Others 2
East European Country 1
 Powers and Functions of the UNSC

1.⁠⁠Maintenance of International Peace and Security:

- Investigation and Mediation: The UNSC can investigate any
dispute or situation which might lead to international friction or
give rise to a dispute. It can recommend appropriate methods
of adjustment or terms of settlement.
- Peacekeeping Operations: The UNSC authorises
peacekeeping missions to help manage conflicts and maintain
peace and security in regions of conflict.
- Sanctions: The UNSC can impose sanctions to enforce its
decisions without resorting to the use of force.

2.⁠⁠Military Action:
- Use of Force: In cases where peaceful means are
inadequate, the UNSC can authorise the use of force to
maintain or restore international peace and security. This may
include military operations by UN member states or UN-led
coalitions.

3.⁠⁠Establishing Subsidiary Bodies:

- The UNSC can establish subsidiary bodies to perform its
functions, such as committees, working groups, and
international tribunals.

4.⁠⁠Adopting Binding Resolutions:

- The UNSC has the authority to adopt binding resolutions
that member states are obligated to implement. These
resolutions can mandate actions by countries to address
threats to peace and security.
5.⁠⁠Admission of New Members:
- The UNSC recommends the admission of new members to
the General Assembly. A two-thirds majority vote in the General
Assembly, based on the recommendation of the UNSC, is
required for a new member to join the UN.

6.⁠⁠Electing the Secretary-General:

- The UNSC recommends a candidate for the position of
Secretary-General to the General Assembly. The General
Assembly then votes to appoint the Secretary-General based
on this recommendation.

7.⁠⁠Trusteeship Council:
- The UNSC oversees the administration of trust territories
and ensures that their inhabitants are progressing toward
self-government or independence.

8.⁠⁠International Tribunals:
- The UNSC can establish international tribunals to prosecute
individuals for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against
humanity.

Decision-Making and Voting

•⁠ ⁠The UNSC consists of 15 members: five permanent members

(China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United
States) with veto power, and ten non-permanent members
elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
•⁠ ⁠Decisions on procedural matters require the affirmative votes
of at least nine of the 15 members.
•⁠ ⁠Decisions on substantive matters require nine votes,
including the concurring votes of all five permanent members.
This is known as the "veto" power.
Examples where UNSC was Effective

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has had several

instances where its actions have been effective in maintaining
international peace and security. Here are three examples:

1. Gulf War (1990-1991)

Background: In August 1990, Iraq, under the leadership of

Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, leading to a significant
international crisis.

UNSC Action:
- Resolution 660: The UNSC immediately condemned the
invasion and demanded Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait.
- Resolution 678: Authorised member states to use "all
necessary means" to uphold and implement Resolution 660
and restore international peace and security in the area.
- Operation Desert Storm: A US-led coalition, with
authorization from the UNSC, launched military operations.

Effectiveness: The coalition forces successfully liberated

Kuwait in February 1991, demonstrating the UNSC's capability
to coordinate international military efforts to respond to acts of
aggression.
2. Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002)

Background: Sierra Leone experienced a brutal civil war

characterised by severe human rights violations, including
widespread atrocities committed by the Revolutionary United
Front (RUF).

UNSC Action:
- UNAMSIL: In 1999, the UNSC established the United
Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to assist with the
implementation of the Lomé Peace Agreement.
- Resolution 1270: Mandated UNAMSIL to support the
disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration of combatants,
as well as to provide security and support to humanitarian
activities.

Effectiveness: The mission played a crucial role in stabilising

the country, facilitating the disarmament of combatants, and
supporting the peace process. Sierra Leone successfully
transitioned to peace, with democratic elections held in 2002.
3. East Timor (Timor-Leste) Independence (1999-2002)

Background: East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, was

invaded by Indonesia in 1975. After years of conflict and
international pressure, a UN-sponsored referendum in 1999 led
to an overwhelming vote for independence from Indonesia.

UNSC Action:
- Resolution 1272: Established the United Nations
Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) to oversee
the transition to independence.
- UNTAET: Given wide-ranging administrative powers,
including governance, law enforcement, and ensuring security,
as well as assisting in establishing a local government.

Effectiveness: UNTAET successfully administered East Timor

during its transition period, culminating in its independence on
May 20, 2002. The mission helped establish vital institutions
and ensured a peaceful transfer of power.
Examples where UNSC was Ineffective

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has faced

criticism for its ineffectiveness in various situations due to
geopolitical complexities, veto power, and bureaucratic
challenges. Here are three notable examples:

1.⁠⁠Rwandan Genocide (1994):

- Background: In April 1994, the Rwandan Genocide resulted

in the mass slaughter of Tutsis and moderate Hutus by
extremist Hutu militias, leading to the death of an estimated
800,000 people within 100 days.
- UNSC Ineffectiveness: The UNSC failed to intervene
effectively despite clear signs of impending genocide and
multiple warnings. The existing UN peacekeeping mission in
Rwanda (UNAMIR) was not only understaffed and
under-resourced but was also ordered to stand down and avoid
engagement. The UNSC's delayed and inadequate response is
often cited as a major failure in preventing one of the worst
genocides of the 20th century.
● https://youtu.be/RphYwV91MN4?si=9KowjGzmxa2C49jU
2.⁠⁠Syrian Civil War (2011-Present):

- Background: The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 as a result

of anti-government protests and quickly escalated into a
multi-sided conflict involving various factions, including the
Syrian government, rebel groups, ISIS, and international actors.
- UNSC Ineffectiveness: The UNSC has been largely
ineffective in addressing the conflict, primarily due to the use of
veto power by permanent members such as Russia and China,
who have blocked numerous resolutions aimed at condemning
the Syrian government and imposing sanctions. This deadlock
has prevented meaningful action to resolve the conflict, protect
civilians, and address humanitarian crises.
● https://youtu.be/JFpanWNgfQY?si=z6LZ56SZUl8cCRgz
3.⁠⁠Darfur Conflict (2003-Present):

- Background: The conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan

began in 2003, involving government forces and Janjaweed
militias against rebel groups, leading to widespread atrocities,
including mass killings, rape, and displacement of millions of
people.
- UNSC Ineffectiveness: Despite numerous resolutions and
the establishment of a peacekeeping mission (UNAMID), the
UNSC has struggled to effectively address the crisis. The
mission faced significant operational challenges, including lack
of resources, restrictions imposed by the Sudanese
government, and insufficient international support. The
continued violence and humanitarian crisis in Darfur highlight
the limitations of the UNSC's ability to enforce peace and
security in complex internal conflicts.
● https://youtu.be/lDfhxMwoyWo?si=P73NwVhWjRyeja86
India and UNSC
 Conclusion
The United Nations Security Council remains a critical
institution in global governance, tasked with the
monumental responsibility of maintaining international
peace and security. Its successes in Kuwait, Sierra
Leone, and Libya demonstrate its potential to act
effectively when member states cooperate. However,
the council's failures in Syria, Rwanda, and Yemen
underscore the challenges posed by geopolitical
interests and the veto power of permanent members.
Moving forward, the UNSC must address these
limitations to enhance its efficacy and credibility,
ensuring it can more consistently fulfil its mandate in a
rapidly changing world.
 Bibliography

➔ un.org/securitycouncil
➔ www.studyiq.com
➔ www.cnn.com
➔ www.bbc.com
➔ www.indiatoday.com
➔ www.hindustantimes.com
➔ Class 10 Total History and Civics Textbook
➔