U.N.+Security+Council

= United Nations Security Council = = =  **What** **-** The Security Council is a branch of the United Nations that is responsible for the global prevention of war. It was created in 1946 - after World War II- by the allied powers to prevent a third world war and resolve any security issues that may present themselves in the future. The 5 permanent members of the Council are the United States, China, France, Great Britain and Russia. The Council has the ability to organize and participate in peacekeeping operations as well as military action if necessary. These 5 nations also happen to be the 5 nations permitted to possess nuclear weapons under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (some nations are suspected to be in possession of nuclear weapons or technologies and India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea have admitted to having Nuclear projects).

There have also been proposols from some countries that feel they deserve a permenant seat on the security council. They include: India (who has the secound largest world population), Japan and Germany (who contribute the most money to the UN budget), Brazil (largest nation in South America), and African Nations (who request 2 seats for their continent). However these proposals have been meant with resistance for example: Italy opposes a seat for germany but rather would one seat for the European Union. Britain and France opposes that proposal because that would mean they would have to give up their seats. Mexico and Argentina, do not Brazil representing Latin America because they speak Spanish whereas in Brazil the majority of people speak Portugese.
 * Who –** Along with the 5 permanent members which rotate leadership each month in alphabetical order are 10 other delegations are elected for two year terms with 5 changing each year. The general members are chosen by region in order to have each area of the world represented. However, it is widely agreed upon that the Sequurity Council is an unrepresentative group: of it's 15 seats, 5 are occupied by permanent, veto-wieilding members -- all of which are wealthy and eveloped countries with largely greater resources available compared to other countries. When these 15 members are voting on issues, in order to have a passing vote, all 5 permanent members of the Security Council must vote affirmative as well as a minimum of 4 out of 10 general members. The council however can request other countries to participate in discussions if the issue in question effects them. For instance, if civil war is breaking out in Sri Lanka, the council will request a Sri Lankan presence in the meetings.




 * Where\When –** When the Council was first formed, its home was in Paris however it has since moved to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Members must be available at all times at the U.N. headquarters in case an emergency meeting is needed.


 * Why -** The United Nations Security Council exists to help prevent wars with other countries. They will attempt to due so through political and economic sanctions first only turning to armed forces last and only when there is a good chance that it would be effective.


 * Armed Conflict –** The U.N. Security Council has taken action on armed conflicts numerous times. Most notably were the Korean War in 1950 and the Iraqi\Kuwait war in 1991. In both cases, the Security Council concluded that the council must take action by the use of armed force in order to maintain and restore international peace and security.  Many believe the Security Council should rise up and take charge regarding the situation in Sudan. Although the Council has said they are “investigating” the situation, some believe they will never do anything as there is no economic advantage or need where as in the Middle-East, the oil industry must be protected.