Question

The United Nations Organisation was established to maintain peace and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. With reference to this, explain the following:
(a) The composition of the Security Council.
(b) Are the major decisions taken in the Security Council?
(c) The functions of the Security Council related to maintaining World Peace.

Answer 1

Hint: The United Nations is a global intergovernmental agency. It was established in order to maintain global peace and security, create friendly relations among various nations, resolve disputes and uphold international law.

Complete answer:
The Security Council is one of the six major organs of the United Nations. It aims towards maintaining global peace and security.
a) The composition of the Security Council: The Security Council is composed of 15 members. This includes five permanent members which are China, France, Russia, USA and Great Britain. The General Assembly elects the rest ten non-permanent members for a term of two years.
b) Are the major decisions taken in the Security Council?
The United Nations Security Council has been bestowed with the power to decide on international disputes. The decision of the Security Council is binding on all members of the United Nations. This is the only body that has a binding decision on all the members.
c) The functions of the Security Council related to maintaining World Peace.

The Council’s powers include the establishment of peace in areas threatened by disputes, issuing sanctions on member states and refer matters to the International Court of Justice as and when required. It can also authorise military involvement. The Council also has another important role which includes the allowance of new member states to the UN. The other function of the Security Council in maintaining world peace would be to take action if a peace treaty has been violated, the regulation of armaments and methods and terms of adjustment and settlement of disputes.

Note: The Security Council also recommends the General Assembly to appoint the Secretary-General. It also takes part in electing judges to the International Court of Justice.