The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) comprises of five permanent members – France, Russia, China, the USA and the UK and ten non-permanent members who are elected for a term of two years by the United Nations General Assembly.
Under the United Nations Charter, the UNSC has key responsibility to maintain global peace and security.
The UNSC also takes the final call regarding the deployment of UN Peacekeeping forces.
It responds to catastrophes and predicaments across the world on a case-by-case basis and it has an assortment of options at its disposal.
Moreover, it also considers various factors when taking into account the initiation of new peacekeeping operation, which includes – If there is a truce in place and the sides have devoted themselves to a peace process deliberated to reach a political resolution; If a clear political objective exists and whether it can be replicated in the directive; whether or not it is possible to put together an explicit mandate for a UN peacekeeping operation; whether the security and safety of UN peacekeeping personnel can be ensured practically, especially if assurances can be procured from the key factions or parties on their safety and security;
The Security Council is empowered with the right of voting to enlarge, modify or end mission mandates as it considers apt.
Under Article 25 of the United Nations Charter, all members of the UN have to abide by the decision of the UNSC.
The five permanent members of the Security Council enjoys the veto power, which enables them to thwart the implementation of any " substantive" resolution, besides deciding which issues come under "substantive" title.
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