The Security Council

The UN Charter gives the Security Council primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The Council may convene at any time, day or night, whenever peace is threatened. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to carry out the Council’s decisions.

There are 15 Council members. Five of these – China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States – are permanent members. The other ten are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.

Decisions of the Council require nine yes votes. A decision cannot be taken if there is a no vote, or veto, by a permanent member.

When the Council considers a threat to international peace, it first explores ways to settle the dispute peacefully. It may send a peacekeeping mission to help the parties maintain the truce and to keep opposing forces apart. It can impose economic sanctions or order an arms embargo.

The Council also makes recommendations to the General Assembly on the appointment of a new Secretary General and on the admission of new Members to the UN.

The Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council coordinates the economic and social work of the United Nations and the UN family. As the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and for formulating policy recommendations, the Council plays a key role in fostering international cooperation for development. It also consults with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), thereby maintaining a vital link between the United Nations and civil society.

Five regional commissions promote economic development and strengthen economic relations in their respective regions.

The Trusteeship Council

The Trusteeship Council was established to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories administered by 7 Member States and ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government or independence. By 1994 its work had completed, the Trusteeship Council now consists only of five permanent members of the Security Council. It has amended its rules of procedure to allow it to meet as and when occasion requires.

The International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, is the main judicial organ of the UN. Consisting of 15 judges elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council, the Court settles disputes between countries. Participation by States in a proceeding is voluntary. The Court also provides advisory opinions to the General Assembly and the Security Council upon request.

The Secretariat

The Secretariat carries out the administrative work of the United Nations as directed by the General Assembly, the Security Council and the other organs. At its head is the Secretary General, who provides overall administrative guidance.

The Secretariat consists of departments and offices with a total stuff of about 8,900 under the regular budget, drawn from some 160 countries.