1History

The Institute for Domestic and International Affairs

Historic Security Council Committee History Rutgers Model United Nations 16-19 November 2006

Š 2006 Institute for Domestic & International Affairs, Inc. (IDIA) This document is solely for use in preparation for Rutgers Model United Nations 2006. Use for other purposes is not permitted without the express written consent of IDIA. For more information, please write us at idiainfo@idia.net

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The Security Council as designated by the United Nations Charter, has the responsibility “for the maintenance of international peace and security.” Since it has such an important responsibility, it is organized to function continuously, therefore a representative of each of its members must be present at all times at United Nations Headquarters.1 The Security Council tries to respond to all complaints concerning threats to peace. The first step by the Council is always via peaceful means and suggestion. In certain cases the Council itself seeks investigation and mediation. “It may appoint special representatives or request the Secretary-General to do so or to use his good offices. It may set forth principles for a peaceful settlement.”2 When a dispute arises the council seeks to end it as soon as possible. To do this, the Council uses cease-fire directives and peacekeeping forces. It also has the ability to impart economic sanctions, or collective military action. If the Council is in action against a member state, that member “may be suspended from the exercise of the rights and privileges of membership by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.” If a member continuously violates the Charters, that member me be expelled from the United Nations.3 Aside from the maintenance of international peace and security they Security Council has numerous other tasks that it is responsible for. It mush recommend new members to the General Assembly for admission, recommend the appointments of Secretary-Generals to the General Assembly for approval, and elect judges to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).4 In the case that a state in involved in deliberations of the Council, that state may take mart in meetings; however, they shall not have a vote. The Member of the Security Council are: Argentina, Brazil, China*, Czech Republic, Djibouti, France*, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Russian Federation*, Rwanda, Spain, United 1

“UN Security Council: Background,” United Nations, http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/unsc_background.html, Accessed 15 September 2006.

2 Ibid.

3 Ibid.

4 “UN Security Council: Functions and Powers,” United Nations, http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/unsc_functions.html, Accessed 15 September 2006.

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Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland*, United States of America*.5 At the head of the Security Council is the President, which rotates monthly through the members.

There are non-permanent members of whom are elected by the General

Assembly for two-year terms and not eligible for immediate re-election. Originally there were six non-permanent members. This number was raised to ten by an amendment of the Charter, which came into force in 1965.6 Each member of the Council has one vote; therefore with 15 members there are 15 votes. In matters regarding procedure of the Council, 9 votes are required. In matters that are substantive, nine votes are required include the votes of the five permanent members. “This is the rule of "great Power unanimity", often referred to as the "veto" power.” With this structure, Member states are obligated under the Charter to carry out the decisions of the Security Council.7 The Council is constructed of different committees. The standing committees include Security Council Committee of Experts, Security Council Committee on Admission of New Members, and Security Council Committee on Council meetings away from Headquarters. The Council also has the authority to create ad hoc committee’s as necessary. Currently there is only one ad hoc committee entitles Governing Council of the United Nations Compensation Commission established by Security Council resolution 692 (1991).8

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“UN Security Council: Members,” Untied Nations, http://www.un.org/sc/searchres_sc_year_english.asp?year=1998, Accessed 15 September 2006. * corresponds to permanent Security Council members 6 “UN Security Council: Members,” Untied Nations, http://www.un.org/sc/members.asp, Accessed 15 September 2006.

7 Ibid.

8 “UN Security Council: Structure,” United Nations, Governing Council of the United Nations Compensation Commission established by Security Council resolution 692 (1991), Accessed 15 September 2006.