Julgeolekunõukogu

Julgeolekunõukogu (Estonian for the United Nations Security Council) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with maintaining international peace and security. Established by the UN Charter in 1945, it is the only UN body whose substantive decisions can be legally binding on UN member states, subject to veto power by the five permanent members.

Composition: Fifteen members in total: five permanent members—the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly, with geographic representation rotating.

Voting and decisions: For most substantive matters, decisions require at least nine votes in favor and no veto by any of the permanent members. The veto power means any permanent member can block a resolution. The Council can adopt binding resolutions, impose sanctions, deploy or mandate peacekeeping missions, or endorse the use of force under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Functions: It addresses conflicts, prevents escalation, imposes sanctions, authorizes peacekeeping operations, and, when necessary, authorizes the use of force to enforce international peace and security. It also has a role in crisis management, conflict prevention, and coordinating with the UN Secretariat and other agencies involved in peace operations.

Procedures and operations: The Council meets regularly and can convene emergency sessions. It works with the UN Secretariat, the Department of Peace Operations, and other UN bodies; its presidency rotates monthly among its members. Sessions are held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Context: In Estonian usage, Julgeolekunõukogu refers to the United Nations Security Council, the primary decision-making body within the UN system for matters of international security.