The horror of two World Wars led to the formation of the United Nations Organisation, while the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement followed later. In this context, answer the following:
Explain any three functions of the Security Council.
Topic: Functions of the Security Council
Answer
(1) It bears the PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY for maintaining international peace and security. It investigates any dispute likely to endanger peace and calls on the parties to settle it by negotiation, arbitration or judicial settlement. (2) If peaceful means fail, it may impose ECONOMIC SANCTIONS — the severance of trade, transport and diplomatic relations — and if these prove inadequate it may take MILITARY ACTION against the aggressor with forces supplied by the member states. Its decisions are BINDING on all members. (3) It recommends the ADMISSION of new members to the General Assembly and the appointment of the Secretary-General, and together with the General Assembly it elects the judges of the International Court of Justice.
One mark per function. Cover different KINDS — peaceful settlement, enforcement, and elective — rather than three examples of the same. The distinction being tested is that the Security Council can ENFORCE while the General Assembly can only RECOMMEND. Its decisions are binding, which is why it is called the executive organ of the UN. Composition worth a clause: 15 members, 5 permanent with the veto and 10 elected for two years.