SECURITY COUNCIL
Structure
The Security Council is one of the 6 main
organs of the United Nations. It has primary
responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the
maintenance of international peace and
security. It has 15 Members (5 permanent and
10 non-permanent members). Each Member
has one vote. Under the Charter, all Member
States are obligated to comply with Council
decisions.
Countries
The Security Council was
established during the San
Francisco Conference held in 1945,
where representatives of 50 nations
drafted the United Nations Charter.
The Charter was signed on June 26,
1945, and it came into force on
October 24, 1945.
History
Permanent members
2023-2024 Members
2024-2025 Members
SECURITY COUNCIL CRISIS
The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the
peace or act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by
peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement.
In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even
authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
North & South America
United States & Canada Mexico
The fentanyl crisis in the USA and Mexico faces an insecurity crisis
Canada involves a surge deaths due to marked by drug cartel violence,
illicit use of potent synthetic opioids, corruption within law enforcement, and
particularly fentanyl. Both are a pervasive culture of impunity.
implementing measures like naloxone Economic disparities and limited
distribution and harm reduction, opportunities contribute to recruitment
emphasizing the need for cross-border into criminal organizations.
collaboration to address the crisis.
Haiti Venezuela
Haiti faces political turmoil, economic Venezuela struggles with a multifaceted
challenges, and recurring natural crisis: ongoing political instability,
disasters. Corruption, weak economic collapse fueled by oil
governance, and a struggling economy dependence, resulting in hyperinflation
contribute to instability. The country and shortages, and a humanitarian
struggles with recurrent protests calling crisis prompting mass migration.
for political change and improved living Diplomatic tensions and healthcare
conditions. challenges.
Asia
Afganistan China
In August 2021, the Taliban, an Territorial disputes in the South China
insurgent group, took control of Kabul, Sea involve overlapping claims by
the capital of Afghanistan, leading to countries, including China, Vietnam, the
the collapse of the Afghan government. Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and
The Taliban have implemented Brunei, over islands causing tension
numerous restrictions to the nation. and global concern.
North Korea Pakistan
North Korea faces economic struggles Pakistan is ongoing an economic crisis
from international sanctions, isolation, and part of 2022 political unrest in
and resource limitations, alongside Pakistan. It has caused severe
human rights and humanitarian challenges such as economic problems
concerns. Nuclear hurts diplomatic ties, with food, water, healthcare, education
while technological gaps and limited scarcity.
connectivity impede progress.
Taiwan Myanmar
The Taiwan Strait situation involves
Myanmar has faced political instability
China claiming sovereignty over
since a military coup in February 2021.
Taiwan, which maintains its own
The military seized control, leading to
government with limited international
widespread protests. International
recognition. Global implications include
condemnation and sanctions followed,
potential economic and security
with calls for the restoration of
repercussions, emphasizing the need
democracy.
for international attention
Europe and Eurasia
Ukraine & Russia
The conflict in Ukraine, sparked by Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, persists
in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine. Pro-Russian separatists
declared independence, leading to a prolonged and complex conflict with
Ukrainian forces. Peace efforts, notably the Minsk agreements, have faced
challenges, resulting in ongoing hostilities and humanitarian consequences. The
conflict strained Russia-Ukraine relations, prompting international sanctions.
Nagorno-Karabakh
The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, also known as the Second Nagorno-Karabakh
War, took place between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-
Karabakh region. The conflict escalated in September 2020, resulting in casualties
and displacement of people. Advanced military technology and drone warfare were
employed. In November 2020, a Russia-brokered ceasefire was established, with
Armenia ceding territory. The outcome had significant geopolitical implications, and
Russian peacekeeping forces were deployed.
Turkey
The longstanding conflict between Turkey and Kurdish armed groups, primarily the
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), revolves around Kurdish aspirations for autonomy
conflicting with state territorial integrity. Originating in 1978, the PKK initially
sought an independent Kurdistan but later focused on advocating for Kurdish
rights within existing states. Turkey has consistently labeled the PKK a terrorist
organization, leading to military operations against the group within and beyond its
borders into Iraq and Syria. The conflict has regional implications, impacting Kurds
in Syria and Iraq, and despite intermittent peace efforts, it remains complex with
human rights concerns and civilian casualties.
Middle East
Syria
The Syrian conflict, stemming from the 2011 Arab Spring, escalated into a
prolonged civil war with complex internal and external dynamics. Government
crackdowns sparked opposition militarization, including the rise of extremist
groups. International involvement increased, with Russia and Iran backing the
government and various factions receiving support. The conflict led to a refugee
crisis and chemical weapons allegations, prompting international condemnation.
Despite peace talks, Russia's 2015 intervention altered the power balance.
Israel-Palestine
The Israel-Palestine conflict, rooted in the late 19th-century Zionist movement, led
to the establishment of Israel in 1948 (WWII) and subsequent regional conflicts.
Key events include the Six-Day War in 1967 and peace treaties like the Egypt-Israel
Peace Treaty in 1979. Despite attempts at a two-state solution, ongoing issues,
such as the Second Intifada and the Gaza Strip's partial disengagement in 2005,
contribute to the complex and enduring nature of the conflict. In late 2023 the
state worsened.
Lebanon
Lebanon struggle with political instability, economic collapse, and social unrest,
exacerbated by ineffective governance, a failing banking sector, and widespread
poverty. Protests demanding political reform and an end to corruption continue,
contributing to a dire humanitarian situation.
Middle East
Iraq
Iraq faces persistent instability due to political challenges, sectarian tensions, and
ongoing security threats like ISIS. Economic struggles and public discontent,
manifested through sporadic protests, add to the complexity. The influence of
neighboring countries and geopolitical factors further complicates efforts to
achieve lasting stability in the region.
Yemen
Yemen continues to grapple with a devastating and complex conflict involving
multiple actors. The Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, seized control of the capital,
Sanaa, in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition intervention in support of the
Yemeni government. The protracted civil war has resulted in widespread
humanitarian crises, including food shortages, disease outbreaks, and significant
civilian suffering. The blockade, airstrikes, and clashes between factions have
further exacerbated the dire situation, with millions facing famine, limited access
to healthcare, and displacement.
Iran
Iran has long been a source of concern for the international community due to its
adoption of Islamic governance in 1979, support for militants abroad, and defiance
of international norms. The Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear
agreement in 2018, citing concerns about Tehran's nuclear and missile programs,
human rights abuses, and support for terrorism, imposing sanctions as part of a
"maximum pressure" campaign. In 2020, Iran adjusted its strategy after the U.S.
strike that killed Qassem Soleimani. The Biden administration, in 2021, initiated
diplomatic efforts to revive the nuclear deal, but by fall 2022, the negotiations
were deadlocked. In September 2022, protests erupted in Iran following the death
of Mahsa Amini, leading to calls for the ouster of the supreme leader and an end
to the Islamic Republic, met with deadly force from security forces.
Asia
Central African Republic Congo
The Central African Republic (CAR) has The Democratic Republic of the Congo
long grappled with political instability, (DRC) faces a complex situation
armed conflicts, and humanitarian characterized by political instability,
crises, involving clashes between armed conflict in the eastern regions,
government forces and rebel groups. humanitarian concerns with
Root causes include ethnic and widespread displacement and human
religious tensions, as well as power rights abuses, issues related to the
struggles. International organizations, exploitation of natural resources,
notably the United Nations, have been periodic Ebola outbreaks, and
actively involved in peacekeeping and challenges in infrastructure and
humanitarian efforts to address the development.
ongoing crisis.
South Sudan Somalia
South Sudan faces enduring instability The conflict with Al-Shabaab in Somalia
marked by political conflicts, ethnic centers on the group's pursuit of Sharia
tensions, economic challenges, and law and its attempts to overthrow the
resource disputes since gaining government. The African Union Mission
independence in 2011. The power in Somalia (AMISOM) and international
struggle between President Salva Kiir partners, including Western nations,
and former Vice President Riek Machar are involved in countering Al-Shabaab
has led to a prolonged civil war and a through military and diplomatic efforts.
humanitarian crisis. Despite The conflict has resulted in
international efforts, achieving lasting humanitarian challenges, with ongoing
stability in the country remains a initiatives to stabilize Somalia and
formidable challenge. address the militant threat.
Africa
Libya
The civil conflict in Libya, which began in 2014, resulted from the power vacuum
following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Key factions included the
UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and the Libyan
National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar. Foreign countries, such as
Turkey and the UAE, supported opposing sides. The conflict led to a complex
geopolitical situation, humanitarian challenges, and numerous unsuccessful peace
efforts. For the latest developments.
Violent extremism in the Sahel
The Sahel region (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, and
Eritrea) in Africa faces violent extremism fueled by factors such as poverty, ethnic
tensions, weak governance, transnational networks, climate change, and historical
instability. Key extremist groups include Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM)
and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). International efforts involve
organizations like the United Nations and G5 Sahel, with support from the
European Union, France, and the United States. Strategies include military
intervention, governance reforms, economic development, and community
engagement. Challenges persist, and the situation in the Sahel is dynamic.
