The Economic and Social Council

The Security Council

The UN Charter gives the Security Council primary responsibility, for maintaining international peace and security. The Council may con-

2.1. Структура ООН. Основные органы

vene at any time, 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 10 are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. Member States are discussing making changes in Council membership and working to reflect today's political and eco­nomic realities.

Decisions of the Council require nine yes votes. Except in votes on procedural questions, 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 suggest principles for a settlement or undertake mediation. In the event of fighting, the Council tries to secure a ceasefire. It may send a peacekeeping mission to help the parties maintain the truce and to keep opposing forces apart.

The Council can take measures to enforce its decisions. It can im­pose economic sanctions or order an arms embargo. On rare occasions, the Council has authorized Member States to use «all necessary means,» including collective military action, to see that its decisions are carried out.

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, under the overall authority of the General Assembly, coordinates the economic and social work of the United Nations and the UN family of organizations. 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.

The Council has 54 members, elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms. It meets throughout the year and holds a major session in July, during which a special meeting of Ministers discusses major eco­nomic, social and humanitarian issues.

The Council's subsidiary bodies meet regularly and report back to it. The Commission on Human Rights, for example, monitors the obser­vance of human rights throughout the world. Other bodies focus on such issues as social development, the status of women, crime prevention, nar-

42 Глава 2. Международные экономические организации в системе ООН

cotic drugs and environmental protection. Five regional commissions promote economic development and cooperation in their respective re­gions.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-02