Who's on the UN Security Council Now? Elections, Composition Explained

Confused about the UN Security Council? This guide breaks down the current members (June 2024), explains member elections, and highlights the importance of this powerful body in maintaining global peace and security. Stay informed about the latest in international affairs!

Why This Issue Matters Now:

The UN Security Council is constantly navigating complex international issues. Knowing the current makeup of the council, especially the rotating non-permanent members, is essential for understanding how these issues are tackled. Shifts in membership can impact how the council approaches conflicts, enforces sanctions, and authorizes peacekeeping missions. As global events unfold, staying informed about the Security Council allows you to follow how world powers are addressing pressing matters.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is a pivotal body within the UN, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Comprising 15 member countries, the UNSC plays a critical role in addressing global conflicts, sanctions, and peacekeeping missions. Let's delve into the current composition of the Security Council, the election process, and what it means for international relations.

The current composition of the UN Security Council

As of 2024, the UN Security Council consists of 15 member countries, including five permanent members and ten non-permanent members.

Permanent Members

The five permanent members, known as the P5, are:

China
France
Russia
United Kingdom
United States

These nations hold a special status, including the power to veto any substantive resolution.

Non-Permanent Members

The ten non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. As of 2024, the non-permanent members are:

Algeria (2024-2025)
Ecuador (2023-2024)
Guyana (2024-2025)
Japan (2023-2024)
Malta (2023-2024)
Mozambique (2023-2024)
Republic of Korea (2024-2025)
Sierra Leone (2024-2025)
Slovenia (2024-2025)
Switzerland (2023-2024)

These countries are selected based on regional representation, ensuring a diverse mix of nations.

Non-Council Member States

More than 50 United Nations Member States have never been members of the Security Council. A state that is a member of the United Nations but not of the Security Council may participate, without a vote, in its discussions when the Council considers that country's interests are affected. Both members and non-members of the United Nations, if they are parties to a dispute being considered by the Council, may be invited to take part, without a vote, in the Council's discussions; the Council sets the conditions for participation by a non-member state.

Election Process for Non-Permanent Members

The election process for non-permanent members is competitive and involves several stages:

Nomination: Countries announce their candidacy and campaign for support among UN member states.
Voting: The UN General Assembly conducts the election, where each member state casts a vote. To win, a candidate must secure at least two-thirds of the vote.
Terms and Rotation: Non-permanent members serve staggered two-year terms. Five members are elected each year, ensuring continuity within the council.

Regional Representation

The election process ensures fair geographical representation. The ten seats are distributed as follows:

Africa: 3 seats
Asia-Pacific: 2 seats
Eastern Europe: 1 seat
Latin America and the Caribbean: 2 seats
Western Europe and Others: 2 seats

Role and responsibilities of the UN Security Council

The UNSC is tasked with addressing global threats to peace and security. Its key responsibilities include:

Conflict Resolution: The UNSC mediates conflicts and facilitates negotiations to restore peace.
Sanctions: It can impose sanctions on countries or entities to maintain or restore international peace.
Peacekeeping Missions: The Council authorizes and oversees peacekeeping operations in conflict zones.
International Cooperation: It fosters cooperation among member states to address global challenges like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and humanitarian crises.

Security Council Presidency

The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the Member States' names. Here is the schedule for 2024:

January 2024: France (Permanent Member)
February 2024: Guyana (non-permanent member; term ends December 31, 2025)
March 2024: Japan (Non-Permanent Member; term ends December 31, 2024)
April 2024: Malta (Non-Permanent Member; term ends December 31, 2024)
May 2024: Mozambique (Non-Permanent Member; term ends December 31, 2024)
June 2024: Republic of Korea (non-permanent member; term ends December 31, 2025)
July 2024: Russia (Permanent Member)
August 2024: Sierra Leone (non-permanent member; term ends December 31, 2025)
September 2024: Slovenia (non-permanent member; term ends December 31, 2025)
October 2024: Switzerland (Non-Permanent Member; term ends December 31, 2024)
November 2024: United Kingdom (Permanent Member)
December 2024: United States (Permanent Member)

Recent developments and challenges

The UNSC faces several challenges and criticisms:

Veto Power: The veto power of the P5 often leads to gridlock, preventing decisive action on critical issues.
Calls for Reform: There are ongoing debates about reforming the UNSC to better reflect the current global political landscape. Proposals include expanding permanent membership and limiting the use of the veto.
Global Crises: The Council must navigate complex issues such as the conflict in Ukraine, tensions in the South China Sea, and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Conclusion

The UN Security Council remains a cornerstone of international diplomacy and peacekeeping. Understanding its composition and election process is crucial for grasping its influence on global affairs. As the world evolves, so too must the UNSC, adapting to new challenges and striving for more effective governance.

For the latest updates and detailed insights on the UNSC, keep an eye on UN news releases and expert analyses. The dynamics of the Security Council continue to shape the course of international relations, making it a vital area of focus for policymakers, academics, and global citizens alike.