The role of the security council in the maintenance of peace and international security

• Author: Ina Raluca Tomescu
• Position: Lecturer phd., University Constantin Brâncusi' of Târgu-Jiu
• Pages: 103-108

THE ROLE OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL IN THE MAINTENANCE

OF PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Ina Raluca Tomescu*

Abstract

The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the Charter, for the

maintenance of international peace and security. When a complaint concerning a threat to

peace is brought before it, the Council's first action is usually to recommend to the parties to

try to reach agreement by peaceful means. In some cases, the Council itself undertakes

investigation and mediation. It may appoint special representatives or request the Secretary-

General to do so or to use his good offices. It may set forth principles for a peaceful

settlement.

Key words: Security Council, international security, international disputes, threats

against peace.

Introduction

Crises which humanity is facing have their origin, usually in breach of the principles

enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the difficulties that the Security Council

encounters in accomplishing missions of ensuring international peace and security are due

mainly to lack agreement between states.

Today we realize - more than in previous years – the tendency of some ephemeral

leaders of countries to use force, firstly armed force to impose their views and to punish

political leaders, states and peoples which refuse to be subordinated.

Functions and powers of the Security Council

The Security Council is one of the principal United Nations organs

1

, to whom the

authors of the United Nations Charter have reserved a special place in the institutional system

of the organization, as a body with restricted composition invested with the main

responsibility of maintaining international peace and security [2].

The reserved special position and role of this body in the global organization

structure are revealed by its composition, functioning, decision-making system and

components which they exercise. To deal with, by "rapid and effective actions”, of some

conflict situations, the composition of this body, in the vision of UN's founders had to meet a

double requirement: on the one hand, to be confined to a small number of members, and on

the other hand, to have in its composition, binding and permanent, the powers of World War

II allied, their cooperation is considered a main guarantee for maintaining peace and security

in post-war period.

To carry out this responsibility, the Charter gives the Security Council special powers

of decision and action in preventing and resolving international conflicts, is organized to be

able to function continuously, and in taking its decisions entrusts with a greater responsibility

the powers, permanent members of the Council

2

.

*

Lecturer phd., University Constantin Brâncuşi" of Târgu-Jiu,

ina.tomescu@gmail.com

1

P. Weiss, Le systeme des Nations-Unies, Ed. Nathan, Paris, 2 000, p. 32.

2

Art. 24 alin. 1 din Carta ONU.