Context:
US vetoed a resolution of the UN Security Council (UNSC) that called for a Gaza ceasefire.
Veto power in UNSC:
- All member countries of the UN are part of the General Assembly (UNGA)
- UNGA – can pass resolutions on relevant matters.
- Type of majority to pass its resolutions – Simple majority
- UN Security Council (UNSC) consists 15 members.
- Permanent members of UNSC (P5 countries) – United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and China
- Based on UNGA elections, the 10 additional members are elected for 2 years each.
- In 1965, the number of non-permanent UNSC members was increased from six to 10.
- UNSC resolutions are legally binding, unlike the UNGA’s.
- Each party has 1 vote
- Needs minimum of 9 votes to adopt a resolution.
Right to veto:
- Each of the P5 members has the power to veto a vote which is a negative vote against the resolution.
- According to UN Charter, if any 1 of the P5 members cast a veto in UNSC, the resolution would fail while abstaining from voting is not a negative vote.
- Exclusive veto power – After WW-II ended in 1945, the P5 were among the victors against Germany, Italy and Japan.
- The US, the UK and the USSR (later Russia) were accorded certain exclusive rights to themselves in UNSC recognizing their key role in ending the war and forming UN.
- They in turn offered seats to France and China that these countries would assume, or reassume, great-power status.
- Current body is limited in terms of representation.
Dumbarton Oaks conference was held in Washington DC in 1944 which was attended by representatives of China, Great Britain, the USSR and the US in drawing the contours of UN.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements:
1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
2. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year.
3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
A Credentials Committee is appointed at the beginning of each regular session of the General Assembly. Usually, the committee meets in November, with the report presented before the general body in December.
