New Non-Permanent Members of UNSC | 13 Jun 2024

Source: TOI

Why in News?

Recently, Pakistan, Somalia, Denmark, Greece, and Panama have been chosen as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC), serving a 2-year term from 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2026.

How are the New Members Elected to the UNSC?

• Election Process and Regional Groupings: 

  • The election process for non-permanent seats on the UNSC involves regional groups nominating candidates. There are four regional groups.

  • The newly elected members are Somalia for the African Group, Pakistan for the Asia-Pacific Group, Panama for the Latin America and Caribbean Group, and Denmark and Greece for the Western European and Others Group.

  • Each regional group typically agrees on candidates to present to the General Assembly for a two-year term. 

  • This process aims to ensure regional representation within the Security Council, reflecting global geopolitical diversity and interests.
• Current and Incoming Members: The new members will replace outgoing countries such as Mozambique, Japan, Ecuador, Malta, and Switzerland.
• Role and Challenges of the Security Council: The UN Security Council plays a critical role in maintaining international peace and security. 
  • However, its effectiveness can be hindered by the veto power of its permanent members.

What is the United Nations Security Council?

• The United Nations Security Council, established under the UN Charter in 1945, constitutes one of the UN's six principal organs.
• It comprises 15 members (5 permanent (P5) and 10 non-permanent members). 
  • Out of the 10 non-permanent members, five are elected each year by the General Assembly for a two-year term.
  • The permanent members are the United States, the Russian Federation, France, China, and the United Kingdom.
  • According to Oppenheim's International Law: United Nations, "Permanent membership in the Security Council was granted to five states based on their importance in the aftermath of World War II."
• India's participation in the Security Council has been as a non-permanent member during the periods of 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92, 2011-12, and 2021-22.