What are the criteria for UN Security Council membership?

What are the criteria for becoming a member of the UN Security Council?

To become a member of the UN Security Council, a country must be a member of the United Nations and is elected by the General Assembly. There are five permanent members with veto power: the US, UK, France, Russia, and China. The other ten members are elected for two-year terms.

How are the non-permanent members selected?

Non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly through a secret ballot. The elections are held every two years, and each region has a specific number of seats allocated to it.

What role do the permanent members play?

Permanent members have significant influence as they hold veto power, meaning they can block any substantive resolution. This gives them a crucial role in decision-making.

Are there any reforms being discussed for the Security Council?

Yes, there are ongoing discussions about reforming the Security Council to make it more representative and effective, including proposals to expand the number of permanent members.