What does the UN Security Council do?
The UN Security Council is a forum in which 15 countries come together to make decisions about international peace and security.
Members of the UN Security Council
The Security Council has 15 members, five of which are permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The other 10 members are elected every two years by the UN General Assembly.
Purpose of the Security Council
The main purpose of the UN Security Council is to preserve peace and security in the world.
Right of veto in the Security Council
Countries with a right of veto can block a decision (resolution) in the Security Council, even if a majority of members voted in favour. Only the five permanent members of the Security Council have this right: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.