The Security Council
Iran nuclear issue
- On 16 January 2016, the IAEA reported that Iran has taken a series of initial nuclear-related measures called for by resolution 2231 (2015).
- Accordingly, the provisions of previous resolutions on the Iran nuclear issue have been terminated.
- All States shall now comply with all provisions of resolution 2231 (2015).
Under the Charter, the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions.
The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
The Security Council also recommends to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-General and the admission of new Members to the United Nations. And, together with the General Assembly, it elects the judges of the International Court of Justice.
Crisis-torn Burundi's leaders should pursue dialogue, listen to concerns of their people – UN chief
31 January 2016 The Government and people of Burundi should resolve the country's months-long political crisis through inclusive dialogue, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said as he wrapped up three days of wide-ranging meetings with African Union (AU) leaders today, warning that the deteriorating situation in Burundi is “a source of great concern, not only in the region, but in the continent and the world.”
In Addis Ababa, Ban urges leaders to build on progress in human rights and women's empowerment
30 January 2016 Hailing vital commitments the African Union (AU) has made on human rights and women's rights, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today encouraged the continent's leaders to move on from setting standards to what he called “the three I's” – Implementation, Institution-building and Investment in real change – and set a shining example for the wider world.