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UN Permanent Security Council

The permanent members of the UN Security Council are the five states to which the 1945 UN Charter grants a permanent seat on the council. They are China, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), France, the UK, and the US.

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Residents run for cover following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon.

Residents run for cover following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon.

Can UN Resolution 1701 help end the Hezbollah-Israel fight?

Any diplomatic solution to fighting in Lebanon may involve an 18-year-old UN Security Council resolution.

USA | Was bedeutet der neue „Pakt für die Zukunft“ der UNO für Afrika?

USA | Was bedeutet der neue „Pakt für die Zukunft“ der UNO für Afrika?

What does the new UN 'Pact for the Future' mean for Africa?

World leaders have adopted a "Pact for the Future" to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

.S. President Joe Biden meets with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House in Washington.

.S. President Joe Biden meets with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House in Washington.

US, UK leaders discuss weapons for Ukraine

The UK has signaled that it wants to let Ukraine use its "Storm Shadow" missiles, but wants permission from the US.

Members of the UN Security Council attend a meeting to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan

Members of the UN Security Council attend a meeting to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan

African nations want a seat at the UN Security Council

Despite the Security Council's contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, Africa has been underrepresented for decades.

DW AfricaLink | Podcastcover: 67715110

DW AfricaLink | Podcastcover: 67715110

Can Africa push through UN Security Council?

Eddy Micah talks to Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone's Information Minister and DW correspondent Isaac Kaledzi in Ghana.

Lazarus Chakwera | im DW Intewrview mit Josephine Mahachi

Lazarus Chakwera | im DW Intewrview mit Josephine Mahachi

Malawi's president seeks UN Security Council reforms

Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera endorses Africa's bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote in May, 2024.

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote in May, 2024.

UN Security Council: Africa's push for permanent seats

The historic under-representation of Africa on the UN Security Council is back in the spotlight. Is change long overdue?

A truck with soldiers drives through Kirumba, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

A truck with soldiers drives through Kirumba, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Who are the new arrivals in eastern Congo?

Reports suggest women and children from Rwanda have been resettled in eastern Congo, with support from M23 rebels.

Rescuers work at Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv that was damaged during a Russian missile strike

Rescuers work at Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv that was damaged during a Russian missile strike

Security Council meets after strike on hospital in Ukraine

The UN Security Council has held an emergency meeting after the missile attack on Ukraine's biggest children's hospital.

A mother holds her child at a medical treatment camp near the Sudan border

A mother holds her child at a medical treatment camp near the Sudan border

Sudan: UN Security Council demands end to Darfur city siege

Sudan has been devastated by conflict since fighting erupted between the army and a paramilitary force last year.

A May 10, 2024, meeting of the United Nations General Assembly for a vote on granting membership to Palestine

A May 10, 2024, meeting of the United Nations General Assembly for a vote on granting membership to Palestine

UN General Assembly approves Palestinian membership bid

The General Assembly has voted to grant "rights and privileges" to Palestine. The US says it will veto a membership bid.

US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield (front C) and the UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward (front L) attend the United Nations Security Council meeting to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield (front C) and the UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward (front L) attend the United Nations Security Council meeting to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

UN Security Council demands Gaza cease-fire

The breakthrough came after the US abstained from the vote, after vetoing previous efforts over the last five months.

Women look from a damaged building in Rafah

Women look from a damaged building in Rafah

UN Security Council passes Gaza cease-fire resolution

The UN Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an "immediate" cease-fire during Ramadan in Gaza.

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UNSC approves Gaza cease-fire resolution

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks into a UN microphone in front of flags

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks into a UN microphone in front of flags

Israel and the UN: A difficult relationship

Tensions in the relationship between the UN and Israel predate the current conflict in Gaza.

A demonstrator holds up an Haitian flag as he yells during protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry; flames and smoke from burning tires are seen in the background

A demonstrator holds up an Haitian flag as he yells during protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry; flames and smoke from burning tires are seen in the background

Chaos in Haiti: What's causing it, and can it be stopped?

The situation in the Caribbean state is deteriorating, with the roots of today's conflict dating to the distant past.

Antonio Guterres

Antonio Guterres

UN chief says Ukraine, Gaza inertia harms Security Council

The UN chief says the Security Council's authority has been undermined by its inability to take action on conflicts.

Thousands who are fleeing the ongoing conflict between government forces and M-23 rebels reach the entrance the Democratic Republic of Congo eastern city of Goma Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Thousands who are fleeing the ongoing conflict between government forces and M-23 rebels reach the entrance the Democratic Republic of Congo eastern city of Goma Wednesday, February 7, 2024

DR Congo: UN Security Council sanctions 6 over violence

The sanctions follow escalation between the Congolese government and M23 rebels.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres holds a stack of papers in his hands as he sits during a UN Security Council meeting.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres holds a stack of papers in his hands as he sits during a UN Security Council meeting.

UN Security Council passes watered-down Gaza resolution

A new Gaza resolution has been passed to boost crucial aid deliveries. Yet it does not call for an immediate cease-fire.

Israeli soldiers take positions near the Gaza Strip border, in southern Israel

Israeli soldiers take positions near the Gaza Strip border, in southern Israel

Cease-fire 'only way that will bring security to Israelis'

Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, said an Israeli victory remains elusive.

A girl outside a makeshift shelter in Chad.

A girl outside a makeshift shelter in Chad.

UN Security Council ends political mission in Sudan

As demanded by the Khartoum government, the UN put an end to its political mission in Sudan.

USA | UN-Sicherheitsrat

USA | UN-Sicherheitsrat

Debate at a UN Security Council over DPRK's satellite launch

The DPRK's ambassador, backed by China and Russia, asserts that its satellite was a defensive measure against the U.S.

An Israeli officer shows a rifle that he says was discovered in a bag stored in a cabinet containing medical supplies at the al-Shifa hospital complex

An Israeli officer shows a rifle that he says was discovered in a bag stored in a cabinet containing medical supplies at the al-Shifa hospital complex

Israel-Hamas war: UN Security Council urges pause in Gaza

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution calling for urgent, extended "humanitarian pauses" in Gaza.

Police officers carry out an anti-gang operation in the Lalue neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Police officers carry out an anti-gang operation in the Lalue neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Can Kenyan police end gang violence in Haiti?

Critics argue that Kenya's constitution offers no provision for the deployment of officers outside of the country.

Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Eli Cohen speaks during a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Eli Cohen speaks during a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Israel rejects Gaza cease-fire at UN Security Council

Israel and its allies have rejected calls for a blanket cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

Former police officer Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, leader of the 'G9' coalition, leads a march surrounded by his security in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Former police officer Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, leader of the 'G9' coalition, leads a march surrounded by his security in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

UN Security Council approves Haiti multinational force

The decision comes as the Caribbean country grapples with criminal gangs which have largely overrun the capital.

UN Vollversammlung | Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi

UN Vollversammlung | Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi

Africalink on Air – Story Of The Week: Africa at the UNGA

Does Africa get the attention and status it deserves on the global arena?

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking at a podium discussion

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking at a podium discussion

UN Security Council: Should Germany be a permanent member?

Germany's bids to join the exclusive circle of permanent UN Security Council members have always failed.

Members of the UN Security Council meet in New York

Members of the UN Security Council meet in New York

Why the UN can't solve world problems

The United Nations has a lot on its agenda, but the Security Council has trouble getting things done. Here's why.

A man in sunglasses walks past the UN headquarters in New York

A man in sunglasses walks past the UN headquarters in New York

United Nations explained in under 1 minute

What is the United Nations? How was it founded, and what its purpose?

Collima-1 rocket, carrying the spy satellite, takes off from a launchpad in North Korea

Collima-1 rocket, carrying the spy satellite, takes off from a launchpad in North Korea

North Korea's spy satellite fails again, US urges diplomacy

Pyongyang said the attempt failed at the third stage of the flight of the rocket and they would try again in October.

A combine harvests wheat in a field in the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine

A combine harvests wheat in a field in the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine

UN Security Council: Food insecurity tops agenda

Food insecurity takes center stage at the UN Security Council as a looming crisis threatens vulnerable populations.

Sailing yachts stand at Wiek-Hafendorf Marina on Ruegen Island

Sailing yachts stand at Wiek-Hafendorf Marina on Ruegen Island

Nord Stream investigators find traces of explosives on yacht

The update was sent to the UN Security Council ahead of a meeting called by Russia, who has been critical of the probe.

A loaded semi tractor-trailer at the Bab al-Hawa crossing between Turkey and Syria

A loaded semi tractor-trailer at the Bab al-Hawa crossing between Turkey and Syria

UN Security Council: Russia vetoes Syria humanitarian aid

The situation arose when Russia vetoed a nine-month extension, leaving four million Syrians without aid.

Ivorian soldiers of the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA

Ivorian soldiers of the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA

Mali's MINUSMA peacekeeping mission: A foreseeable disaster

The UN Security Council has decided to withdraw all MINUSMA peacekeepers from Mali. What are the consequences?

Fact check: Conspiracy theories about the 'pandemic treaty'

Can the WHO interfere in state affairs? Four false claims on the World Health Organization's pandemic response treaty.

USA New York | UN Security Council

USA New York | UN Security Council

The Flip Side of the UN Security Council structure

There are growing calls for reforms at the UN Security Council including granting Africa a permanent seat.

Ivorian soldiers belonging to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) stand during a decoration ceremony at Camp Gallieni in Abidjan on January 24, 2023.

Ivorian soldiers belonging to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) stand during a decoration ceremony at Camp Gallieni in Abidjan on January 24, 2023.

Mali orders UN peacekeeping mission to leave

Mali's Foreign Ministry has accused the UN mission of failing to respond to security challenges.

A general view shows a United Nations security council meeting

A general view shows a United Nations security council meeting

South Korea hopes to win UN Security Council seat

The bid for a UN Security Council seat is expected to face resistance from Pyongyang's allies, notably China and Russia.

A TV screen shows a file image of Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during a news program

A TV screen shows a file image of Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during a news program

North Korea 'bitterly condemns' UN talks on satellite launch

Kim Jong Un's influential sister called the UN Security Council a "political appendage" of the United States.

Russian foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the meeting of the UN Security Council

Russian foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the meeting of the UN Security Council

Fact check: What to make of Lavrov's claims at the UN?

At the UN Security Council, Russia's Sergey Lavrov repeated Moscow's false accusations against the US, NATO and Ukraine.

UN Security Council meeting at UN headquarters in New York

UN Security Council meeting at UN headquarters in New York

Ukraine updates: Russia takes UN Security Council presidency

Moscow will hold the UN Security Council's rotating presidency for the month of April. DW has the latest.

A Uruguayan soldier of the United Nations' Stabilization Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) is pictured at the Uruguayan base in Goma.

A Uruguayan soldier of the United Nations' Stabilization Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) is pictured at the Uruguayan base in Goma.

UN Security Council demands disarmament of DR Congo militias

The eastern region of DR Congo is rife with dozens of rebel groups with conflicting goals and interests.

Afghan Taliban militants in Kabul in December 2022

Afghan Taliban militants in Kabul in December 2022

UN fresh out of ideas on Afghanistan's Taliban

In a rare show of unity, the Security Council asked for an "independent assessment" on dealing with the Afghan Taliban.

Russland/Südafrika Putin im Gespräch mit Cyril Ramaphosa

Russland/Südafrika Putin im Gespräch mit Cyril Ramaphosa

Can African countries choose their own allies?

South Africa is reluctant to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They're hosting a joint maritime drills with Moscow.

Afghan students outside Kabul University in October

Afghan students outside Kabul University in October

Taliban urged to lift 'oppressive' restrictions on women

Members of the UN Security Council said female aid workers are essential in Afghanistan.

This aerial view shows trucks from a United Nations aid convoy entering Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey, carrying basic vital necessities for the inhabitants of the northwestern rebel-held areas on the country, on July 28, 2022, after the decision to extend the "authorisation mechanism" across the border

This aerial view shows trucks from a United Nations aid convoy entering Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey, carrying basic vital necessities for the inhabitants of the northwestern rebel-held areas on the country, on July 28, 2022, after the decision to extend the "authorisation mechanism" across the border

UN renews cross-border Syria aid with Russia backing

The mechanism to Syria will remain in place for another six months after a unanimous vote at the UN Security Council.

Afghan students stand in front of Kabul University

Afghan students stand in front of Kabul University

UN urges Taliban to reverse restrictions against women

The Taliban has barred women from working in NGOs and attending universities.

A protester holds an image of Aung San Suu Kyi outside the United Nations building in Bangkok on February 3, 2021, during a demonstration against the military coup in Myanmar which saw civilian leader Suu Kyi being detained.

A protester holds an image of Aung San Suu Kyi outside the United Nations building in Bangkok on February 3, 2021, during a demonstration against the military coup in Myanmar which saw civilian leader Suu Kyi being detained.

UN Security Council demands end to Myanmar violence

China, Russia and India abstained from the vote on the resolution condemning the violence in Myanmar.

Conglose soldiers armed with automatic rifles on the back of a truck patrolling the eastern DRC

Conglose soldiers armed with automatic rifles on the back of a truck patrolling the eastern DRC

UN eases DR Congo arms embargo

The Congolese government wants to speed up the procurement of weapons to help it fight rebel groups in the east.