Question

The veto power exercising five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are: -

• A. USA, China, Japan, Germany, France
• B. USA, Russia, China, France, Japan
• C. USA, Russia, China, UK, France
• D. Brazil, South Africa, India, Russia, China

Hint:

An abstention by a permanent member does not constitute a veto.
In practice, the Security Council can pass resolutions even if a permanent member abstains or does not participate in the vote.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the five permanent member states of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that possess the right of veto.

Step 2: Key Legal Principles and Approach:
The composition and voting procedures of the UN Security Council are governed by the Charter of the United Nations, specifically Articles 23 and 27.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Composition of UNSC: Article 23 (Paragraph 1) of the UN Charter establishes the composition of the Security Council.

• It designates five specific nations as permanent members (often referred to as the P5): the Republic of China (later represented by the People's Republic of China), France, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (later succeeded by the Russian Federation), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.

• The remaining ten members are non-permanent and are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.

• Veto Power: Article 27 (Paragraph 3) of the Charter states that decisions on all non-procedural matters shall be made by an affirmative vote of nine members, "including the concurring votes of the permanent members."

• This requirement of concurrence means that if any one of the five permanent members casts a negative vote (a veto), the resolution cannot be adopted, even if it has met the required majority of nine votes.

• Examining the options, Option (C) lists USA, Russia, China, UK, and France, which are the five permanent veto-wielding nations.

• Other options include non-permanent members or countries seeking permanent seats (like Japan, Germany, India, Brazil, and South Africa).

• Therefore, Option (C) is the correct answer.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are the USA, Russia, China, UK, and France, making Option (C) the correct answer.