Article 24

Article 24(1) of the UN Charter confers on the UN Security Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Why in news : UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged respect for the principles of sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of states at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on January 5, 2026.
Article 24 (UN Charter) confers on the UN Security Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. While carrying out these duties, the Council acts on behalf of all UN member states.
In discharging this responsibility, the Security Council exercises the powers granted to it  by Chapter VII of the Charter.
•    Chapter VII - Article 39 empowers the Security Council to determine the existence of any threat to peace, breach of peace, or act of aggression. They shall make recommendations or decide on measures to maintain or restore international peace and security.
•    Chapter VII – Article 41 (non-military actions): The Council may decide on use of measures other than armed forces. These may include interruption of economic relations and of rail, sea, air, postal, telegraphic, radio, and other means of communication, and the severance of diplomatic relations.
•    Chapter VII – Article 42 (military actions): If the Council finds the measures provided for in Article 41 inadequate, it may take such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Article 23 - Composition of the Security Council 
•    5 Permanent members : China, France, Russia, UK and USA 
•    10 non-permanent members : elected for a term of two years.
Article 25 - Obligation of member states to accept and carry out Security Council decisions
Article 27 - Voting procedure in the Security Council (including veto)