♤ A representative of each of its members must be present at all times at UN Headquarters

so that the Security Council can meet at any time as the need arises.

1.4.1. Security Council: Step by Step Actions

♤ When a complaint concerning a threat to peace is brought before it, the Council’s first action is usually to recommend that the parties try to reach agreement by peaceful means. The Council may:

o set forth principles for such an agreement;

o undertake investigation and mediation, in some cases;

o dispatch a mission;

o appoint special envoys; or

o request the Secretary-General to use his good offices to achieve a pacific settlement of the dispute.

♤ When a dispute leads to hostilities, the Council’s primary concern is to bring them to an end as soon as possible. In that case, the Council may:

o issue ceasefire directives that can help prevent an escalation of the conflict;

o dispatch military observers or a peacekeeping force to help reduce tensions, separate opposing forces and establish a calm in which peaceful settlements may be sought.

♤ Beyond this, the Council may opt for enforcement measures, including:

o economic sanctions, arms embargoes, financial penalties and restrictions, and travel bans;

o severance of diplomatic relations;