|
Under the United Nations Charter, the Security Council has the primary
responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and the
authority to determine “the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of
the peace or act of aggression” (article 39). The Council decides which
measures are to be adopted to face those threats, including the establishment of
peacekeeping operations.
In 2010-2011, Brazil occupies a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for a
two-year mandate. Along with Japan, Brazil has been elected more times to the
Council than any other UN Member State. Brazil has previously served as an
elected member of the Security Council in 1946-47, 1951-52, 1954-55, 1963-64,
1967-68, 1988-89, 1993-94, 1998-99 and 2004-05.
A founding member of the United Nations, Brazil has a long tradition of
contributing to peacekeeping operations. In 1956, Brazilian troops were sent to
the first United Nations Emergency Force in Suez (UNEF I).
Since then, Brazil has participated in 33 United Nations peacekeeping operations
and contributed with over 27,000 troops. Nowadays, Brazil contributes with more
than 2,200 troops, military observers and police officers in three continents.
The largest contingent is in Haiti, where Brazilian generals have been charged
with the military command of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
since 2004.
As a member of the Security Council, Brazil’s priorities include stability in
Haiti, the situation of Guinea Bissau, peace in the Middle East, efforts towards
disarmament, the promotion of respect for International Humanitarian Law, the
strengthening of peacekeeping operations and an approach that links the
preservation of security with the promotion of socioeconomic development.
Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti
Ambassador
Permanent Representative
|
