Passing a Security Council resolution

In order for a resolution to be adopted by the 15-member UN Security Council, it needs a minimum of nine “yes” votes, and it must avoid a veto by one of the five permanent members.

PERMANENT MEMBERS		ROTATING MEMBERS	STATUS
			Pass
Resolution passes with a minimum of nine yes votes and without a veto from any of the permanent members.
			Veto
A no vote from a permanent member is only considered a veto when a resolution otherwise receives nine or more yes votes.
			Pass
Resolution passes with a minimum of nine yes votes; neither abstentions from permanent members or no votes from rotating members constitute a veto.
			No
Resolution does not pass due to a lack of yes votes.
SOURCES: Associated Press; United Nations AP Graphic