The United Nations Security Council was established on October 24, 1945 as one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. The mandate of the council is to maintain international peace and security through the promotion of the peaceful settlement of disputes, the creation of peacekeeping operations, the imposing of sanctions, and through the authorization of military force if the case arises. As established by the UN Charter, all UN member states are obligated to abide by Security Council decisions. The committee is composed of ten elected members, and five permanent members which include China, France, the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation, and the United States, commonly referred to as the P5. The Historical Security Council (HSC) assumes these same responsibilities, with the most important difference being that it takes place in the past. Delegates must debate a historical event and find a resolution, before it is too late.