The Security Council: Maintaining International Peace and Security

Posted on May 3, 2024 in History

The Security Council

The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Pacific Settlement of Disputes

The Council’s first action is usually to recommend that the parties try to reach agreement by peaceful means. The Council may also set forth principles for such an agreement (terms of settlement).

The Council itself undertakes investigation and mediation: It may dispatch a mission, appoint special envoys, or request the Secretary-General to use his good offices to achieve a pacific settlement of the dispute.

Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression

ENFORCEMENT ACTION:

The Council is the organ responsible for determining the existence of a threat to or breach of the peace or act of aggression and for recommending what action should be taken (art 39 UN Charter).

Chapter VIII: Regional Arrangements

Existence of Regional Arrangements or agencies for dealing with matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security… provided that their activities are consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN.