In recent news, Antonio Guterres, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter. This move came in response to escalating tensions and impending hazards in Gaza due to Israel’s actions. The Secretary-General’s decision aims to alert the UN Security Council to the imminent danger and highlight the urgent need for measures to prevent a significant humanitarian crisis in the area.
Diving into Article 99 of the UN Charter
As the UN’s constitution, the United Nations Charter consists of various provisions, one of which is Article 99. This article gives the secretary-general the authority to bring any matter they believe could pose a threat to international peace and security to the attention of the Security Council. Article 99 is discretionary, meaning it allows the Secretary-General to spotlight critical issues needing the Security Council’s attention. Despite its potential implications, the use of this Article has been infrequent. Its previous invocations include addressing disruptions in Congo in 1960, Tunisia’s dissatisfaction with France’s military activities in 1961, and Bangladesh’s formation in 1971.
The significance of the UN Charter
The Charter of the United Nations, signed on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco, came into effect on October 24, 1945. It serves as the foundation for the UN and its operations. Due to its unique international nature and the powers vested within it, the UN Charter enables the UN to take action on an extensive range of issues. As an international treaty, the UN Charter also acts as an instrument of international law, binding all UN Member States to adhere to its terms. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s main judicial body, operates under its Statute, which forms an integral part of the UN Charter.
Pertinent Questions in the UPSC Civil Services Examination
Previous questions in the UPSC Civil Services Examination related to the United Nations have included a prelims question in 2009 about the composition of the UN Security Council. The question specified that the council consists of five permanent members, with the remaining ten members elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term.
An additional mains question in 2017 asked examinees to explain the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and discuss the different functional commissions associated with it.
While this information provides a foundation, a deeper understanding of the UN, its Charter, and various articles can further enhance preparation for the Civil Services Examination.
