PEACE AND SECURITY

Saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war
was the main motivation for creating the United
Nations, whose founders lived through the devastation
of two world wars. Since its creation, the UN has often
been called upon to prevent disputes from escalating
into war, or to help restore peace when armed conflict
does break out, and to promote lasting peace in
societies emerging from wars.
The Security Council, the General Assembly and the
Secretary-General all play major, complementary roles in
fostering peace and security.
Over the decades, the UN has helped to end numerous
conflicts, often through actions of the Security Council
— the organ with primary responsibility, under the
United Nations Charter , for the maintenance of
international peace and security. When a complaint
concerning a threat to peace is brought before it, the
Council's first action is usually to recommend to the
parties to try to reach agreement by peaceful means. In
some cases, the Council itself undertakes investigation
and mediation. It may appoint special representatives or
request the Secretary-General to do so or to use his
good offices. It may set forth principles for a peaceful
settlement.
When a dispute leads to fighting, the Council's first
concern is to bring it to an end as soon as possible. On
many occasions, the Council has issued ceasefire
directives which have been instrumental in preventing
wider hostilities. It also deploys United Nations
peacekeeping operations to help reduce tensions in
troubled areas, keep opposing forces apart and create
conditions for sustainable peace after settlements have
been reached. The Council may decide on enforcement
measures , economic sanctions (such as trade
embargoes) or collective military action.
According to the Charter , the General Assembly can
make recommendations on the general principles of
cooperation for maintaining international peace and
security, including disarmament, and for the peaceful
settlement of any situation that might impair friendly
relations among nations. The General Assembly can
also discuss any question relating to international peace
and security and make recommendations, if the issue is
not currently being discussed by the Security Council.
Pursuant to its “Uniting for Peace” resolution of
November 1950 ( resolution 377 (V) , the General
Assembly may also take action if the Security Council
fails to act, owing to the negative vote of a Permanent
Member, in a case where there appears to be a threat
to or breach of the peace, or act of aggression. The
Assembly can consider the matter immediately with a
view to making recommendations to Members for
collective measures to maintain or restore international
peace and security.
Two of the General Assembly’s six main committees are
involved in matters of peace and security. Besides the
First Committee which is concerned with disarmament
and related international security questions, the Special
Political and Decolonization Committee deals with a
variety of political subjects not dealt with by the First
Committee, including decolonization, Palestinian
refugees, human rights, peacekeeping, mine action, outer
space , public information, atomic radiation and the
University for Peace .
The Charter empowers the Secretary-General to "bring
to the attention of the Security Council any matter
which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of
international peace and security". One of the most vital
roles played by the Secretary-General is the use of his
" good offices " – steps taken publicly and in private that
draw upon his independence, impartiality and integrity
to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating
or spreading.