ABSTRACT

The jus ad bellum is the lex specialis of international law governing the use of force. The UN Charter is the most important treaty in force today and has been since its adoption in 1945. The prohibition of the threat or use of force Although regulation of the use of force in some form in international relations dates back to long before the UN Charter was adopted in 1945. Its importance, along with its virtually unanimous ratification, has led some commentators to refer to it as the constitution of the international community. Addressing itself to all Members, the prohibition was intended to be binding on member states, whether individually or as members of other international or regional organizations. The International Law Commission expressed the view that the law of the Charter concerning the prohibition of the use of force in itself constitutes a conspicuous example of a rule in international law having the character of jus cogens.