6.2 The UN and collective use of force – the Security Council : Under the UN collective security system as originally envisaged, the Security Council was to be the organ through which international peace and security were to be maintained. It is given specific powers in Chapter VII of the Charter to act on behalf of all states, even if this means using force itself. Resolutions passed under Chapter VII provisions are binding on all states.

doi:10.4324/9781843143802-131

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6.2 The UN and collective use of force – the Security Council

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ABSTRACT

Resolution on the Definition of Aggression 197417 The General Assembly adopts the following definition of aggression: Article 1 Aggression is the use of armed force by a state against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations, as set out in this Definition. Explanatory note: In this Definition the term ‘state’:

(a) is used without prejudice to questions of recognition or to whether a state is a Member of the United Nations;

(b) includes the concept of a ‘group of states’ where appropriate. Article 2 The first use of armed force by a state in contravention of the Charter shall constitute prima facie evidence of an act of aggression although the Security Council may, in conformity with the Charter, conclude that a determination that an act of aggression has been committed would not be justified in the light of other relevant circumstances, including the fact that the acts concerned or their consequences are not of sufficient gravity.