Article 99 of the United Nations Charter provides the Secretary-General with the authority to bring any matter to the attention of the Security Council that may threaten international peace and security. This provision is crucial for proactive engagement in global conflicts.
Recently, UN Secretary-General António Guterres invoked Article 99 due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His aim was to encourage the UN Security Council to advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The last explicit invocation of Article 99 occurred in 1989 by then-Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, who addressed the situation in Lebanon. Notably, it was also invoked during the Bangladesh crisis in 1971, marking its use in significant global issues.
Following the invocation of Article 99, the UN Security Council can take various actions. They may adopt a resolution urging a ceasefire and consider enforcing it through measures like deploying peacekeeping forces or imposing sanctions on involved parties.
It is important to note that invoking Article 99 does not guarantee immediate action from the Security Council. The response depends on the willingness of Council members to act, which can vary based on political considerations.
The invocation of Article 99 is a significant diplomatic move. It serves as a rare tool for the Secretary-General to address urgent threats to global peace and security, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation at hand.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated due to intense conflict between Israeli Defense Forces and Hamas militants. This ongoing violence risks collapsing the humanitarian system in the region, prompting the need for international attention and action.
Q1. What powers does Article 99 grant to the Secretary-General?
Answer: Article 99 allows the Secretary-General to inform the UN Security Council about any issue threatening international peace, enabling proactive engagement in conflicts.
Q2. Why was Article 99 invoked by Guterres recently?
Answer: Guterres invoked Article 99 to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging the Security Council to consider a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Q3. When was Article 99 last invoked before Guterres?
Answer: Before Guterres, Article 99 was last explicitly invoked in 1989 by Javier Pérez de Cuéllar regarding the situation in Lebanon.
Q4. What can the Security Council do after Article 99 is invoked?
Answer: The Security Council can adopt resolutions for ceasefires, potentially deploying peacekeeping forces or imposing sanctions to enforce compliance.
Q5. Does invoking Article 99 ensure action from the Security Council?
Answer: No, invoking Article 99 does not guarantee immediate action; it relies on the Council members' readiness to respond to the situation .
Question 1: What does Article 99 of the UN Charter empower?
A) The General Assembly
B) The Secretary-General
C) The Security Council
D) The International Court of Justice
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who invoked Article 99 recently due to the Gaza crisis?
A) Ban Ki-moon
B) Kofi Annan
C) António Guterres
D) Javier Pérez de Cuéllar
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: In what year was Article 99 last explicitly invoked before 2023?
A) 1971
B) 1989
C) 2001
D) 2015
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What action can the Security Council take under Article 99?
A) Appoint new members
B) Adopt resolutions for ceasefires
C) Disband the UN
D) Create new treaties
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is a limitation of invoking Article 99?
A) It guarantees immediate action
B) It requires majority votes
C) It depends on the Council's willingness to act
D) It is only applicable in Europe
Correct Answer: C
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