Article 51 UN charter
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- Article 51 preserves the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a UN member state.
- The right to self-defense is valid only until the UN Security Council takes necessary measures to maintain peace and security.
- Any measures taken in self-defense must be immediately reported to the Security Council.
- It is an exception to the general prohibition on the use of force under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.
- Self-defense actions must comply with principles of necessity and proportionality, meaning force used should be limited to what is essential to repel the attack.
- The definition of "armed attack" triggers this right, and not all violent incidents are considered armed attacks under international law.
- Collective self-defense allows states to come to the defense of other attacked states.
- There is continuing legal debate on the application of Article 51 against non-state actors, including terrorists.
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