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Research Guides

UN International Law Documentation

Security Council & International Law

The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Some of its actions have international law implications, such as those that relate to peacekeeping missions, ad hoc tribunals, and sanctions. The binding nature of resolutions adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter is particularly relevant in researching this topic.

In accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute, the Security Council can refer certain situations to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), if it appears international crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, the crime of aggression) have been committed.