restoring law & order and crime prevention - Peace Operations ...

17mentioned anywhere in the Charter. Peacekeeping has however evolvedfrom the response by the UN to a number of international conflicts over aperiod of time. The UN Charter authorises the Security Council toinvestigate any situation or conflict that threatens international peace andsecurity. It is the only organisation in the world that gives legal authorityfor the use of force or intervention against a sovereign state 13 . In carryingout these duties, the Security Council acts on behalf of all UN members.The UN Secretary General is responsible to the Security Council for theorganization, conduct and overseeing of a United Nations peacekeepingoperation. In addition to preparing the operational plan and presenting it tothe Security Council for approval, the Secretary General is responsible forconducting negotiations with the host countries, the parties in conflict andthe member States contributing troops and resources. Under Article 99 ofthe UN Charter, the Secretary General is responsible for bringing mattersbefore the Security Council for its consideration. However, any State mayalso bring matters relating to the issues of international peace and securitybefore the Security Council. Items presented before the Security Councilare subsequently debated by the Council and draft resolutions arediscussed. Resolutions are passed by consensus; in case of lack ofunanimity the requisite majority to pass a resolution is 9 out of 15 membersof the Security Council. However, the five permanent members of theSecurity Council have the power to veto a resolution.Chapters VI and VII of the UN Charter defines the measures that can betaken by the Security council to respond to threats to peace or breaches ofpeace or acts of aggression in the community of Nations. Chapter VIprovides for peaceful settlement of disputes between the States and13According to Chapter VII and VIII (through regional organisations) of the Charter