The Complementary Role of the United Nations General Assembly in Peace Management
The Complementary Role of the United Nations General Assembly in Peace Management

Summary/Abstract: For the maintenance of international peace and security, the United Nations Charter places 'primary responsibility' upon the Security Council. This 'primary responsibility', however, does not necessarily mean 'exclusive responsibility'. Therefore, there is other responsibility - 'secondary' or 'residuary' - in the maintenance of international peace and security. The idea was also once confirmed in the Certain Expenses case. The General Assembly is the only body in which all the states of the United Nations are members. It is the only body where all the members get an equal chance to discuss all the common issues of global importance including international peace and security. Thus, 'secondary' or 'residuary' responsibility in peace maintenance rests, inter alia, on the General Assembly. In the case where the Security Council fails to discharge its 'primary responsibility' either due to the lack of unanimity or because of unwillingness, the General Assembly is the body that may legitimately come forward to take the issue up in order to maintain international peace and security. The article analyses the complementary role of the General Assembly in peace management and its increasing involvement in the maintenance of international peace and security.

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