Topic: 2026 – Clarification of Article 51
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Stella Yakima
02/06/2026
Submitted to: Special Committee on the United Nations Charter
From: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Stella Yakima
Topic: Clarification of Article 51
Article 51 of the United Nations charter recognizes the right of nations to use self-defense against attacks carried out by other nations. It allows force to be used in self-defense until the Security council steps in. This article is vital to protecting national sovereignty as well as protecting the nation and its people in general. The unwilling or unable doctrine of this article is an especially crucial part that needs clarification because it expands upon the rights of self-defense and what it means for allied nations to defend each other as well as what constitutes an unlawful and unjust use of force.
The Nation of Venezuela is a strong supporter and advocate for national sovereignty yet still recognizes the importance of an international law. Article 51 is a necessary law to have as it provides a legal basis for use of force in the name of self-defense. Self-defense is a national right for any state to protect its people, resources, and sovereignty.
The nation of Venezuela strongly believes the purpose of Article 51 is to protect a nation after an attack for self-defense as opposed to being used preemptively to limit national sovereignty of another nation. Article 51 should only be used after an armed attack against a nation
As of late 2025 and into 2026, Venezuela has undergone multiple attacks and blockades by the United States of America primarily over disputes regarding natural resources. Venezuela has filed multiple complaints with the Security Council citing Article 51 as a primary reason as to why the attacks were illegal however without clarifications on how a proper report should be filed to the security council there will be .
Solutions and plans. The most problematic
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuela-asks-un-security-council-say-us-strikes-illegal-2025-10-16/
https://globalgovernanceforum.org/venezuela-stress-test-for-un-charter-system/
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2026/01/venezuela-emergency-meeting.php
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-10/in-hindsight-the-increasing-use-of-article-51-of-the-un-charter-and-the-security-council.php
