Topic: 2026 – Clarification of Article 51
Country: Uzbekistan
Delegate Name: Reese Shepard
Special Committee on the United Nations Charter (SCUNC)
Clarification of Article 51
Uzbekistan
Reese Shepard
Article 51 has a focus on global threats to countries and the means in which the UN and participating countries look to control dangerous situations. Article 51 of the UN Charter affirms that a country has the right to defend itself against other countries or groups if attacked until the UN Security Council steps in. The current problem that has arisen is the lack of clarity on the meaning and regulations of Article 51. Countries have been interpreting Article 51 differently and attacking first under the “unable or unwilling” test against terrorist groups or countries. This issue matters globally because it has created a legal loophole which justifies uses of force, increases global conflict, and allows abuse of self defense claims. Recently an instance with Russia when Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine showed how Article 51 can be broadly interpreted and used to justify force under the guise of self-defense. Article 51 needs adjustments so it can become more effective and clear so as to help put a stop to global conflicts.
Uzbekistan sees the value of Article 51 and has taken anti-terrorism actions in the hopes of limiting global conflict. The Uzbekistan government prioritizes security and stability. With Afghanistan being geographically close to Uzbekistan, in the past they have taken more humanitarian action in helping them become more stable but have also supported other countries who are combating terroism originating in Afghanistan with a more aggressive approach. In 2017 Uzbekistan updated their defense doctrine and shifted it towards having a more modernized military and focusing on security challenges both nationally and internationally. Uzbekistan’s updated defense doctrine was legally modeled after the policies of Article 51. In 2001 Uzbekistan became a founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) along with China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and other countries which have been working to combat terrorism and maintain security. The Uzbekistan President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev has said that he believes that countries just left alone will continue to cause global issues and that the UN should take flexible and constructive approaches to these issues and against these countries.
Uzbekistan supports strengthening regional cooperation and alliances rather than immediately jumping to military action and justifying it through Article 51. This would align with Uzbekistan’s goals for security and stability and help lessen problems in the region. This solution would work through the SCO and the UN monitoring threats and working through them collaboratively. Uzbekistan would also support the UN becoming more strict on their peacekeeping and reporting mechanisms as many countries take action under the guise of “self defense” and then poorly report it to the UN. The current reporting system is ineffective and allows countries to abuse their power under Article 51. For this to work the UN would have to enhance the legality and requirements of the reports of the use of Article 51. Uzbekistan would be interested in looking into having countries bring up the issue to the UN before taking military action and then giving a detailed report of what consequences their actions brought to the group they were attacking, as well as the communities and regions in the surrounding area. These solutions align with Uzbekistan’s goals and would help us be a proactive contributor to limiting global conflict.
Uzbekistan calls upon fellow members of the United Nations to help change Article 51 so that the regulations are more specific and help reduce the abuse of power leading to global conflict. Overall Uzbekistan would support further clarification and stricter regulations on Article 51. Uzbekistan looks to collaborate with other countries to create a more secure and stable world.
