Topic: 2026 – Clarification of Article 51
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Gwyneth Henry
2/7/2026
Submitted to: Special Committee on the United Nations Charter
From: Algeria
Delegate Name: Gwyneth Henry
Subject: Clarification of Article 51
The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria has a strong commitment to help make stricter expectations for countries on this topic, while keeping national sovereignty at the forefront. Article 51 of the United Nations Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense, which can be interpreted as extremely limited and conditional to situations rather than authorization for acts of retaliation. Clarification of this article should be effective in its implementation, with simple guidelines to adhere to. Algeria believes that there is a need to prevent misuse of this article through resolutions that are able to preserve global security and peace. We emphasize that changes planned for this article should be regarded in respect to how the Security Council can act in matters as serious as the one at hand.
Algeria has been faced with colonialism and foreign intervention for decades, which has shaped its foreign policies and its international security. Since Algeria gained independence, the country has consistently supported non-interference and respected state sovereignty. Algeria has upheld Article 51 of the charter with a strict interpretation, maintaining that self-defence is lawful only in response to armed attacks by other nations. Through being heavily engaged in the United Nations, as well as regional alliances such as the African Union, Algeria has opposed military actions as a response to hostilities. Algeria has instead advocated for peaceful resolutions and diplomatic mediation. Within these organizations, Algeria has also opposed actions that countries have taken that bypass Security Council authorizations.
Algeria is greatly concerned with the current frequency with which Article 51 has been invoked to justify military operations such as the U.S. airstrikes on Iran or the Russia-Ukraine war. Military operations such as these are the most concerning as they assert that countries do not need to follow the United Nations charter. Different interpretations of the “unable or unwilling” doctrine also have the risk of eroding international norms, as the use of it has also become more frequent and alarming. Algeria also notes that there are inconsistencies in reporting self-defence actions to the Security Council, with reports lacking evidence for justification. This reduces transparency and the ability of the Security Council to maintain peace.
Looking to the future, Algeria supports strengthening the implementation of Article 51 with clearer guidelines. Using measures such as standard reporting by states to the Security Council regarding actions taken is essential to keeping council authority. Another positive way to amend the article is by defining an armed attack, as different interpretations of self-defence have been used to enact Article 51. Algeria also maintains that Article 51 is a temporary measure that doesn’t override the Security Council’s authorities.
The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria emphasizes that Article 51 is to be inpproved in a manner that respects both the United Nations and those countries within it. Article 51 must be interpreted carefully within the limits that the United Nations sets for it. By upholding the charter, the international community can better maintain global peace and stability. Algeria is committed to working with other nations to improve the article and create a solution that all countries can compromise on.
Works cited
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Hindsight, In. “In Hindsight: The Increasing Use of Article 51 of the UN Charter and the Security Council.” Security Council Report, 2025, www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-10/in-hindsight-the-increasing-use-of-article-51-of-the-un-charter-and-the-security-council.php.
United Nations. “Chapter VII: Article 51 — Charter of the United Nations — Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs — Codification Division Publications.” Un.org, United Nations, 1945, legal.un.org/repertory/art51.shtml.
https://www.facebook.com/DonaGraciaMendesNasiCenterforHumanRightsinMiddleEa/?modal=admin_todo_tour. “The Algerian Case and the New Parade of Sovereignties – Foreign Policy Blogs.” Foreign Policy Blogs, 13 Jan. 2026, foreignpolicyblogs.com/2026/01/13/the-algerian-case-and-the-new-parade-of-sovereignties/.
Charter’s, UN. “Columbia Undergraduate Law Review.” Columbia Undergraduate Law Review, 8 Dec. 2025, www.culawreview.org/journal/applications-of-the-un-charters-article-51-the-use-of-self-defense-in-outer-space.
