Topic: 2026 – Clarification of Article 51
Country: France
Delegate Name: Aicha Jaafar
Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, countries within the UN are able to, in theory, practice their right to protect their land and citizens if a conflict or threat arises. If a country or state-actor is attacked, they are permitted to defend themselves. This article is extremely valuable; it allows states to ensure the stability of their nation and to assist in protecting others. For example, Article 51 saw an immense amount of attention after the 2022 attacks on Ukraine. Not only does it allow Ukraine to implement self-defensive measures, but it also authorizes outside countries to provide collective support. However, this conflict also highlights the controversy surrounding the article, as Russia has sent a letter to the UN Security Council justifying the attack under Article 51. The UN has seen this practice utilized consistently in recent world events – including, but not limited to, Israel’s strikes on Hamas, the United States attacks of Iranian nuclear facilities, and Israel’s related military action in Iran. Whether these actions are truly supported by the UN Charter is yet to be clarified, but the UN is aware that the increase in its usage has caused disarray and controversy. In February 2025, Mexico noted that, since 2021, the article has been invoked for at least 78 instances, a notable increase since the previous years . Due to the fact that this number will likely only increase, it is imperative that the UN works to fully interpret and address all aspects of Article 51 to minimize corruption and ensure international stability.
France has had little usage of the article since 2015, when it faced an internal attack on November 13 by the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). After the tragedy, President François Hollande called upon members of the European Union to follow Article 42(7) of the European Union’s Treaty, asking for mutual aid. From this, he received unanimous support, allowing for the minimization of any damage caused by the attack. Article 42(7), known as the ‘mutual assistance clause’, falls under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and because of its implementation, countries in the EU (European Union) are able to provide each other with collective support. France has additionally utilized Article 51 to provide its support towards Ukraine in the ongoing conflict, backing its right for self-defense and protection and providing any aid possible.
On behalf of the Delegation of France, it is vital that Article 51 be clarified, most importantly to reduce civilian casualties. While it is true that countries must be allowed to prevent damage they may see, many of these actions have resulted in humanitarian concerns. This delegation believes that most of this stems from the current allowance of pre-emptive strikes that are not overseen or confirmed by the Security Council. Preventing damage to one’s nation is important, but taking these actions without prior conformation has only caused more international issues and concerns. Thus, we must remove or alter the permittance of preemptive attacks unless permission is granted. Alongside this, it would be extremely beneficial to implement an aspect of Article 51 similar to that of Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty for the means of humanitarian assistance. If we are to truly represent a united body that condemns civilian harm, adding a clause that, when called upon, guarantees citizen aid from financially stable countries, it vital. Additionally, we must consider how any and all reports made to the Security Council are carried out. If we are to minimize conflict efficiently and effectively, implementing these measures are absolutely necessary to ensure stability.
Works Cited
February 2026 monthly forecast : Security council report. February 2026 Monthly Forecast : Security Council Report. (n.d.). https://www.securitycouncilreport.org
France supports Ukraine in exercising its right to self-defense. France ONU. (n.d.). https://onu.delegfrance.org/nouvelle-traduction-france-supports-ukraine-in-exercising-it- right-to-self#:~:text=Since %20the%20outbreak%20of%20this,in%20terms%20of%20food%20security
Rehrl, J. (n.d). Invoking the EU’s Mutual Assistance Clause. what it says, what it means. – Egmont Institute. Invoking the EU’s Mutual Assistance Clause. What it says, what it means. – Egmont Institute. https://www.egmontinstitute.be/invoking-the-eus-mutual-assistance- clause-what-it-says-what-it- means/#:~:text=Mutual%20Assistance%20Clause.-,What%20it%20says%2C%20what% 20it%20means.,the%20majority%2C%20including%20the%20politicians
United Nations. (n.d.). Defending military aid to Ukraine, Western countries in Security Council reject Russian Federation’s claim such support is turning Kyiv into terrorist state | UN meetings coverage and press releases. United Nations. https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15659.doc.htm
