§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Prime Minister in what circumstances it is possible for intervention by a member state of the UN or a regional organisation in the territory of another UN member state to be authorised by the UN on the basis of a resolution passed by a majority vote in a specially convened session of the General Assembly; and if he will make a statement. [82665]
§ The Prime MinisterGeneral Assembly Resolution 377(V) provides for the General Assembly, in certain circumstances, to make appropriate recommendations for collective measures for the maintenance of international peace and security. Details on the Resolution (known as the Uniting for Peace Resolution) are available in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Prime Minister on what authority a state, or regional organisation of states, can be empowered to intervene in the territory of another UN member state, under the United Nations Charter, on the basis of its intervention being in response to a humanitarian catastrophe; and if he will make a statement. [82667]
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§ The Prime MinisterUnder international law a limited use of force can be justifiable in support purposes laid down by the Security Council but without the Council's express authorisation when that is the only means to avert an immediate and overwhelming humanitarian catastrophe. Any such case would in the nature of things be exceptional and would depend on an objective assessment of the factual circumstances at the time and on the terms of relevant decisions of the Security Council bearing on the situation in question.