MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

HANOI LAW UNIVERSITY

------------

GROUP ASSIGNMENT
SUBJECT’S NAME: PUBLIC
INTERNATIONAL LAW
Topic: Analyze the role of the United Nations in international
Peacekeeping and security activities. Evaluate the roles of the
United Nations in some recent international conflicts.
GROUP : 02

CLASS : N01.TL01

Hanoi, 2024
 THE MINUTES DETERMINES PARTICIPATION LEVELS AND THE
RESULT OF GROUP 02’S ASSIGNMENT
Date: 09/11/2024 Destination: Hanoi Law University
Group: 02 Class: N01
Department Bachelor of Law Course: 47
: (High quality training)
The total members: 06
 Attendance: 06
 Absence: 0

Subject’s name: Public International Law

Students’s
Teacher’s assessment
Student assessment Students’
NO Full name
ID signature Grade Teacher’s
A B C
signature
1 473006 Giang Hoàng Chi x
Nguyễn Hoàng Hạnh
2 473015 x
Chi
3 473005 Nguyễn Thùy Dương x
4 473012 Nguyễn Việt Hà x
5 473002 Nguyễn Khánh Huyền x
6 473016 Trần Ngô Phương Liên x

The result of group assignment: Hanoi, November 9th 2024

…………………….…………….
The result of group presentation: Group leader
…………………………………..
The final result:………..……….

Nguyen Thuy Duong

TABLE OF CONTENT
 S
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................1
CONTENTS.............................................................................................................1
1. The roles of the United Nations in international peacekeeping and
security activities..................................................................................................1
1.1. Overview about the Unites Nations.............................................................4
1.1.1. History of formation..............................................................................4
1.1.2. Purposes and Principles of the United Nations......................................4
1.2. The system of international peace and security maintenance according to
the UN Charter....................................................................................................4
1.2.1. General Assembly.................................................................................4
1.2.2. United Nations Security Council..........................................................4
1.2.3. United Nations Peacekeeping...............................................................4
2. The role of the UN in some recent conflicts between nations......................4
2.1. Russia and Ukraine.......................................................................................4
2.2. The Israel-Hamas Conflict...........................................................................7
2.3. Challenges that the United Nations faces up to in maintaining international
peace and security activities nowadays...............................................................9
CONCLUSION......................................................................................................16
REFERENCES......................................................................................................17
 INTRODUCTION

In the context of an increasingly complex and diverse world, with many

conflicts arising from cultural, political, and economic differences, the role of the
United Nations in maintaining international peace and security has become more
important than ever. Established immediately after World War II with the mission
of promoting peace, the United Nations has become the center for coordinating and
resolving global issues. From deploying peacekeeping forces, implementing
sanctions, to organizing reconciliation negotiations, the United Nations has
contributed significantly to efforts to end wars and prevent conflicts from
escalating. However, the effectiveness of these roles is not always consistent. In
recent conflicts between nations, especially in complex situations involving power
and geopolitical interests, the role of the United Nations sometimes encounters
limitations and challenges. This raises questions about the capabilities and
limitations of this organization in maintaining a stable world order.
 CONTENTS
1. The roles of the United Nations in international peacekeeping and security
activities

1.1. Overview about the Unites Nations

1.1.1. History of formation

The United Nations (UN) was established on October 24, 1945, in the aftermath of
World War II, with the primary aim of maintaining international peace and
security, promoting cooperation among nations, and protecting human rights. The
creation of the United Nations was a response to the devastating lessons drawn
from the war with the intention of preventing the recurrence of such large-scale
conflicts. Moreover, this was the attempt at establishing a universal international
organization with the main purpose of maintaining peace by a system of collective
security. Initially, 51 countries signed the United Nations Charter in San Francisco,
California. Over the years, the organization has expanded its membership to
include 193 nations and has taken on numerous vital roles, including conflict
resolution, economic and social development, and the promotion of global human
rights.

1.1.2. Purposes and Principles of the United Nations

The Purposes of the United Nations are: To maintain international peace and
security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention
and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or
other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in
conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or
settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of
the peace; To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the
principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other
appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace; To achieve international co-
operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or
humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human
rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex,
language, or religion; and To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in
the attainment of these common ends.1

The principles of the United Nations are set out in Article 2 of the UN Charter. The
operational principles of the United Nations create a framework for international
actions and play a crucial role in building a peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
The implementation of these principles not only helps prevent conflict but also
promotes global development and stability, thereby fostering an international
environment conducive to cooperation and shared prosperity.

1.2. The system of international peace and security maintenance according to

the UN Charter

1.2.1. General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly is the principal agency of the United
Nations and consists of all members of the United Nations. The General Assembly
is the only agency of the United Nations with the participation of all member
states.

The UN General Assembly may consider general principles on the maintenance of

international peace and security. These principles serve as a guideline for member
states in resolving disputes and conflicts. The General Assembly actively promotes
activities to reduce nuclear weapons, limit the arms race and build trust among
nations. The General Assembly has the right to make the Security Council aware
of international situations that may endanger peace and security. This helps the
Security Council to promptly take appropriate response measures.

Over the past 50 years, the General Assembly has ratified many important
resolutions and declarations, demonstrating the determination of the international
community in maintaining peace and security. The United Nations General
Assembly has actively contributed to resolving many conflicts, supporting
developing countries and promoting international cooperation. Thanks to its
continuous efforts, the General Assembly has affirmed its central role in building a
peaceful, justice and prosperous world.

1.2.2. United Nations Security Council

1
Article 1, Chapter I, United Nations Charter.
According to Article 24 of the United Nations Charter, the Security Council is the
standing political leadership body of the United Nations, with the primary
responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The Security
Council can apply methods to peacefully resolve international disputes or conflicts.
If necessary, The Security Council can use actions, including coercion and force to
eliminate threats, breaches of world peace or acts of aggression.

The Security Council has the power to determine which factors are threatening
international peace and security, from armed conflicts to non-traditional issues
such as terrorism and climate change. Based on the assessment of the situation, the
Security Council will propose appropriate measures to resolve disputes and
conflicts, in order to prevent conflicts from escalating. If necessary, the Security
Council has the right to apply coercive measures, including the use of armed force
to restore peace. However, the use of force has to comply with the strict principles
of the United Nations Charter. The Security Council has played a central role in
coordinating international efforts to be against terrorism. This agency ratified
resolutions condemning terrorism, establishing sanctions regimes for terrorist
organizations and related individuals and authorizing military operations to destroy
terrorist organizations and protect civilians.

Under Article 39 of the United Nations Charter, the Security Council has the
primary responsibility to determine whether a specific situation constitutes a threat
to peace, a breach of peace, or an act of aggression. Upon identifying a threat, the
Security Council takes further steps to address the situation. Article 40 outlines
provisional measures that the Security Council may adopt to prevent the situation
from worsening. These measures must be implemented impartially and should not
affect the legitimate rights and interests of the involved parties. If provisional
measures prove ineffective, the Security Council may decide to impose sanctions
under Article 41. The purpose of sanctions is to pressure the violating parties to
comply with Security Council resolutions. In extremely serious cases, when
peaceful measures fail, the Security Council has the authority to decide on the use
of force under Article 42 to restore international peace and security. However, the
use of force must strictly adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Despite having extensive powers, the Security Council faces significant challenges
in practice. Polarization among major powers, interference from the internal
political factors of member states, and a lack of consensus on critical decisions are
major obstacles to the effectiveness of the Security Council's operations.

The United Nations Security Council has achieved remarkable achievements in

maintaining international peace and security. This agency has successfully
prevented many large-scale conflicts between countries, contributing to stabilizing
many regions of the world. However, in addition to the successes achieved, the
Security Council also faces many challenges. Today's conflicts are increasingly
complex, involving many factors such as religion, ethnicity and social-economic
issues, requiring comprehensive and long-term solutions. The rise of new
multilateral forums and non-governmental organizations also reduces the exclusive
role of the Security Council.

1.2.3. United Nations Peacekeeping

Operations United Nations peacekeeping operations represent an international

effort to stabilize situations, facilitate peaceful conflict resolution and restore
peace. Under the leadership of the Security Council, peacekeeping operations
encompass military observer missions and peacekeeping forces. Initially focused
on resolving armed conflicts, the mission has expanded to include support for the
establishment of legitimate governments.

The UN Charter grants the Security Council authority to use force if necessary, but
UN peacekeeping operations generally consist of non-combat armed forces. The
primary goal is to concentrate diplomatic efforts to achieve conflict resolution
through political means. In international conflicts, military personnel carry out
military functions, while in internal conflicts, they engage in additional activities
such as administrative oversight.

In most cases, UN peacekeeping efforts have contributed to stabilizing conflict.

However, there have also been significant failures, often due to unclear or
conflicting missions assigned by the Security Council or objectives that exceed the
scope of peacekeeping. To improve effectiveness, the United Nations has
established preparation programs and fundamental principles for its peacekeeping
operations.

2. The role of the UN in some recent conflicts between nations

2.1. Russia and Ukraine

The dispute between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since 2014. Although
the two countries signed a peace agreement, they have always been quietly at odds
with each other. In recent years, Ukraine has stabilized its economy with support
from the West, and Western countries have supplied Ukraine with significant
amounts of weaponry. Fearing that Ukraine was covertly becoming an ally of
NATO, Russia positioned 90,000 troops, armed and ready to strike the Ukrainian
capital. Additionally, Russia sent a message to the U.S. President, demanding that
Ukraine not join NATO, but this request was rejected. This is considered to have
escalated tensions between Russia and the U.S. and NATO allies to the brink of
military conflict, with Ukraine as the battlefield.2

Immediately, the United Nations quickly convened and proposed political

solutions regarding the Ukraine issue. On March 2, 2022, a resolution condemning
Russia's special military operation in Ukraine was passed. The resolution expresses
regret over Russia's military actions in Ukraine and calls for Russia to
immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all military forces from
Ukrainian territory. The resolution states that Russia's military activities in Ukraine
have international community implications and calls for a peaceful solution to the
conflict. Accordingly, on March 24, 2022, the General Assembly adopted a
resolution "calling on Russia to end its special military operation in Ukraine" while
also urging the international community to increase humanitarian aid to Ukraine,
which received 140 votes in favor. However, the resolutions that were passed not
only were not implemented but also provoked a strong backlash among the parties
involved.3 The Russian ambassador to the United Nations stated that the resolution
reflects a one-sided view of current events, implying that the UN has deliberately
overlooked the historical context that led to the war. Meanwhile, the U.S.
Ambassador affirmed that the passed resolution demonstrated the international
community's solidarity against the ongoing war in Ukraine. Through that, we can
2
Hồng Vân. (2022). “Đại hội đồng LHQ thông qua nghị quyết yêu cầu Nga lập tức ngừng chiến ở Ukraine”, Báo
Tuổi trẻ. https://tuoitre.vn/dai-hoi-dong-lhq-thong-qua-nghi-quyet-yeu-cau-nga-lap-tuc-ngung-chien-o-ukraine-
20220324235521866.htm
3
Lại Thị Thảo. (2024). “Vai trò giải quyết khủng hoảng quốc tế của Liên Hợp Quốc từ xung đột Nga – Ukraine đến
nay và dự báo những năm tiếp theo”, Nghiên cứu chiến lược. https://nghiencuuchienluoc.org/vai-tro-giai-quyet-
khung-hoang-quoc-te-cua-lien-hop-quoc-tu-xung-dot-nga-ukraine-den-nay-va-du-bao-nhung-nam-tiep-theo/?
fbclid=IwY2xjawGb3RxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSHFLJK1vKKJ47ErPncCXZhnJRA1VcAEEVH9vfTAcXRLolK
0lEONxvdeHA_aem_IatkxswxJDkM7TegJQ2xHg
clearly see that the Russia-Ukraine war reveals an internal conflict within the
United Nations itself, as the key parties in the Security Council are all involved in
the war from various perspectives. This contradiction shows us a reality that, from
the outside, the role of the United Nations in crisis resolution appears very
effective according to the solutions proposed by the organization's Charter.
However, in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the solutions put forward are "one-sided,"
pressuring Russia to withdraw its troops quickly and legitimizing support for
Ukraine (or NATO) through aid packages. This will not help resolve the conflict
but will instead cause much outrage and discontent, leading some people to lose
faith in the fairness of the United Nations.

2.2. The Israel-Hamas Conflict

Hamas is one of the two major political and military forces in present-day
Palestine. On October 7, 2023, Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas launched
a large-scale incursion and attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. Hamas accused
Israeli forces of illegally entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Palestine’s holiest
sites, which Israel also claims as part of its heritage. This incursion led to hundreds
of Palestinian worshippers being injured and became the “last straw” for
Palestinian Muslims. Hamas named its October 7 attack “Operation Al-Aqsa
Storm,” calling on Palestinians and Muslims to rise up and launch a jihad, while
Israel termed its counteroffensive "Operation Iron Swords." The continued intense
attacks after that have pushed 2.4 million Palestinians living in Gaza into a
humanitarian crisis.4

UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the violence, raising

grave concerns about targeting civilians, including the kidnapping of Israelis and
airstrikes on Gaza. Most recently, at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia,
Secretary-General Guterres called for strong action for peace in Gaza. 5 He stressed
the need for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages,
provision of humanitarian aid, and affirmed that a two-state solution to the Israeli -
Palestinian conflict is the only viable path forward. After multiple failed attempts,
the United Nations General Assembly finally passed a non-binding resolution
4
Vũ Thanh. (2024). “Vai trò của Liên hợp quốc hiện nay trong các cuộc xung đột trên thế giới”, Báo Tin tức.
https://baotintuc.vn/phan-tichnhan-dinh/vai-tro-cua-lien-hop-quoc-hien-nay-trong-cac-cuoc-xung-dot-tren-the-gioi-
20240902142137923.htm
5
Mbah, R. E., Mbah, D. E., & Hultquist, L. (2024). The Role of the United Nations and Its Agencies in the Israel-
Hamas War. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(6). 311-325.
calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza to end hostilities between Israel and
Hamas. The resolution, “Protection of Civilians and Adherence to Legal and
Humanitarian Obligations,” passed with 120 votes in favor, 59 against and
abstentions. It calls for an immediate ceasefire, restraint, compliance with
international law and international humanitarian and human rights laws, protection
of civilians and civilian infrastructure, guaranteed humanitarian access, and the
immediate release of civilians with humane and safe treatment. 6 The Security
Council has been working hard to come up with an official text on the matter. The
first of the resolutions was passed on November 15, 2023, by 12 of the 15 UN
Security Council members. This first resolution called for adherence to
international law, access to humanitarian aid and services including making routes
for aid to enter the conflict zones safely, and the release of all hostages.
Throughout the present Israeli-Hamas conflict, the UN Security Council has served
as a guide, providing a third-party perspective on the conflict and advocating for
the need to redress the effects imposed on humanity.

2.3. Challenges that the United Nations faces up to in maintaining

international peace and security activities nowadays

The United Nations is the largest and only intergovernmental organization globally
that plays an important role in maintaining international peace and security,
especially during these chaotic times. However, in the context of today's complex
geopolitical landscape, the role and effectiveness of the United Nations has to deal
with increasing challenges and difficulties due to structural barriers within its own
organization and many global conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war, the Russia-
Ukraine conflict, China's militarization in the South East Asia Sea (Bien Dong
Sea), as well as ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Haiti, Venezuela,
and Bangladesh.

First of all, about the structural organization of the UN, the UN Security Council
consists of five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom,
and the United States.These countries have a significant impact on determining
mediation methods. However, these permanent members’ right of veto has become
one of the greatest barriers to the effective decision-making ability of the Security
6
United Nations. (2023). General Assembly Adopts Resolution Calling for Immediate, Sustained
Humanitarian Truce Leading to Cessation of Hostilities between Israel, Hamas | UN Press. Press.un.org.
https://press.un.org/en/2023/ga12548.doc.htm
Council. A single vote against or an abstention from any of these countries can
interrupt an important resolution. These permanent members of the Security
Council may often allow their national interests to influence many global conflicts,
making consensus-building difficult. With the condition of these central member
states continuing to be bound by national interests and the immunity from
responsibility for actions that harm the international community, the UN's function
of maintaining international peace and security is limited to some extent.

Second, with regards to the challenges in the implementation of the mission to

maintain international peace and security in the context of conflicts between states.
Currently, numerous conflict zones continue to be characterized by complex
developments, including issues such as the arms race, the proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction, and non-traditional security threats such as terrorism, ethnic
and religious conflicts, territorial disputes, separatism, and extremism. These issues
are increasingly escalating, posing a serious and sustained threat to global peace
and security. One example of this is when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conduct
operations against Lebanon, they may establish temporary military installations in
close proximity to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) outposts in
order to exert pressure on the peacekeeping forces to withdraw. This not only
undermines the morale of the troops but also complicates their missions as they are
forced to continually adapt to the changing dynamics of the conflict. With the
growth of tension between Israel and Hezbollah, the future of UNIFIL in Lebanon
has become increasingly uncertain. Although UNIFIL has been entrusted with a
critical responsibility for maintaining peace, the reality is that they show the lack
of power and measures in managing and controlling the situation. On October 14th
2024, UNIFIL reported that two Israeli Merkava tanks destroyed the main gate and
breached the base at dawn. After the tanks departed, artillery shells detonated
approximately 100 meters away, generating smoke that enveloped the entire base
and adversely affected UNIFIL personnel.7 The ongoing hostilities between the
Israel military and Hezbollah could erupt at any given moment, which causes the
situation of Irish peacekeeping forces, along with other UNIFIL contingents, being
caught in the crossfire between the two belligerents represents just one of many
complex challenges they must deal with.

7
Tú Linh. (2024). “Xe tăng Israel lao vào căn cứ của Liên Hợp Quốc, các đồng minh lên án”, Báo Tiền phong.
https://tienphong.vn/xe-tang-israel-lao-vao-can-cu-cua-lien-hop-quoc-cac-dong-minh-len-an-post1682129.tpo
 CONCLUSION

In summary, the United Nations has played and continues to play an extremely
important role in maintaining peace and stability worldwide. Through
peacekeeping activities, negotiations, and humanitarian interventions, this
organization has contributed to preventing many conflicts from escalating into full-
scale wars, while also helping countries and territories affected by violence to
recover and develop. Although still facing many challenges, including resource
constraints, pressure from various interest groups, and criticism regarding its
effectiveness, the United Nations remains an indispensable organization in the
effort to maintain international security and peace. The steadfastness in missions
and goals has helped the United Nations maintain its mediating role in recent
conflicts, and the contributions of this organization will continue to be necessary in
the future.
 REFERENCES

1. Charter of the United Nations (1945)

2. Hanoi Law University, Textbook on International Law, 2023

3. United Nations. (2023). General Assembly Adopts Resolution Calling for

Immediate, Sustained Humanitarian Truce Leading to Cessation of Hostilities
between Israel, Hamas.

4. United Nations. (2022). General Assembly Overwhelmingly Adopts Resolution

Demanding Russian Federation Immediately End Illegal Use of Force in Ukraine,
Withdraw All Troops.

5. Hồng Vân. (2022). “Đại hội đồng LHQ thông qua nghị quyết yêu cầu Nga lập
tức ngừng chiến ở Ukraine”, Báo Tuổi trẻ. https://tuoitre.vn/dai-hoi-dong-lhq-
thong-qua-nghi-quyet-yeu-cau-nga-lap-tuc-ngung-chien-o-ukraine-
20220324235521866.htm

6. Lại Thị Thảo. (2024). “Vai trò giải quyết khủng hoảng quốc tế của Liên Hợp
Quốc từ xung đột Nga – Ukraine đến nay và dự báo những năm tiếp theo”, Nghiên
cứu chiến lược. https://nghiencuuchienluoc.org/vai-tro-giai-quyet-khung-hoang-
quoc-te-cua-lien-hop-quoc-tu-xung-dot-nga-ukraine-den-nay-va-du-bao-nhung-
nam-tiep- theo/?
fbclid=IwY2xjawGb3RxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSHFLJK1vKKJ47ErPncCXZhn
JRA1VcAEEVH9vfTAcXRLolK0lEONxvdeHA_aem_IatkxswxJDkM7TegJQ2xH
g

7. Vũ Thanh. (2024). “Vai trò của Liên hợp quốc hiện nay trong các cuộc xung đột
trên thế giới”, Báo Tin tức. https://baotintuc.vn/phan-tichnhan-dinh/vai-tro-cua-
lien-hop-quoc-hien-nay-trong-cac-cuoc-xung-dot-tren-the-gioi-
20240902142137923.htm

8. Mbah, R. E., Mbah, D. E., & Hultquist, L. (2024). The Role of the United
Nations and Its Agencies in the Israel-Hamas War. Advances in Social Sciences
Research Journal, 11(6). 311-325.