Under the United Nations Charter, the functions and powers of the Security Council

are: to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles

and purposes of the United Nations; to investigate any dispute or situation which

might lead to international friction.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United

Nations (UN). The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal

disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions

referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialized agencies.

Examine and provide me with three examples of where the Security Council

and the ICJ have lived up to each of their described mandates in accordance with

international law.

You will be required to do the following:

  • Provide an introduction in which you introduce the Security Council (SC) and the

International Court of Justice (ICJ) and their role within the United Nations

organisation.

  • Provide six positive/effective specific examples from the past or from the current time

of where the SC and ICJ (three examples for the SC and three for the ICJ) have

been effective in their perceived functions and powers. Find examples that clearly

demonstrate how the SC and ICJ have helped to create or maintain international

peace, harmony and security.

  • Summarise your arguments in a conclusion to show to what degree you think that the

Security Council and the ICJ meet their prescribed mandates.