What is Article 99 of the UN Charter, invoked amid Israel’s military attacks on the Gaza Strip?
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was invoking Article 99 for the first time in his career.Why has this been done, and could it impact the humanitarian situation in Gaza? When was the last time Article 99 was invoked?
Article 99 states: “The Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.”
It is seen as a discretionary power. A 1945 report of the Preparatory Commission of the United Nations said of the Article: “…The responsibility it confers upon the Secretary-General will require the exercise of the highest qualities of political judgment, tact and integrity.” According to the UN, the President of the Security Council is under the obligation to call a meeting of the Council if the Secretary-General brings to the attention of the Council any matter under Article 99.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/article-99-un-invoke-israel-gaza-explained-9058381/