United Nations to Discuss Iraq's Chapter VII

The Security Council imposed restrictions on Iraq under Chapter VII of the UN Charter in relation to its invasion and occupation of neighbouring Kuwait in 1990-91. Chapter VII gives the Council to the power to determine the existence of a threat to peace and to take military and non-military actions to “restore international peace and security”. Measures imposed on Iraq include paying war reparations to Kuwait.

Ms. Rice also announced that the Security Council will hold an unprecedented informal youth event in New York on 21 December that will bring together young people from across the world to express their views and concerns about international peace and security.

She said that video or written submissions to the Council can also be sent answering the following questions:

“What is the most vital challenge to international peace and security facing your generation?” and: “Tell the United Nations Security Council about something you believe deserves more attention and explain why it is important.”

The one-minute video or 250-word written submissions from young people under the age of 25 can be sent to the Security Council electronically before 14 December, Ms. Rice said.

A selection of the submissions on various themes will be played at the youth event and members of the Council will be asked to respond. Mr. Ban will attend the event, which will be open to the public and the media.