Codification Division Publications: Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs Codification Division Publications: Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs

Last update: August 23, 2016

Charter of the United Nations

Chapter VII — Action with respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression

Article 47

1. There shall be established a Military Staff Committee to advise and assist the Security Council on all questions relating to the Security Council’s military requirements for the maintenance of international peace and security, the employment and command of forces placed at its disposal, the regulation or armaments, and possible disarmament.

2. The Military Staff Committee shall consist of the Chiefs of Staff or the permanent members of the Security Council or their representatives. Any Member of the United Nations not permanently represented on the Committee shall be invited by the Committee to be associated with it when the efficient discharge of the Committee’s responsibilities requires the participation of that Member in its work.

3. The Military Staff Committee shall be responsible under the Security Council for the strategic direction of any armed forces placed at the disposal of the Security Council. Questions relating to the command of such forces shall be worked out subsequently.

4. The Military Staff Committee, with the authorization of the Security Council and after consultation with appropriate regional agencies, may establish regional sub-committees.

Extracts PDF
Repertory of Practice (1945–1954), volume 2 View PDF file
  Supplement No 1 (1954–1955), volume 1 View PDF file
  Supplement No 2 (1955–1959), volume 2 View PDF file
  Supplement No 3 (1959–1966), volume 2 View PDF file
  Supplement No 4 (1966–1969), volume 1 View PDF file
  Supplement No 5 (1970–1978), volume 2 View PDF file
  Supplement No 6 (1979–1984), volume 3 View PDF file
  Supplement No 7 (1985–1988), volume 3* View PDF file
  Supplement No 8 (1989–1994), volume 3* View PDF file
  Supplement No 9 (1995–1999), volume 3* View PDF file

* Advance version in English