The UN Collective Security System and Maritime Interception Operations

Abstract

This chapter analyses the use of maritime interception operations within the context of the UN collective security system. The enforcement of UN sanctions at sea may be seen as the traditional form of maritime interception. Although naval forces have regularly been used to enforce UN sanctions since the fall of the Berlin wall, there has always been a debate on which precise basis, Article 41 or 42, within the collective security system these operations take place. Apart from maritime embargo operations, maritime interception can also take place within the collective security system outside the context of UN sanctions. In this regard the basis for MIO could follow from an ‘all necessary means’ mandate.