Chapter VIII: What is it and why it matters

Author(s): 
Publication Date: 
11 August 2014
Publisher: 
OSCE Secretariat: Press and Public Information Section
Publication Place: 
Vienna
Publication Language: 
EN
Appearing in: 
Security Community
Issue: 
2
Pages: 
19-21
Abstract: 

The OSCE defines itself as a regional security arrangement under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter. What does that mean? Could it mean more? When the UN Charter was being drafted, some favoured a centralized security organization, others preferred a regionalized structure. In the end, when the Charter was finalized in 1945, the universal approach prevailed. Nonetheless, an entire chapter – Chapter VIII – was devoted to regional arrangements and the terms of their relationship with the UN in the field of peace and security.