The Multilateral Impact of the United Nations on International Responsibilities Concerning War Crimes

Yaqub Aref  Khalil; Batool  Pakzad; Fatemeh  Ahadi

Authors

Yaqub Aref Khalil Ph.D. Student, Department of Law and Criminology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1893-1743
Batool Pakzad Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1665-3472
Fatemeh Ahadi Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2310-8036

Keywords:

Multilateralism, United Nations, International Law, United Nations Security Council, International Order.

Abstract

Multilateralism is one of the fundamental principles of the contemporary international order and one of the principal pillars of the activities of the United Nations. Nevertheless, political and structural transformations within the international system have challenged the effectiveness and legitimacy of multilateral mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to examine the concept of multilateralism within the framework of the United Nations, analyze its legal and institutional foundations, and evaluate the challenges and capacities of this approach in the contemporary international legal system. The research was conducted using a descriptive–analytical method based on the legal documents of the United Nations, the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions, and sources of international law. The structures and functions of the United Nations in achieving multilateral cooperation were examined. The findings indicate that the United Nations is the most significant institution for the realization of multilateralism at the global level and contributes to the development of cooperation among states through its principal organs and international treaties. However, challenges such as the imbalance of power within the United Nations Security Council, the rise of unilateralism, and transformations in the international system have affected the effectiveness of multilateralism. Despite these challenges, global issues continue to require multilateral mechanisms. Multilateralism remains an essential component of the international order and a necessary framework for managing global challenges. Strengthening and reforming the mechanisms of the United Nations can contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of this approach in the future.

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