Recently, the US launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela — and the most dangerous fallout wasn’t the missiles, but the precedent it sets. In a bold operation, President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores were captured and flown out, sparking worldwide condemnation. 🌐
Washington says the strike targeted criminal groups, but critics argue there was no UN Security Council approval or self-defense claim, two non-negotiable rules under the UN Charter that every member pledged to follow after WWII.
What’s the UN Charter?
Back in 1945, countries agreed that military force is only legitimate if it’s in self-defense after an attack (Article 51) or authorized by the UN Security Council (Article 2(4)). No green light from the council, no strike.
Why it matters
This action bypassed both conditions, raising alarms that powerful states can pick and choose the rules. Even UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned, “The rules of international law have not been respected.” 🚩
Sovereignty isn’t optional
Sovereignty is a legal right, not a privilege handed out by superpowers. It ensures equal treatment for all states and demands that political change happens internally, not through outside pressure. Ignore it once, and exceptions stack up until they become the norm.
The UN Charter was designed to keep global peace by limiting when and how force can be used. By chipping away at these rules, the Venezuela strikes risk unraveling the system that holds every state accountable — and that’s a wake-up call for young global citizens everywhere. ⚖️✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
