Since the original edition of "The Charter of the United Nations" was published, the text of the Charter may not have changed but the world has. Rwanda, Somalia, Kosovo, and September 11th have had a lasting impact on international law and the Commentary has been fully updated to take their impact into account. The new edition has been completely revised and features a completely new part on Chapter VII and enforcement measures of the Security Council; a thoroughly updated text on the prohibition on the use of force and self-defence; a comprehensive update on peace-keeping, peace-making, and peace-enforcement; an introduction to international criminal law before UN tribunals; new theoretical pieces on sovereign equality and UN non-intervention; a revised part on membership and the Yugoslav question; and new texts on women's rights and the UN human rights mechanisms. This is the authoritative, article-by-article account of the legislative history, interpretation, and practical application of each and every Charter provision. Written by a team of distinguished scholars and practitioners, this book combines academic research with the insights of practice, and is an indispensable work of reference for all those interested in the UN. The Commentary will be crucial in providing new directions for the development of international law and the United Nations in the twenty-first century.