United Nations Security Council Resolution 662

United Nations Security Council Resolution 662 was adopted on November 9, 1990, in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait led by Saddam Hussein and the Ba'ath Party. The resolution was passed during a meeting attended by representatives of China, France, Soviet Union, United Kingdom, and United States, among others, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The resolution was a key component of the international community's response to the crisis, which involved Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The situation was also being monitored by the European Community, Arab League, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

● Introduction

The resolution was introduced by the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Thomas Pickering, and was co-sponsored by Canada, United Kingdom, and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The introduction of the resolution was preceded by a series of meetings and negotiations involving Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, and other senior officials of the United Nations Secretariat. The resolution was also influenced by the positions of Germany, Japan, and other major contributors to the United Nations budget. The International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations were also involved in the discussions, highlighting the need for protection of civilians and prisoners of war.

● Background

The background to the resolution was the Gulf War, which began with the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on August 2, 1990. The invasion was widely condemned by the international community, including the United Nations General Assembly, the European Parliament, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council also played important roles in responding to the crisis, with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Saudi Arabian King Fahd being key players. The situation was further complicated by the presence of Palestinian refugees in Kuwait and the involvement of Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

● Provisions

The resolution declared that the annexation of Kuwait by Iraq was null and void, and demanded that Iraq withdraw its forces immediately. The resolution also called for the restoration of the legitimate government of Kuwait, led by Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the protection of foreign nationals and humanitarian workers. The provisions of the resolution were influenced by the Geneva Conventions and the Hague Conventions, as well as the principles of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter. The resolution also referred to the role of the International Court of Justice and the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in promoting respect for human rights and international law.

● Voting

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 15-0, with no abstentions or absences. The voting members included representatives of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, and other members of the United Nations Security Council. The vote was influenced by the positions of India, Italy, and other non-permanent members of the Council, as well as the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The African Union and the Organization of American States also played important roles in shaping the international response to the crisis.

● Aftermath

The aftermath of the resolution saw a significant escalation of the conflict, with Iraq launching a series of Scud missile attacks against Israel and Saudi Arabia. The international community responded with a series of aerial bombing campaigns and naval blockades, led by the United States, United Kingdom, and France. The conflict ultimately resulted in the liberation of Kuwait and the defeat of Iraq, but also had significant humanitarian and environmental consequences, including the Gulf War oil spill and the destruction of Kuwaiti infrastructure. The United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization played important roles in responding to these consequences.

● Impact

The impact of the resolution was significant, as it marked a major turning point in the Gulf War and the Iraq-Kuwait conflict. The resolution demonstrated the ability of the United Nations Security Council to respond effectively to threats to international peace and security, and paved the way for future peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in the region. The resolution also had important implications for the development of international law, particularly in the areas of humanitarian law and state responsibility. The International Criminal Court and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have also played important roles in promoting respect for human rights and international law in the aftermath of the conflict. Category:United Nations Security Council resolutions