Asia and the Pacific

Never before in the 45-year history of the United Nations had the Security Council reacted with such unanimity to an invasion, occupation and purported annexation, said the Secretary-General in commenting on Council action following Iraq’s early morning invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990. By the end of the year, the Council had adopted 10 resolutions on the crisis, including those unanimously condemning the invasion and demanding immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces. Comprehensive, mandatory sanctions were imposed against Iraq, the annexation of Kuwait was declared null and void, and a naval blockade to enforce the sanctions was endorsed. In November, the Council authorized the use of “all necessary means” to uphold and implement all relevant Security Council resolutions and to restore international peace and security in the area if Iraq had not fully implemented those resolutions on or before 15 January 1991.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Partnerships for the Goals