Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations provides that 'The parties to any dispute, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall, first of all, seek a solution by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice.'
The Charter envisages roles for the Secretary-General, the Security Council and the General Assembly, among others, in the peaceful settlement of disputes; and UN resolutions and practice have further contributed to the development of the peacemaking functions of the Organization.
