Which UN Charter article acknowledges the right of a state to use force in self-defence?

• A. Article 2(4)
• B. Article 51
• C. Article 42
• D. Article 7

Answer: (B)

The key idea is recognizing when a state may use force in self-defence under the UN Charter. This right is stated in Article 51, which says that nothing in the Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member, until the Security Council has taken measures to maintain or restore international peace and security. In practice, this means a state can respond with force in self-defence only in reaction to an armed attack, and it should report such measures to the Security Council. The other provisions set prohibitions or outline Security Council actions, not the explicit right to self-defence: Article 2(4) generally prohibits the use of force; Article 42 authorizes the Council to take enforcement action if needed; and Article 7 outlines the Security Council’s functions. So the article acknowledging the right to use force in self-defence is Article 51.