What role does the United Nations Charter give the General Assembly and Security Council in arms control?

The United Nations Charter establishes specific roles for the General Assembly and the Security Council regarding arms control and disarmament, reflecting the founders' belief that international peace and security are linked to the reduction of weaponry.1

The General Assembly

The Charter empowers the General Assembly to consider the principles governing arms control and disarmament. It is authorized to make recommendations on these principles to member states and the Security Council. While the Assembly plays a broad role in focusing public attention on these issues through discussions and special sessions, its formal actions are generally limited to making recommendations rather than issuing binding decisions.12

The Security Council

The Charter assigns the Security Council the responsibility to formulate plans for the regulation of armaments and the establishment of a system for the regulation of armaments. Unlike the General Assembly, the Security Council has the authority to make decisions that are binding on all UN members. Throughout its history, the Council has been tasked with overseeing efforts to eliminate weapons of mass destruction and monitoring compliance with disarmament resolutions, such as those requiring the verification of cease-fire terms.123