In 1952, during the 6th session of the United Nations General Assembly, resolution 502 was approved as a measure to address the constant threats of armament transgressions and the non-peaceful applications of atomic energy. Due to the international instability during the Cold War, the Disarmament and International Security Committee was designated under this resolution as the first subsidiary organ of the General Assembly, in charge of the control and regulation of armaments that could represent a threat to international security, besides the prevention of further conflicts.

As one of the six subsidiary bodies of the General Assembly, the Disarmament and International Security Committee holds the purpose of “the maintenance of international peace and security, including principles governing disarmament and regulation of armaments” . Nevertheless, in order to achieve a peaceful solution for a conflict that threatens international peace and security, this committee has  the competence to make recommendations to the Security Council, which shall take the appropriate actions as stipulated by Article 40 of the UN Charter.