History and Functions of the United Nations

Brief History

The League of Nations was formed after WWI Consisted of 42 countries (not the United States) Had two basic goals:

Collectively preserve peace Promote international cooperation in economic and social

affairs Failed at keeping peace (WWII) Lost several key members

October 24, 1945 the League officially became the United Nations Consisted of 51 member states

Other Quick Facts

•UN symbol: World held by Olive Branches

•Olive Branches represent Peace

•Main Goal of the UN:•Maintain world peace and security

•There are 193 Member Nations in the UN

•UN Headquarters are in New York City

General Assembly

AKA “parliament of nations”Meet to consider world problems2/3 majority needed to decide:

International peace and security issues Admitting new members Budget

All other matters are decided by a simple majority

Cannot force action by any stateAnnual regular session is from Sept. – Dec.When the Assembly is not meeting its work is

carried out by its six main committees, other subsidiary bodies, and the UN secretariat.

Security Council

Primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security.

May convene at any time (whenever peace is threatened)

Under Charter all member states are obligated to carry out the council’s decisions

Council consists of 15 members: Five permanent members

Russia, France, China, UK, U.S. Ten others elected by the General Assembly for 2

years

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Decisions by the council requires 9 yes votes Except in votes of procedural questions, a decision

cannot be taken if there is a no vote or veto by a permanent member

When there is a threat to international peace the council can: Explore ways to settle disputes peacefully Suggest principles for a settlement Mediate Try to secure a cease fire (if fighting occurs) Send out peacekeepers to help the parties maintain the

truce or keep opposing forces apart

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Measures the Council can take to enforce its decision: Impose economic sanctions Order an arms embargo Authorize member states to use “all necessary means”

The council also makes recommendations to the General Assembly on: The appointment of a new Secretary General The admission of new members

Economic & Social Council

Coordinates the economic and social work of the UN and the UN family of organizations

Plays a key role in fostering international cooperation for development

Consults with non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), which helps the UN maintain relations with civil society

54 members elected by the GA for three year terms

Meets throughout the year and holds a major session in July

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Council’s subsidiary bodies meet regularly and report back to the council. Examples include commissions on: Human Rights Social Development Status of Women Crime Prevention Narcotic Drugs Environmental Protection Economic Development and Cooperation

The Trusteeship Council

Established to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories administered by seven member state and ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self government and independence

By 1994, all Trusts had attained self government or independence

Now the Council consists of the five permanent members of the Security Council and has amended its rules of procedure to allow it to meet as and when the occasion may require

The International Court of Justice

AKA: the “World Court”Main judicial body of the UNConsists of 15 judges elected jointly by the

General Assembly and the Security CouncilDecides disputes between countriesParticipation by States in a proceeding is

voluntary If state agrees to participate, it is obligated to comply

with the court’s decision Provides advisory opinions to the GA and Security

Council upon request

The Secretariat

Carries out the substantive and administrative work of the UN as directed by the GA, the security council and the other bodies

Headed by the Secretary General who provides overall administration and guidance Current Secretary General: Ban Ki Moon

Consists of departments and offices with a total of 7,500 under the regular budget, and almost that many under special funding