The United NationsAt a Glance

Introduction to United Nations “Applaud us when we

prevail; correct us when we fail; but, above all, do not let this indispensable, irreplaceable institution wither, languish, or perish as a result of Member States’ indifference, inattention or financial starvation.” -Kofi Annan

Introduction to United Nations Purpose: to bring all nations of the world together

to work for peace and development, based on principles of justice, human dignity, and the well-being of all people

Not intended to be a “world government” Chief principle: national sovereignty

This means that borders, laws and traditions of each country cannot be intruded on by any other government, by any international agency, or the UN itself.

Exceptions to this rule occur when the Security Council agrees that there is a significant threat to peace and security.

History of the United Nations: The Charter First named by Franklin Roosevelt during World

War II UN began as a declaration among “Allied”

governments against “Axis” Powers After war, the UN as we now know it was

chartered at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, California on June 26, 1945

Final ratification of Charter by main member states occurred on October 24, 1945 (UN Day)

51 original member states

History of the United Nations: The Charter (Cont’d.)

United Nations Charter Establishes conditions for membership Sets purpose & structure of Organization Lays out fundamental rights and principles that

apply to all member states

International treaty All members expected to observe

mandates of charter as international law

History of the United Nations: The Charter (cont’d.) Expectations of Member states (in UN Charter):

Fulfill in good faith obligations (payments and dues) Settle international disputes by peaceful means Refrain from the threat or use of force against another

Member State, Assist the UN in line with the Charter

The Charter does not give the UN any authority to intervene in domestic matters of any State

History of the United Nations: What Has the UN Done? Improved international health

Immunizing children Fighting malaria and deadly diseases Providing safe drinking water Eradicating smallpox As a result, life expectancy has increased all over the world

More International Law has been developed through the UN in the past sixty years than in the entire history of mankind

UN relief agencies have given aid and protected more than 25 million refugees throughout the world

The History of the United Nations: What has the UN Done? 1948 Universal Declaration of Human

Rights More than 80 other human rights treaties Strengthened democratic processes by

assisting in elections in over 70 countries World Food Program- the world’s largest

food-aid organization- provides 1/3 of world’s food each year

Structure & Function of UN: Main UN Organs

United Nations is comprised of six main organs (organizations) General Assembly Security Council Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) Trusteeship Council International Court of Justice Secretariat

Structure & Function of the UN: The General Assembly Main body of the UN Every Member State has a single vote on the GA and within

its main committees First Committee: Disarmament & International Security Second Committee: Economic & Financial Third Committee: Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Fourth Committee: Special, Political and Decolonization Fifth Committee: Administrative and Budget Sixth Committee: Legal

Each committee presents work in form of written resolutions to the General Assembly and then deliberates and votes on these resolutions

Structure & Function of the UN: Security Council Main responsibility- maintaining international

peace and security Members: five permanent members

China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States

Ten rotating members elected by GA for two year terms

Permanent members have veto power Security Council is only UN organ that can

demand actions to be taken in resolutions

Structure & Function of UN: ECOSOC Coordinates economic and social efforts

between UN and other specialized agencies

54 members elected for three year terms- each member has a single vote

Resolutions of ECOSOC are recommendations on social, cultural, educational, and health related matters

Structure & Function of UN: Trusteeship Council

Originally intended to oversee administration of eleven Trust Territories

Now somewhat obsolete because all Trust Territories are independent or self-governing

Consists of five permanent members of Security Council

Structure & Function of UN: International Court of Justice Principal international judicial body All UN Member States are automatic parties to

the ICJ Statute Court may preside over cases brought to it by

parties or may be asked to give advisory opinions relating to international law

No private disputes- only national disputes Rulings are based upon international conventions

and treaties Fifteen judges sit on the court

Structure & Function of UN: Secretariat International staff that conducts day-to-day

operations & administration of the organization Secretary General is the chief administrative

officer, although duties also include being the main spokesperson, diplomat and activist of the UN

Current Secretary General is Ban Kai-Moon from South Korea

Structure & Function of UN: Selected UN Agencies

UNICEF: United Nations Children’s Fund Only UN agency dedicated

to helping children Founded in the wake of

WWII in 1946 Supports the full

implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)

UNICEF reports to ECOSOC

Structure & Function of UN: Selected UN Agencies UNDP: United Nations Development Program Since 1965, serves as coordinating body for

financial assistance in sustainable development Uses powers to aid environment, alleviate

impoverishment, improve status of women and reduce unemployment levels

UNDP reports to the General Assembly

Structure & Function of UN: Selected UN Agencies

UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization

promotes peaceful uses of scientific resources & research, improved education, cultural identity and free communication

Reports to ECOSOC

Structure & Function of UN: World Bank

Aims to improve standards of living by promoting economic growth and development

World Bank reports to ECOSOC

Structure & Function of UN: Selected UN Agencies WHO: World Health Organization Founded in 1948 Three guiding principles:

To give worldwide guidance in the field of health To work with Member States in improving national health

programs To develop and transfer information and technology in

order to attain the highest standards of health for all

WHO reports to ECOSOC