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]ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNO
The United Nations Organization (UNO) was created after World War
II, which was one of the deadliest and most destructive conflicts in
human history. The war lasted from 1939 to 1945 and involved more
than 60 nationsWorld War II caused an enormous loss of life, with
millions killed in battles, bombings, and genocides. The Holocaust
alone claimed six million Jewish lives. Civilians suffered greatly from
air raids, famine, and violence.
Many major cities like Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Berlin, and Warsaw were
destroyed. industries broke down, jobs were lost, and food shortages
became widespread.
Millions were displaced, forced to flee their homes and live as
refugees. Families were separated, and many had no homes to return
to.
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It became clear that the League of Nations, formed after World War I,
had failed to prevent this second global conflict. A stronger, more
effective international organization was needed—one that could
maintain peace, promote cooperation, and respond quickly to global
crises.
As a result, representatives from 51 countries met in San Francisco
and signed the United Nations Charter. This marked the official
founding of the UNO on 24th October 1945, with its headquarters in
New York City, USA. Since then, the UNO has worked to promote
peace, protect human rights, and support global development.
Objectives of the United Nations Organization (UNO)
The United Nations was founded on 24th October 1945, after World
War II, with the goal of promoting peace and cooperation across the
globe. Its Charter outlines several important objectives, which guide the
organization’s work in creating a better world for all.
1. To Maintain International Peace and Security
The UNO’s primary goal is to prevent conflicts between nations and
maintain peace. It encourages countries to resolve disputes through
dialogue and diplomacy instead of war. The UN sends peacekeeping
forces to regions in conflict and takes steps like sanctions or
negotiations to prevent further violence.
2. To Promote Friendly Relations Among Nations
The UNO promotes peaceful and respectful relationships between
countries, regardless of differences in race, religion, language, or
political systems. It encourages nations to work together and respect
each other’s sovereignty to create a world based on mutual
understanding and cooperation.
3. To Achieve International Cooperation
The UNO brings countries together to solve global problems that affect
everyone. These include climate change, poverty, diseases, terrorism,
and inequality. It supports international efforts and provides a platform
for countries to share knowledge, technology, and resources.
4. To Protect Human Rights
One of the UNO's key missions is to defend and promote the
fundamental rights and freedoms of every person. This includes the
right to life, freedom of speech, education, and protection from
discrimination. It encourages governments to treat all citizens fairly and
supports human rights worldwide through the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.
5. To Promote Social and Economic Development
The UNO supports development in poorer nations by helping them
improve their education systems, healthcare, infrastructure, and
economies. It works to reduce poverty, increase job opportunities, and
ensure a better quality of life for all people. Organizations like the
UNDP and World Bank assist in this mission.
6. To Provide Humanitarian Aid
In times of crisis, such as wars, natural disasters, or pandemics, the
UNO provides urgent help. It sends food, clean water, medical supplies,
and shelter to affected areas through agencies like UNICEF, WFP, and
UNHCR. This support saves lives and helps communities recover
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Organs of the United Nations Organization (UNO)
The United Nations consists of six primary organs, each playing a
distinct role in promoting its objectives of peace, development, and
collaboration.
The General Assembly is the primary decision-making body where all
member countries are represented equally. It discusses global issues
and makes recommendations through resolutions.
The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace
and security. It can impose sanctions, approve peacekeeping missions,
or authorize military action to address conflicts. Five of its fifteen
members are permanent and hold veto power.
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) promotes international
cooperation on economic, social, and environmental issues. It
coordinates the work of UN agencies to improve living standards and
uphold human rights.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the UN’s judicial organ. It
settles legal disputes between countries and provides advisory
opinions. Its rulings are binding and help uphold international law.
The Secretariat carries out the UN’s daily work. Led by the Secretary-
General, it supports all UN programs and organs by preparing reports,
organising meetings, and implementing decisions.
The Trusteeship Council was created to oversee trust territories and
guide them toward independence. It has now completed its mission
and is currently inactive
a. General Assembly – Functions (6 Points Extended and Elaborated)
The General Assembly is the main deliberative and representative
body of the United Nations, where all 193 member states have equal
voting rights. It plays a crucial role in shaping international policy,
promoting cooperation, and addressing global challenges. Below are
its six key functions explained in detail:
1. Discussing International Issues:
The General Assembly serves as a global forum where
representatives of all member countries gather to discuss a wide
range of international issues. These include issues related to
peace and security, sustainable development, climate change,
human rights, disarmament, and international law. Through
open debates, it provides a platform where countries express
their concerns, exchange ideas, and work toward consensus-
based solutions to promote global stability and development.
2. Approving the UN Budget and Finances:
One of the Assembly’s important responsibilities is reviewing
and approving the annual budget of the United Nations. It
ensures that the organization has the necessary financial
resources to carry out its programs and peacekeeping missions.
The General Assembly also determines the financial
contributions of member states based on their economic
strength and capacity to pay, promoting fairness and solidarity
among nations.
3. Electing Key UN Officials:
The General Assembly elects members to important UN bodies,
including the non-permanent members of the Security Council
who serve two-year terms. It also elects members to the
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), judges to the
International Court of Justice (ICJ), and other key positions.
Additionally, on the recommendation of the Security Council,
the Assembly appoints the Secretary-General, who acts as the
chief administrative officer of the UN.
4. Adopting Resolutions and Declarations:
While General Assembly resolutions are generally non-binding,
they carry significant moral and political influence. The Assembly
adopts resolutions and declarations that reflect the collective
opinion and will of the international community on pressing
issues. These documents guide member states and UN bodies,
encouraging cooperation, human rights protection,
disarmament, and sustainable development.
5. Promoting International Cooperation:
The General Assembly actively promotes cooperation between
countries in various fields including health, education, culture,
and humanitarian aid. It works closely with specialized UN
agencies like WHO, UNESCO, and UNICEF to coordinate global
efforts aimed at improving quality of life. By fostering
partnerships and encouraging shared commitments, the
Assembly helps address challenges such as poverty, disease, and
environmental degradation.
6. Reviewing Reports from Other UN Organs:
The General Assembly regularly reviews reports and activities
submitted by other UN organs such as the Security Council,
Economic and Social Council, and the Secretariat. This process
ensures transparency, accountability, and coordination within
the UN system. By evaluating the progress and challenges
reported, the Assembly can make informed decisions to
strengthen the effectiveness of the organization
b. Security Council – Functions (6 Points Elaborated)
The Security Council is one of the most powerful organs of the United
Nations. Its main responsibility is to maintain international peace and
security. It has 15 members—5 permanent (China, France, Russia, the
UK, and the USA) and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year
term
b. Security Council – Functions (Extended Descriptions)
1. Maintaining International Peace and Security:
This is the primary responsibility of the Security Council. It
identifies threats to global peace, such as wars, invasions, or civil
unrest, and works to prevent conflict from escalating. The
Council can call for ceasefires, negotiate peace talks, or issue
binding resolutions that member states must follow. It plays a
crucial role in preventing another world war by encouraging
diplomacy and cooperation among nations.
2. Authorizing Peacekeeping Missions:
When peaceful solutions are difficult to maintain, the Security
Council can deploy UN peacekeeping forces to areas of conflict.
These missions consist of soldiers, police, and civilian personnel
from different countries. They help implement peace agreements,
protect civilians, disarm fighters, and support the rebuilding of
war-torn societies. Peacekeepers serve as neutral forces and
operate only with the consent of the host country.
3. Imposing Sanctions:
To pressure countries or groups that threaten peace, the
Security Council can impose international sanctions. These can
include economic sanctions (such as banning trade or freezing
bank accounts), diplomatic restrictions (like cutting off ties), or
military embargoes (which block arms supplies). Sanctions serve
as a means to influence behavior without resorting to force and
aim to encourage governments or leaders toward peaceful
actions.
4. Approving the Use of Military Force:
In extreme situations where peaceful efforts fail and civilians are
at serious risk, the Security Council can authorize military action.
This may involve UN-sanctioned military coalitions intervening in
cases of genocide, terrorism, or large-scale war. Such decisions
are carefully considered and require the agreement of all five
permanent members due to their veto power.
5.
6. Recommending New Member States for Admission:
When a country applies to join the United Nations, the Security
Council examines whether it meets the criteria for membership—
such as being peace-loving and willing to follow the UN Charter. If
approved by the Council, the application is sent to the General
Assembly for a final vote. Without the Council’s recommendation,
a country cannot become a UN member.
7. Recommending the Appointment of the Secretary-General:
The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer of the UN
and represents the organization globally. The Security Council
plays a vital role in selecting this person. After reviewing
candidates, the Council recommends one name to the General
Assembly, which then formally appoints the Secretary-General for
a five-
c. International Court of Justice (ICJ) – Functions (4 Points Elaborated
and Extended)
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court,
is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Located in The
Hague, Netherlands, it serves as the main legal authority to settle
disputes between states and give advisory opinions on international
legal questions. Here are its four key functions explained in detail:
1. Settling Legal Disputes Between States:
The ICJ primarily resolves disputes submitted to it by countries.
These disputes can involve issues such as territorial boundaries,
maritime rights, diplomatic relations, treaty interpretations, and
the legality of actions taken by states. The Court listens to
arguments from both parties, examines evidence, and delivers
final and binding judgments and without appeal, helping to
prevent conflicts and promote peaceful resolution.
2. Giving Advisory Opinions:
Besides settling disputes, the ICJ provides advisory opinions on
legal questions referred to it by the United Nations General
Assembly, Security Council, or other specialized agencies
authorized to seek guidance. These opinions help clarify
international law and guide UN organs and member states in their
decision-making. Though advisory opinions are not legally binding,
they carry significant moral and legal authority worldwide.
3. Promoting the Development of International Law:
The ICJ plays an important role in the progressive development
and clarification of international law. Through its judgments and
advisory opinions, the Court interprets treaties, customary
international law, and principles of justice, setting precedents that
influence global legal standards. This helps strengthen the rule of
law between nations and fosters a more predictable and stable
international system.
4. Ensuring Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts:
By providing a legal forum for resolving disputes, the ICJ helps
prevent the escalation of conflicts into violence or war. States
agree to submit their disputes to the Court voluntarily, trusting its
impartiality and fairness. The Court’s peaceful approach to
conflict resolution supports the broader goals of the United
Nations to maintain international peace and security
5. Contributing to the Development of International Law:
Through its judgments and opinions, the ICJ helps develop and
refine international law. It sets important legal precedents that
influence future cases and guide international behavior,
strengthening the global legal framework.
6. Ensuring Compliance with International Law:
The Court monitors whether states comply with their
international legal obligations. While it cannot enforce its rulings
directly, its decisions carry moral and political weight,
encouraging countries to respect and follow the rule of law in
their actions.
🌐 Agencies of the United Nations
The united nation agenices
The United Nations (UN) was created to promote peace, cooperation,
and development around the world. To carry out its vast mission, the
UN works through many specialized agencies. Each agency focuses on a
specific global issue such as health, education, food, finance, or
children’s welfare — and together, they help improve lives across the
globe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) leads efforts to combat global
diseases, enhance healthcare systems, and respond to health
emergencies. It aims to make healthcare more accessible and supports
vaccination programs worldwide.
UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization, promotes quality education, protects
cultural heritage sites, and encourages scientific research and freedom
of expression.
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is dedicated to the rights and well-being of
children. It provides food, clean water, education, and protection to children, especially in
conflict zones and disaster-affected areas.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) works to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition.
It helps countries grow food more efficiently and sustainably, aiming for a world where
everyone has enough to eat.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) supports workers’ rights by promoting fair wages,
safe workplaces, and equal job opportunities. It also works to eliminate child labor and forced
labor.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank support countries facing financial
difficulties. The IMF offers policy advice and short-term loans to stabilize economies, while the
World Bank funds long-term development projects such as building schools, roads, and
hospitals.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides protection and
assistance to refugees fleeing war, persecution, or natural disasters. It helps them find shelter
and rebuild their lives.
Finally, the World Food Programme (WFP) delivers emergency food aid to people in need,
especially during natural disasters, wars, or famines.
Each of these agencies plays a vital role in building a fairer, healthier, and more peaceful world
— turning the UN’s vision into real, everyday action