Overview
This lecture explains the history, structure, and main functions of the United Nations (UN), focusing on its six principal organs and how they operate.
History and Creation of the UN
- The League of Nations was created after World War I but failed to prevent future conflict.
- The United States did not join the League, weakening its effectiveness.
- After World War II, the United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, to better prevent conflict.
- The UN Charter was ratified by the main Allied powers and other signatories.
Principal Organs of the United Nations
- The UN has six main organs: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, Secretariat, and Trusteeship Council.
- All organs are headquartered in New York except the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is in The Hague.
General Assembly
- The General Assembly includes representatives from all member states.
- It is the main deliberative body and handles issues like peace, membership, and budget.
- Major decisions require a two-thirds majority; less important ones need a simple majority.
- The Assembly is led by a president elected for a one-year term, often from smaller states.
Security Council
- The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
- It has 15 members: 5 permanent (US, UK, France, Russia, China) and 10 rotating seats with two-year terms.
- Permanent members hold veto power over any proposal.
- Its resolutions are binding and include sanctions, peacekeeping, and authorizing force.
Economic and Social Council
- Oversees issues related to the economy, social welfare, environment, and development.
- Composed of 54 members elected for three-year terms.
- Operates through various subsidiary bodies and commissions.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- The ICJ adjudicates disputes and gives advisory opinions on international law.
- Composed of 15 judges with nine-year terms, elected by both the General Assembly and Security Council.
- States must consent to the court’s jurisdiction for cases to proceed.
Secretariat
- Handles the UN’s day-to-day operations and field missions.
- Led by the Secretary-General, nominated by the Security Council and elected by the General Assembly for five-year terms.
Trusteeship Council
- Originally supervised trust territories towards independence or self-governance.
- Inactive since 1994, but may become active if called upon to address new issues.
Key Terms & Definitions
- UN Charter — Foundational treaty establishing and governing the United Nations.
- Veto Power — Authority held by permanent Security Council members to block any council resolution.
- Trusteeship Council — Body overseeing non-self-governing territories until independence.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the six principal organs and their functions.
- Study the decision-making processes, especially voting requirements in the General Assembly and Security Council.