- It is the main deliberative body of the United Nations.
- All UN member states are members; each country has one vote.
- Discusses and makes recommendations on peace, security, cooperation, and development.
- Approves the UN budget, elects members of other UN organs, and appoints the Secretary-General.
- Its resolutions are not legally binding, but they carry strong moral and global opinion value.
Key Points
Key Points: Organs of the United Nations > The General Assembly
Key Points: Organs of the United Nations >The Security Council
- It is the executive organ of the UN, responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
- It has 15 members: 5 permanent (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) and 10 non-permanent members elected for 2 years.
- The permanent members have veto power; a single veto can block a decision.
- It can investigate disputes, impose economic sanctions, and authorize military action.
- It recommends new UN members, appoints the Secretary-General, and elects ICJ judges with the General Assembly.
Key Points: Organs of the United Nations >International Court of Justice
- It is the principal judicial organ of the UN, located at The Hague (Netherlands), functioning since 1946.
- It has 15 independent judges, elected for 9 years by the General Assembly and Security Council.
- It settles legal disputes between States and gives advisory opinions to UN organs and agencies.
- Only member States can be parties to cases; jurisdiction may be voluntary or compulsory.
- Its decisions are binding, and non-compliance can be referred to the Security Council.
