Question

The United Nations, its specialised agencies and staff have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 12 times. These include Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold (1961) and Kofi Annan (2001). With reference to the functioning of the United Nations, briefly answer the following:

1. State the objectives of the UN.
2. Mention the principles of the UN for its members.
3. State any four functions of the UN.

Answer 1

1. The objectives of the United Nations are as follows:
   
   1. The main objective is to maintain international peace and security, prevent and eliminate threats to peace, and suppress acts of aggression.
   2. The objective is to foster cordial relations between nations while maintaining the principle of equal rights and self-determination.
   3. To promote respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights while fostering international cooperation in the resolution of global economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian issues.
   4. To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of these common aims.
   5. Disarm, decolonise and develop are the three new objectives described by the UN.
2. To achieve UNO’s goals, members must adhere to the following principles.
   1. To respect each member’s sovereign equality.
   2. All members should carry out the responsibilities they have taken on in good faith.
   3. They should resolve their international conflicts amicably.
   4. They would abstain from threatening or using force against any state.
   5. They should support the UN in all of its endeavours.
   6. The organisation should make sure that non-member states follow these guidelines.
   7. The United Nations is not allowed to participate in a state’s domestic or internal affairs.
3. Four functions of the United Nations are as follows:
   1. Maintain international peace and security.
   2. Protect human rights and provide humanitarian relief.
   3. Promote sustainability and climate action.
   4. Uphold international law.