- 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: Reasons for the Establishment of the United Nations
- Horrors of World Wars: Two World Wars caused massive loss of life and property, making world peace essential.
- Failure of the League of Nations: The League could not prevent war, so a stronger organisation was needed.
- Fear of a Third World War: Countries feared another global war that could destroy humanity.
- Division into Power Blocs: Rivalry between the USA and USSR required a neutral forum to resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Danger of Destructive Weapons: Atomic weapons and arms race made international cooperation necessary to prevent destruction.
Key Points: The United Nations: Foundation, Objectives, and Global Framework
- Formed in 1945 after World War II to prevent future wars.
- Aims to maintain world peace and international security.
- Promotes friendly relations, cooperation, and human rights.
- Works on principles of equality, peaceful settlement, and no use of force.
- India is an original member and active in UN peacekeeping.
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.
Key Points: Major Organs of the United Nations
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Promotes economic development, social progress, higher living standards and full employment.
- Trusteeship Council: Supervised territories placed under trusteeship after World War II to prepare them for self-government.
- Secretariat: Administrative organ of the UN, headed by the Secretary-General, which coordinates and implements UN activities.
Important Questions [4]
- State any four functions of the General Assembly.
- The horror of two World Wars, lead to the formation of United Nations Organization In this context, answer the following: Explain any three functions of the Security Council
- The United Nations Organisation Was Established to Maintain Peace and ‘Promote Social Progress and Better Standards of Life in Larger Freedom.’ The Composition of the Security Council.
- The United Nations Organisation aims to maintain international peace. With reference to its organs and agencies, answer the following: What is the term of the non-permanent members?
Concepts [6]
- Reasons for the Establishment of the United Nations
- The United Nations: Foundation, Objectives, and Global Framework
- Organs of the United Nations > The General Assembly
- Organs of the United Nations >The Security Council
- Organs of the United Nations >International Court of Justice
- Major Organs of the United Nations
