URBANIZATION: Use and Distribution of Scarce Resources PART VI OF XIII

Urbanization-the movement of people to cities, is one of the most significant forces of social change, especially in the developing world.

Reasons for Urbanization In developing countries, many people have moved to the cities to find jobs and escape the poverty of rural areas. Cities also offer other attractions, such as better health care, educational opportunities, stores, and modern conveniences.

Results of Urbanization Cultural Change-in modern cities, people’s traditional values and beliefs are often weakened. The caste system in India, for example, is often less strong in urban areas than in rural areas.

Poverty-many people cannot afford to live in cities. They settle around the cities in shantytowns, areas of makeshift shacks that lack sewer systems, electricity, and other basic services. Crowded conditions often lead to water pollution and other environmental effects.

Solving Urban Problems Developing nations are trying to solve the problems that have resulted from urbanization. These attempts expand several areas, such as: 1)Providing education for all. 2)Religious individuals and groups setting up their own relief agencies. 3)Working to improve health care in crowded urban centers.

Role of the United Nations PART VII OF XIII

Origin and Structure of the UN The United Nations, or UN, was established in Its goals are to promote global peace and security as well as economic and social well-being. The UN has the power, through the votes of its more than 170 member nations, to take action against forces that threaten world peace.

The UN has five main bodies. The UN also has a number of specialized agencies, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) which are both concerned with global health issues.

UN Peacekeeping Operations Since its creation the United Nations has taken action to maintain peace or restore order within many regions of the world. Some examples are:

IRAQ-In August 1990, Iraqi troops invaded oil- rich Kuwait. The UN voted to send a multinational force which drove Iraq out of Kuwait.

HAITI-When Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the freely elected President of Haiti, was ousted from office by a military coup the UN helped to restore him to power and build a functioning democracy.

SUDAN-Sudan has been torn by civil war for most of its 52 years. It cultural diversity has been the underlying factor for these wars. In 2003, pro-government Arabic militias began attacking black villagers and rebel groups in the Darfur region.

Today, the Sudanese government is not cooperating and therefore, all negotiations have failed. Currently, the government of Sudan has the support of China and Russia, who depend on its oil.

UN Social & Economic Programs HUMAN RIGHTS-In 1948, the United nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document states that human beings are born free and equal with dignity and rights. It list basic rights and freedoms that all people should have.

DISASTER RELIEF-The UN has responded over the years to famine and other disasters. One example of such efforts: the provided relief and recovery aid after the December 2004, Indonesian tsunami and October 2005, Pakistani earthquake.