1. History and Functions of the United Nations

2. Brief History The League of Nations was formed after WWI
Consisted of 42 countries (not the United States)
Had two basic goals:
Collectively preserve peace
Promote international cooperation in economic and social affairs
Failed at keeping peace (WWII)
Lost several key members
October 24, 1945 the League officially became the United Nations
Consisted of 51 member states

3. Other Quick Facts UN symbol: World held by Olive Branches
Olive Branches represent Peace
Main Goal of the UN:
Maintain world peace and security
There are 193 Member Nations in the UN
UN Headquarters are in New York City

4. General Assembly AKA “parliament of nations”
Meet to consider world problems
2/3 majority needed to decide:
International peace and security issues
Admitting new members
Budget
All other matters are decided by a simple majority
Cannot force action by any state
Annual regular session is from Sept. – Dec.
When the Assembly is not meeting its work is carried out by its six main committees, other subsidiary bodies, and the UN secretariat.

5. Security Council
Primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security.
May convene at any time (whenever peace is threatened)
Under Charter all member states are obligated to carry out the council’s decisions
Council consists of 15 members:
Five permanent members
Russia, France, China, UK, U.S.
Ten others elected by the General Assembly for 2 years

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Decisions by the council requires 9 yes votes
Except in votes of procedural questions, a decision cannot be taken if there is a no vote or veto by a permanent member
When there is a threat to international peace the council can:
Explore ways to settle disputes peacefully
Suggest principles for a settlement
Mediate
Try to secure a cease fire (if fighting occurs)
Send out peacekeepers to help the parties maintain the truce or keep opposing forces apart

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Measures the Council can take to enforce its decision:
Impose economic sanctions
Order an arms embargo
Authorize member states to use “all necessary means”
The council also makes recommendations to the General Assembly on:
The appointment of a new Secretary General
The admission of new members

8. Economic & Social Council
Coordinates the economic and social work of the UN and the UN family of organizations
Plays a key role in fostering international cooperation for development
Consults with non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), which helps the UN maintain relations with civil society
54 members elected by the GA for three year terms
Meets throughout the year and holds a major session in July

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Council’s subsidiary bodies meet regularly and report back to the council. Examples include commissions on:
Human Rights
Social Development
Status of Women
Crime Prevention
Narcotic Drugs
Environmental Protection
Economic Development and Cooperation

10. The Trusteeship Council
Established to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories administered by seven member state and ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self government and independence
By 1994, all Trusts had attained self government or independence
Now the Council consists of the five permanent members of the Security Council and has amended its rules of procedure to allow it to meet as and when the occasion may require

11. The International Court of Justice
AKA: the “World Court”
Main judicial body of the UN
Consists of 15 judges elected jointly by the General Assembly and the Security Council
Decides disputes between countries
Participation by States in a proceeding is voluntary
If state agrees to participate, it is obligated to comply with the court’s decision
Provides advisory opinions to the GA and Security Council upon request

12. The Secretariat
Carries out the substantive and administrative work of the UN as directed by the GA, the security council and the other bodies
Headed by the Secretary General who provides overall administration and guidance
Current Secretary General: Ban Ki Moon
Consists of departments and offices with a total of 7,500 under the regular budget, and almost that many under special funding