The United Nations

Aims: Identify the aims of the United Nations The key role played by the General Assembly and Security Council. How the UN deals with conflicts.

The United Nations Established in countries are members It aims to maintain international peace and security and promote friendly relations between countries.

The Structure of the UN General Assembly All countries are represented and have one vote each. This is where member countries discuss and make decisions. Security Council Deals with any threat to global peace and security. It has five permanent members – China, France, Russia, UK and USA. These five countries have the power to veto decisions.

The Head of the UN The UN is headed by the Secretary- General. This is currently Ban Ki-Moon from South Korea. He is the main spokesperson for the UN and will often be directly involved in trying to resolve conflicts between countries.

Organisation of the UN Role Carries out the day by day work of the UN administering policies and programmes. Settles legal questions from member countries. Maintains international peace and security. Deals with any conflicts that arise. Parliament of the UN. Each country has one vote. Coordinates work of UN agencies.

Dealing With Conflict When dealing with a conflict the UN security council has a number of options: Fact-finding Missions – assess a situation then try to mediate between countries. Military Observers Economic Sanctions – UN members refuse to trade with an aggressive country Arms Sanctions – UN members refuse to sell weapons to an aggressive country Peacekeeping Operation.

UN Peacekeepers Known as the ‘Blue Berets’ Drawn from armed forces of member countries. Authorised by the Security Council Their role is to keep the peace and help create conditions for a lasting peace e.g. helping a country to have a stable elections, police force etc. Can only take military action in self-defence or to protect civilians.

UNMISS 2011 UNAMID 2007 MONUSC UN Peacekeeping Operations

MONUSCO (2011) – Democratic Republic of Congo The country has struggled to recover from civil war. UN peacekeepers have helped aid to get through. Mine action experts have helped to deal with unexploded mines. The country is still unstable – UN peacekeepers are helping to protect civilians and support a more stable government. Current Peacekeeping Operations

UNMISS – UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan In 2003 a twenty year civil war came to an end. In 2011 South Sudan declared its independence – UN peacekeepers are helping this new country to establish stable government.

Current Peacekeeping Operations UNAMID – United Nations and African Mission in Darfur. In 2003 civil war broke out in the Darfur region of Sudan. A rebel group began to attack the government and accused them of discriminating against Black Africans in favour of Arabs. 2.7 million people have fled their homes and live in refugee camps – an estimated 400,000 have died from war, famine and disease. The ‘Jangaweed’ Arab horsemen have been slaughtering men and raping women. It has been claimed the government has supported this and was trying to wipe out Black Africans in the region.

Current Peacekeeping Operations UNAMID – United Nations and African Mission in Darfur. Peacekeeping troops were sent in by the African Union. Peacekeeping troops were sent in by the African Union. In January 2008, UNAMID a joint African Union – UN peacekeeping mission took over. In January 2008, UNAMID a joint African Union – UN peacekeeping mission took over. A ceasefire was agreed in November However the situation is far from stable. A ceasefire was agreed in November However the situation is far from stable. UN peacekeepers have helped to provide humanitarian help (aid) and protect human rights and the rule of law. UN peacekeepers have helped to provide humanitarian help (aid) and protect human rights and the rule of law.