Founded in 1945 in San Francisco to replace the League of Nations – Attended by 50 governments – Drafted the Charter of the United Nations

“Maintain international peace and security” – Essentially prohibited war, except in self defense – “All members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered”

“To develop friendly relations among nations based on equal rights and self determination” “To achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character” Encourage respect human rights “and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion”

General Assembly (GA) – Main body of the UN – Composed of all UN member states (192) – Led by Secretary General, elected from among the member states (Ban Ki- Moon) – Opportunity for all states to address GA, air their grievances – Resolutions of GA are NOT binding on members

Charged with maintaining peace & security among countries Security Council has power to make binding decision that member governments agree to carry out, as part of their joining UN

Membership: Five permanent members, ten non-permanent members – Permanent members: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, US – Each has veto power over all substantive decisions of Council Non-permanent members hold seats for two year terms

Provides studies, information and facilities for UN bodies Headed by Secretary General (Ban Ki-Moon) – Acts as spokesman and leader of UN – Has power to “bring any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security” before the Security Council

Decides disputes among states – War crimes – Ethnic cleansing Located in The Hague, Netherlands