The UN By Eilidh Knudsen

The UN is an international organization that provides a number of countries with international peace and security. It was founded in 1945, after the second world war, by 51 countries. These countries not only wanted international peace and security, but also social progress, better standards of living, friendly relations among different nations, and human rights. The UN provides a place where its 192 members can voice their views and have action taken on it agreed by everyone.

The UN is best known for its humanitarianism and peacekeeping abilities. The UN also works a lot on things like sustainable development, democracy promotion, disaster relief, etc. In my opinion, the UN is a great organization that is making the world a better, more peaceful place.

General Assembly The GA has deliberative power in the UN. Representatives from each member state make up the members of the GA. The mandates that are given by the GA play a major role in the actions of the UN.

Economic and Social Council This branch coordinates everything to do with economic and social factors, and its actions are decided simply by majority vote.

International Court of Justice This International Court of Justice is the main judicial branch of the UN. It settles any disputes to do with member states, and also provides advice to the rest of the branches of the UN.

Security Council The SC has the responsibility of peacekeeping and international security. It also authorizes military action. There are five permanent members who have the power of veto, that is to turn down any suggestion unilaterally.

Trusteeship Council This council provides international supervision for eleven “Trust Territories.” These territories were placed under the supervision of seven member states. The Trusteeship Council made sure that the territories were fully prepared for independence and self-government.

Secretariat This branch serves the others by carrying out day-to-day work. These jobs include the administration of peacekeeping, surveying for economic or social trends, studying human rights, etc.

Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs This is pretty much a very detailed summary of what the UN is doing, and can be referred to if questions are posed at the way the UN is carrying out its actions.

Secretary General Our current secretary general for the UN is Ban Ki-moon from South Korea. There have been a total of 63 peacekeeping operations since Presently, there are 16, including those in Haiti, Sudan, The African Republic and Chad, etc.

Bibliography The United Nations at a Glance – May 24, Background Note – United Nations Peacekeeping Operations – May 25, htm htm