The United nations

1. The United nations CzieglerSS2031

2. The Founding of the UN... • The United Nations began in 1945 after WWII. It consisted of 51 countries, who were “committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. “ • The current Secretary General of the UN is Ban Ki-moon. CzieglerSS2031

3. Branches of the UN... The General Assembly The General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the UN, where all UN members are represented. Each country has one vote and matters are decided by a majority or by two-thirds vote. Of most importance is the Assembly’s deliberative activities, during which global conflicts may be addressed. Recommendations are passed but are not binding on members. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) The ECOSOC co-ordinates the economic, social, and related work of the UN, specialized agencies and institutions. ECOSOC acts as a central forum for the discussions of international economic, social, humanitarian and environmental issues, as well as formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the UN system. The Council plays a main role in promoting international co-operation for development and in setting priorities for action. CzieglerSS2031

4. Branches of the UN... The International Court of Justice The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial body of the UN. The court settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions to the UN and its specialized agencies. Trusteeship Council The Trusteeship Council helps to ensure that non-self governing territories were administered in the best interests of the inhabitants and of international peace and security. The eleven Trust Territories have all attained self-government, and the Council was suspended in 1994, after Palau (their last territory) gained independence. CzieglerSS2031

5. Branches of the UN... The Secretariat The Secretariat carries out the day-to-day work of the Organization. It services the other branches and carries out tasks as varied issues are dealt with by the UN: administering peacekeeping operations, surveying economic and social trends. Preparing studies on human rights, among others. The Repertory of Practice of the UN Organs The repertory of Practice of the UN Organs is a legal publication containing analytical studies of the decisions of the principle organs (branches) of the UN. It is a comprehensive summary of the decisions of the UN branches and serves to throw light on questions of application and interpretation of the UN Charter in practice. CzieglerSS2031

6. Branches of the UN... Security Council The Security Council is the division of the UN whose main purpose is to maintain international peace and security. The Security Council consists of 5 permanent countries – China, France, UK, US, Russia- and 10 non-permanent members. The Council investigates disputes that threatens international peace and advices on how to resolve them. Each of the 5 permanent members have the right of veto, or the ability to strike down resolutions with their singular vote. CzieglerSS2031

7. Current Activities of the UN... • UN Stepping up Assistance to Latest Wave of Conflict Displaced Pakistanis • The UN is increasing aid to people uprooted by military operations in the Pakistani region of South Waziristan, while highlighting the ongoing needs of around one million people still displaced from earlier offensive in the Northwest. Relief items such as kitchen sets, jerry cans, quilts, and sleeping mats have been distributed, with the distribution of 35, 000 tents soon to come. They are also supporting the registration of the displaced people. The World Health Organization has pre-positioned life-saving drugs, including emergency health kits and cholera kits. It has also given over 50, 800 doses of polio vaccine to displaced children. The UN is currently preparing extra relief supplies for winter. CzieglerSS2031

8. Current Activities of the UN... • UN launches campaigns lifting the lid on the damaging impact of corruption. • The UN kicked off a campaign aimed at stopping corruption and exposing it’s corrosive effect on the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The campaign issues range from vote rigging and embezzlement of funds to subverting the judicial system and obstructing access to education. The initiative raises awareness of how corruption blocks progress towards international agreed anti-poverty targets for poor countries. Next week there will be a meeting of the UN countries to discuss the implementation of a legally-binding anti-corruption treaty. CzieglerSS2031

9. Personal Opinion on the UN... • I think that the UN is an effective world organization. It is important for us to have a world organization which can help to address problems, eliminate threats, and do some good for the world. It is difficult to do this on a national stage, an international stage is needed. The UN is able to set out international standards, their peacekeeping is extremely vital, and they help to ensure that no one country is able to overtake. I think that it is important to have an organization set up that is able to try and create peace, and maintain it. As well as create a better world to live in for everyone. The UN has been able to make some changes in the world during its time, and hopefully we will see more positive changes to come. I would like to say something about the “veto” held by the 5 Permanent members of the security council. Does this not seem like a bad idea? I think that it gives a small number of countries too much power. CzieglerSS2031

10. Bibliography • http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=32872&Cr=corrupt&Cr1= • http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=32865&Cr=pakistan&Cr1= • http://www.un.org/aboutun CzieglerSS2031