Vardaan Learning Institute
Chapter 14: United Nations Organisation — Origin, Objectives & Principal Organs
Chapter Overview
The United Nations Organisation (UNO) was created in the immediate aftermath of World War II to succeed the failed League of Nations. Officially founded on 24 October 1945, it serves as the paramount global body dedicated to international peace, security, and human progress.
1. Origin & Objectives of the United Nations
- San Francisco Conference Delegates from 50 nations met at San Francisco between April and June 1945 to draft the UN Charter. The Charter was signed on 26 June 1945.
- Official Establishment The UN officially came into existence on 24 October 1945 (observed globally as UN Day). Poland signed later as the 51st original member state.
- Headquarters Located in New York City, USA.
Major Objectives of the UN
Four Core Objectives
- To maintain international peace and security by taking collective measures to prevent and remove threats to peace.
- To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for equal rights and self-determination of peoples.
- To achieve international cooperation in solving international economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems.
- To be a harmonizing center for coordinating the actions of nations in attaining these common ends.
2. Principal Organs of the United Nations
A. The General Assembly ("Town Meeting of the World")
General Assembly
The main deliberative and representative organ of the UN.
- Composition: Consists of all member states of the UN (each member has 1 vote, regardless of size or population).
- Sessions: Meets in regular annual sessions starting in September each year.
- Key Functions & Powers:
- Discusses any matter within the scope of the UN Charter.
- Considers and approves the UN Annual Budget and apportions expenses among members.
- Elects non-permanent members of the Security Council, members of ECOSOC, and judges of the International Court of Justice.
- Admits new member states on the recommendation of the Security Council.
B. The Security Council (Executive Organ)
Security Council Details
1. Composition & Veto Power
Consists of 15 members:
- 5 Permanent Members (P5): USA, UK, Russia (formerly USSR), France, and China. Each P5 member holds Veto Power — the right to block any substantive decision by casting a negative vote.
- 10 Non-Permanent Members: Elected by the General Assembly for a 2-year term.
2. Primary Functions
- Primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
- Investigates international disputes and recommends methods of peaceful settlement.
- Can impose economic sanctions, arms embargoes, or deploy UN Peacekeeping Forces.
- Recommends candidates for UN Secretary-General to the General Assembly.
C. The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
The World Court
The principal judicial organ of the United Nations, based at The Peace Palace, The Hague (Netherlands).
- Composition: Consists of 15 judges elected by the General Assembly and Security Council for 9-year terms. No two judges may be nationals of the same state.
- Dual Functions:
- Controversial Jurisdiction: Decides legal disputes submitted to it by member states in accordance with international law. Decisions are binding on involved parties.
- Advisory Jurisdiction: Gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the General Assembly, Security Council, or specialized UN agencies.
