United Nations Organisation

Circumstances Surrounding the Establishing of the United Nations: 1. 2. 3. 4. Fear of Death and Destruction The most terrifying Weapons Failure of the League of Nations Building a Durable Structure of Peace and Security in the World

Milestones in the Formation of the United Nations: The London Declaration: In June 1941 the representation of Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa met in London and South Africa met in London and proposed for the first time to establish an effective organization to maintain international peace and security. The Atlantic Charter: The signatories to the Charter were required to observe the following principles: 1. They would respect each others sovereignty and territorial integrity. 2. They would peacefully settle all disputes without resorting to war. 3. They would encourage cooperation among nations with a view to ensure economic progress and social security. 4. In order to achieve the desired peace, the nations must reduce armaments and their armed forces. The Washington Declaration(1942): The name United Nations was devised by President Franklin D. Rosevelt. It was first used when on 1st January, 1942 the representatives of 26 nations signed the United Nations Declaration at Washington. The Moscow Declaration: The first formal decision to establish the United Nations was taken at Moscow in 1943. Dumberton Oaks Conference(1944): At this conference draft of the UN Charter was formulated. The San Francisco Conference and the Birth of the United Nations: The Conference was attended by the representatives of 50 countries. The UN Charter was signed by the fifty participating nations on 26 June, the last day of the Conference. Poland was allowed to sign on 15th October, 1945 thus raising the number of original members to 51.

The United Nations: Membership: The United Nations started functioning with 51 nations as the Original members. By the end of October 2006 the total membership had increased to 192. Switzerland and East Timor joined the United Nations as 190th and 191st Members in September 2002. The U.N. Charter makes provision for the admission of new members. Admissions are made by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. The Charter also makes provisions for the suspension and expulsion of members by the General Assembly on the recommendations of the Security Council. Headquarters: The United Nations has its headquarters in New York City, USA. The European Office of the U.N. is in Geneva. Flag: The flag is light blue in colour and portrayed in white in its centre is the U.N. Emblem, a polar map of the world embraced by twin olive branches. Official Languages: The official languages of the U.N. are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. The Objectives and Purposes of the United Nations: They are as follows: 1. To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. 2. To maintain international peace and security and to take effective measures for removal of threats to the peace. 3. To develop friendly relations among nations and to achieve international cooperation in the solving problems of economic, social and cultural character. 4. To establish conditions under which justice and respect for international law and international treaties can be main-tained. 5. To create faith in human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person. 6. To promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. 7. To harmonise and coordinate the actions of nations in order to attain the above aims, objectives and purposes.

Principles of the United Nations: They are as under: 1. All states are sovereign and equal. 2. The Member-States should fulfill their obligations faithfully. 3. All member should give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes. 4. The Organisation should ensure that States which are not Members of the United Nations act in accordance with these principles. Principal Organs of the United Nations: The General Assembly: Its Composition How decisions are taken The Functions 1. Deliberative Functions 2. Supervisory Functions 3. Financial Functions 4. Electoral Functions 5. Amending the UN Charter 6. Functions under United for Peace Resolution The Security Council: Its Composition How Decisions are taken (Veto Powers) Powers and Functions: 1. Investigatory Role 2. Pacific Settlement of Disputes 3. Measures not Involving the Use of Armed Force 4. Military Action 5. Trusteeship Functions 6. Admission of New Members 7. Electoral Functions The International Court of Justice: Composition Powers and Functions: 1. Compulsory Jurisdiction 2. Voluntary Jurisdiction 3. Advisory Opinion 4. Codification of International Law

5. Evolving Procedures for Peaceful Settlement of Disputes Economic and Social Council Trusteeship Council The Secretariat