History, Objectives & Principles of the

United Nations
Subodh Asthana February 1, 2020

Image Source: https://bit.ly/31hKzZu

This article is written by Sachi Ashok Bhiwgade, B.A.LLB (Hons.) student of

Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur. This article discusses the
history, objectives, principal organs and the purposes and principles of the
United Nations.

Introduction
“In many respects, the world is shifting beneath our feet. Yet the Charter
remains a firm foundation for shared progress.”
 -Ban Ki-
Moon

In 1945, after the event of World War II causing irreparable damage to many
nations of the world, it was a time where the world wanted peace. In the
same year, 51 countries met at a conference held in San Francisco to sign a
document which was the United Nations Charter founding the United
Nations Organization (UNO). The United Nations Organization
headquartered in San Francisco was created for the purpose of maintaining
international peace and security. Presently, there are 193 member states in
the UNO.

History of the United Nation

The Atlantic Charter (1941)
After the failure of the League of Nations and when World War II started, a
dire need for a new organization for promoting international peace was felt.
The Atlantic Charter was a Joint Declaration issued by two leaders American
President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill in 1941. Initially, the
word ‘United Nations’ was used by President Roosevelt and it indicated the
countries that are allied against Germany, Japan, and Italy. On 1st January
1942, 26 nations signed the Declaration at Washington DC stressing their
adherence to the principles of the Atlantic Charter.

Dumbarton Oaks Proposal (1944-1945)

A meeting was held at Dumbarton Oaks for the formation of the United
Nations, where the principles of the organization were laid down. On 7th
October 1944, a proposal was submitted by the Big Four (China, Great
Britain, USSR, and the United States) regarding the structure of the world
organization to all the UN Governments. But, there was still disagreement on
the question of voting in the Security Council. For this purpose, Roosevelt,
Churchill, and Stalin met at a conference at Yalta and on 11th February 1945
announced that the question was resolved and summoned the San
Francisco Conference.

On the 25th of April 1945, the leaders gathered at the San Francisco
Conference (United Nations Conference on International Organization) to
determine the final structure of the United Nations Charter. On 24th October
1945, the 5 permanent members and other signatory nations ratified the
official UN Charter.

Principal organs of the United Nations

The united nations have six principal organs that were established when the
United Nations was founded. The Principal organs are:

General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is headquartered in New York

and all the member states of the United Nations have equal representation.
The member states gather to discuss various issues relating to international
law, security, peace, etc

Security Council

The Security Council has the responsibility to maintain international peace

and security whenever peace is threatened. It constitutes 15 members,
having one vote each and a residency rotating and changing every month.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

The ECOSOC promotes sustainable development with regard to economic,

social and environmental matters. It comprises of 54 members that are
elected by the General Assembly.

Trusteeship Council

the Trusteeship Council is dealt with under Chapter XII of the UN Charter. It
was established in order to supervise the 11 Trust Territories that were
placed under the administration of 7 member states. The Council suspended
its activities in the year 1994. All territories are now independent.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice (also called the world’s court) established
by the United Nations Charter in the year 1945. The ICJ is the principal
judicial organ of the United Nations having its headquarters at Hague,
Netherland being the only organ among the six organs of the UN to be not
situated in New York (USA). It consists of a panel of 15 judges for a term of
nine years. The judges are elected by the General Assembly and the Security
Council. ICJ succeeded the Permanent Court of International Justice. It
resolves disputes between the member states of the UN.

United Nations Secretariat

The UN Secretariat comprises of a Secretary-General who is appointed by
the General Assembly on the Security Council’s recommendation. Other
members of the Secretariat are appointed by the Secretary-General as per
the regulations of the General Assembly. The Secretariat carries out the day
to day work of the UN such as preparing the report, making analysis,
research, etc that the General Assembly and other principal organs have
mandated.

Click Here

The United Nations Charter

While drafting the Charter of the United Nations, the experiences and
practices of the League of Nations were mostly relied upon. The UN Charter
is a document that sets forth the principles to be followed by the
organization and its members.

Purposes and Principle

Chapter I of the Charter lays down the purposes and principles of the United
Nations.

Article 1 of the UN Charter

Article 1 of the 1 UN Charter talks about the purposes of the United Nations.
They are:

Maintaining international peace and security;

Developing friendly relations amongst the nations;
Achieving international cooperation to solve international issues of
social, economic, cultural or humanitarian nature;
Being a centre to harmonize the actions of the state to accomplish
these common goals.

The main objective of these purposes was binding the organization and its
members to coordinate their activities in order to accomplish these common
goals.

Article 2 of the UN Charter

Article 2 talks about the principles of the United Nations. These principles
are:

Ensuring sovereign equality of all its members. This rule implies that all
the members of the UN have equal representation.
All the members of the UN are required to fulfil in good faith the
obligations assumed by them in accordance with the Charter.
All the members of the UN are obliged to settle their disputes by
peaceful and amicable means in such a manner as to not endanger or
jeopardize international peace, security, and justice.
All the members of the UN are required to desist from giving treats or
using force over and against any states’ territorial integrity or political
independence.
 All the members of the UN are required to abstain from helping or
assisting any state against which the UN is taking preventive actions or
enforcement actions.
Ensuring that non-members do not act inconsistently with the Charter.
This rule empowers the United Nations in order to maintain peace and
security to enforce obligation in the non-members of the state. Further,
a non-member state as per Article 35(2) is empowered to bring any
dispute before the General Assembly or the Security Council.
Non-interference of the United Nations in matters relating to the
domestic jurisdiction of any state. This rule mandates the United
Nations not to interfere where the matter is solely of domestic
jurisdiction of a state.

Nicaragua v. the United States

In this case, Nicaragua alleged that the United States carried illegal military
and paramilitary operations against Nicaragua by supporting and assisting
the Contras causing an extensive loss of lives by attacking its mining ports,
naval base, air space, etc. It was also alleged that certain attacks were done
not by the Contras but by the United States itself.

The claims of Nicaragua was that

the United States has violated Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United
Nations to ‘refrain from threat and use of force’ and has breached the
customary international law obligation.
The actions of the United States amounted to an interference with the
internal affairs of Nicaragua.

The ICJ, in this case, held that the United States has violated international
law by involving itself in the unlawful use of force against Nicaragua.

Article 51 of the UN Charter: Maintenance of

peace
Article 51 empowers the United Nations Security Councils to take measures
regarding the maintenance of peace and security. Article 51 provides that
the member states have an inherent right of self-defence (individually or
collectively) to defend any armed attack against a member of the UN. A
member state has to immediately report to the Security Council if it has
taken any measures for the exercise of its self-defence.

It further provides that the Security Council’s authority and responsibility can
not be affected to take any action that is necessary for the restoration and
maintenance of international peace and security.

Article 13(1) of the UN Charter

Article 13(1) empowers the General Assembly to initiate studies and make
recommendations to:

Promote international cooperation in the political, social, cultural,

educational, economic, and health fields.
Encourage progressive development of international law and
codification of international laws.
Assist in the realization of Human Rights and fundamental freedom for
all.
Non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, language, religion.

Article 24, 25 and 26 of the UN Charter

Chapter V of the UN Charter deals with the functions and power of the
Security Council under Article 24 and 25 of the Charter.

Article 24 states that:

The members of the United Nations confers a primary responsibility

upon the Security Council of maintaining peace and security for
ensuring a prompt and effective action by the UN.
 The Security Council while discharging these duties is obliged to act in
accordance with the purpose and principles of the UN.
The Security Council is required to submit to the General Assembly the
annual and special report for its consideration.

Article 25 makes the members of the United Nations accept and carry out
the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the Charter”.

Under Article 26 the Security Council with the aid and assistance of the
Military Staff Committee is responsible to formulate plans that are to be
submitted to the members for establishing a system for regulation of
armaments. Further, the security council is required to do so with the
slightest diversion for armaments of human and economic resources of the
world.

United Nations General Assembly resolutions

(UNGA)
All the members of the United Nations are required to vote on a resolution
relating to issues of poverty, development, peace, and security, etc in the
General Assembly of the United Nations. Generally, a simple majority vote
(50%+1) is required. In case if the General Assembly is of the view that a
certain issue is an important question (pertaining to matters of international
peace and security) then it requires a 2/3rd majority. Some important
resolutions of the General Assembly:

Resolution 3314: Definition of Aggression

The UNGA on 14th December 1974 adopted this resolution which provided
for the definition of aggression. The definition as per Article 1 states that “
aggression is the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty,
territorial integrity or political independence of another State, or in any other
manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations”
Resolution 31/72: Environmental Modification
Convention (ENMOD)
The Convention bars the use of military or other environmental modification
techniques that have destructive, long-lasting or severe effects. The
definition of Environment Modification Techniques as provided under the
treaty is “any technique for changing- through the deliberate manipulation
of natural processes- the dynamics, composition or structure of the Earth,
including its biota, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, or of outer
space.”

Resolution 194: Right of return for Palestinian

refugees
The UNGA on 11 December 1948 adopted this resolution after the Arab-
Israeli war of 1948 regarding the return of the Palestinian refugees. Article 11
of the resolution permitted the return of those refugees who wished to
return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours at the earliest
practicable date. It also provided the Government or the authorities
responsible should make payment of compensation to those who chose not
to return for the loss or damage of property.

Conclusion
The United Nations was formed with the motive to find ways to maintain
worldwide peace. Since its inception, it has been helping nations deal with
the economics, social and humanitarian issues, protecting refugees
promoting sustainable development and more.

References
https://www.un.org/en/about-un/
https://www.un.org/en/ccoi/page/what-we-do-0
 https://www.icj-cij.org/en/court
https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/purposes-and-principles-
un-chapter-i-un-charter

To know more about the UDHR, please Click Here.

LawSikho has created a telegram group for exchanging legal knowledge,

referrals and various opportunities. You can click on this link and
join: https://t.me/joinchat/J_0YrBa4IBSHdpuTfQO_sA

Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more

amazing legal content.
United Nations
drishtiias.com/printpdf/united-nations-1

Introduction
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently
made up of 193 Member States.

Its mission and work guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding
Charter and implemented by its various organs and specialised agencies.

Its activities include maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights,
delivering humanitarian aid, promoting sustainable development and upholding
international law.

History of UN Foundation
In 1899, the International Peace Conference was held in The Hague to elaborate
instruments for settling crises peacefully, preventing wars and codifying rules of
warfare.
It adopted the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International
Disputes and established the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which began
work in 1902. This court was the forerunner of UN International Court of Justice.
The forerunner of the United Nations was the League of Nations, an organization
conceived in circumstances of the First World War, and established in 1919 under the
Treaty of Versailles "to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and
security."
The International Labour Organization (ILO) was also created in 1919 under
the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League.
The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D.
Roosevelt. A document called The Declaration by United Nations was signed in
1942 by 26 nations, pledging their Governments to continue fighting together against
the Axis Powers (Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis) and bound them against making a separate

1/28
 peace.
United Nations Conference on International Organization (1945)
Conference held in San Francisco (USA), was attended by representatives of 50
countries and signed the United Nations Charter.
The UN Charter of 1945 is the foundational treaty of the United Nations, as an
inter-governmental organization.

Components
The main organs of the UN are

1. the General Assembly,

2. the Security Council,
3. the Economic and Social Council,
4. the Trusteeship Council,
5. the International Court of Justice,
6. and the UN Secretariat.

All the 6 were established in 1945 when the UN was founded.

1. General Assembly
The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative
organ of the UN.
All 193 Member States of the UN are represented in the General Assembly, making it
the only UN body with universal representation.
Each year, in September, the full UN membership meets in the General Assembly Hall
in New York for the annual General Assembly session, and general debate, which
many heads of state attend and address.
Decisions on important questions, such as those on peace and security, admission of
new members and budgetary matters, require a two-thirds majority of the General
Assembly.
Decisions on other questions are by simple majority.
The President of the General Assembly is elected each year by assembly to serve a
one-year term of office.
6 Main Committees: Draft resolutions can be prepared for the General Assembly by
its six main committees: (1) First Committee (Disarmament and International Security),
(2) Second Committee (Economic and Financial), (3) Third Committee (Social,
Humanitarian, and Cultural), (4) Fourth Committee (Special Political and
Decolonization), (5) Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), (6)Sixth
Committee (Legal).
Each Member State may be represented by one person on each Main
2/28
 Committee and on any other committee that may be established upon which
all Member States have the right to be represented.
Member States may also assign advisers, technical advisers, experts or
persons of similar status to these committees.
Other Committees:
General Committee: It meets periodically throughout each session to review
the progress of the General Assembly and its committees and to make
recommendations for furthering such progress. It is composed of the President
of the General Assembly and 21 Vice-Presidents of the Assembly and the
Chairmen of the six Main Committees. The five permanent members of the
Security Council serve as Vice-Presidents, as well.
Credentials Committee: It is mandated to examine the credentials of
representatives of Member States and to report to the General Assembly.

2. Security Council
It has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of
international peace and security.
The Security Council is made up of fifteen member states, consisting of five
permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United
States—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General
Assembly on a regional basis.
"Veto power" refers to the power of the permanent member to veto (Reject) any
resolution of Security Council.
The unconditional veto possessed by the five governments has been seen as the most
undemocratic character of the UN.
Critics also claim that veto power is the main cause for international inaction on war
crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the United States refused to join the
United Nations in 1945 unless it was given a veto. The absence of the United States
from the League of Nations contributed to its ineffectiveness. Supporters of the veto
power regard it as a promoter of international stability, a check against military
interventions, and a critical safeguard against U.S. domination.

3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

It is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and
recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as
implementation of internationally agreed development goals.
It has 54 Members, elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms.
It is the United Nations’ central platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking
on sustainable development.
Each year, ECOSOC structures its work around an annual theme of global importance
3/28
 to sustainable development. This ensures focused attention, among ECOSOC’s
array of partners, and throughout the UN development system.
It coordinates the work of the 14 UN specialized agencies, ten functional commissions
and five regional commissions, receives reports from nine UN funds and programmes
and issues policy recommendations to the UN system and to Member States.

UN bodies within the purview of the ECOSOC:

Specialized agencies Ad hoc bodies

International labour Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on
Organization (ILO) Informatics
Food and Expert bodies composed of governmental experts
Agriculture Committee of Experts on the Transport of
Organization of the Dangerous Goods and on the Globally
United Nations Harmonized System of Classification and
(FAO) Labelling of Chemicals.
United Nations United Nations Group of Experts on
Educational, Geographical Names
Scientific and Expert bodies composed of members serving in
Cultural their personal capacity
Organization Committee for Development Policy
(UNESCO) Meeting of Experts on the United Nations
World Health Programme in Public Administration and
Organization (WHO) Finance
World Bank Group Ad Hoc Group of Experts on International
International Cooperation in Tax Matters
Monetary Fund Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural
(IMF) Rights
International Civil Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for
Aviation Development
Organization (ICAO) Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
International Related bodies
Maritime International Narcotics Control Board
Organization (IMO) Board of Trustees of the International Research
International and Training Institute for the Advancement of
Telecommunication Women
Union (ITU) Committee for the United Nations Population
Universal Postal Award
Union (UPU) Programme Coordination Board of the Joint
World United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
Meteorological Funds and programmes which send reports to
Organization (WMO) ECOSOC
World Intellectual United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Property United Nations Conference on Trade and
Organization (WIPO) Development (UNCTAD)
International Fund United Nations Development Fund for Women
for Agricultural United Nations Development Programme
4/28
 Development (IFAD) (UNDP)
United Nations United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Industrial Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
Development for Refugees (UNHCR)
Organization United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
(UNIDO) United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
World Tourism Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Organization (WTO) Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention
Functional commissions (ODCCP)
Statistical World Food Programme (WFP)
Commission UN-HABITAT
Commission on
Population and
Development
Commission for
Social Development
Commission on
Human Rights
Commission on the
Status of Women
Commission on
Narcotic Drugs
Commission on
Crime Prevention
and Criminal Justice
Commission on
Science and
Technology for
Development
Commission on
Sustainable
Development
United Nations
Forum on Forests
Regional Commissions
Economic
Commission for
Africa (ECA)
Economic and Social
Commission for
Asia and the Pacific
(ESCAP)
Economic
Commission for
Europe (ECE)
Economic
Commission for
Latin America and
5/28
 the Caribbean
(ECLAC)
Economic and Social
Commission for
Western Asia
(ESCWA)
Standing Committees
Committee for
Programme and
Coordination
Commission on
Human Settlements
Committee on Non-
Governmental
Organizations
Committee on
Negotiations with
Intergovernmental
Agencies
Committee on
Energy and Natural
Resources

4. Trusteeship Council
It was established in 1945 by the UN Charter, under Chapter XIII.
Trust territory is a non-self-governing territory placed under an administrative
authority by the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations.
A League of Nations mandate was a legal status for certain territories transferred
from the control of one country to another following World War I, or the legal
instruments that contained the internationally agreed-upon terms for administering
the territory on behalf of the League of Nations.
United Nations trust territories were the successors of the remaining League of
Nations mandates, and came into being when the League of Nations ceased to exist in
1946.
It had to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories that had been
placed under the administration of seven Member States, and ensure that adequate
steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government and independence.
By 1994, all Trust Territories had attained self-government or independence. The
Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November 1994.

5. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
6/28
 It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began
work in April 1946.
The ICJ is the successor of the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ),
which was established by the League of Nations in 1920.

6. Secretariat
The Secretariat comprises the Secretary-General and tens of thousands of
international UN staff members who carry out the day-to-day work of the UN as
mandated by the General Assembly and the Organization's other principal organs.
The Secretary-General is chief administrative officer of the Organization, appointed
by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-
year, renewable term.
UN staff members are recruited internationally and locally, and work in duty stations
and on peacekeeping missions all around the world.

Funds, Programmes, Specialized Agencies and Others

The UN system, also known unofficially as the "UN family", is made up of the UN itself (6
main organs) and many affiliated programmes, funds, and specialized agencies, all with
their own membership, leadership, and budget.

Funds and Programmes

UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), originally known as the United
Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, was created by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to
children and mothers in countries that had been devastated by World War II.
In 1950, UNICEF's mandate was extended to address the long-term needs of
children and women in developing countries everywhere.
In 1953, it became a permanent part of the United Nations System, and the
words "international" and "emergency" were dropped from the organization's
name, though it retained the original acronym, "UNICEF".
Executive Board: A 36-member board establishes policies, approves programs
and oversees administrative and financial plans. The members are government
representatives who are elected by the United Nations Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC), usually for three-year terms.
UNICEF relies on contributions from governments and private donors.
UNICEF's Supply Division is based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and serves as the
primary point of distribution for such essential items as vaccines, antiretroviral
7/28
 medicines for children and mothers with HIV, nutritional supplements,
emergency shelters, family reunification, and educational supplies.
UNFPA
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), formerly the United Nations
Fund for Population Activities, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive
health agency.
Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, ‘every
childbirth is safe’ and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
In 2018, UNFPA launched efforts to achieve three transformative results,
ambitions that promise to change the world for every man, woman and young
person:
Ending unmet need for family planning
Ending preventable maternal death
Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices
UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global
development network.
UNDP was established in 1965 by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
It provides expert advice, training and grants support to developing countries,
with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries.
The UNDP Executive Board is made up of representatives from 36 countries
around the world who serve on a rotating basis.
It is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from member nations.
UNDP is central to the United Nations Sustainable Development Group
(UNSDG), a network that spans 165 countries and unites the 40 UN funds,
programmes, specialized agencies and other bodies working to advance the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is a global
environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes
the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable
development within the United Nations system.
It was founded by UN General Assembly as a result of the United Nations
Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference) in June 1972.
UNEP and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) established
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 to assess climate
change based on the latest science.
Since its founding, the UNEP has played a key role for the development of
multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). The secretariats for the following
nine MEAs are currently hosted by UNEP:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

8/28
 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES)
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(CMS)
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
Minamata Convention on Mercury
Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of
Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
UN-Habitat
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United
Nations programme working towards a better urban future.
Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human
settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all.
It was established in 1978 as an outcome of the First UN Conference on Human
Settlements and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat I) in Vancouver,
Canada, in 1976.
2 nd United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in
Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996, set the twin goals of the Habitat Agenda:
Adequate shelter for all
Development of sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world.
3 rd United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban
Development (Habitat III) was held in 2016 in Quito, Ecuador. It elaborated on
Goal-11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): "Make cities and
human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
WFP
World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving
lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working
with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.
The WFP was established in 1963 by the FAO (The Food and Agriculture
Organization) and the United Nations General Assembly.

UN Specialized Agencies
The UN specialized agencies are autonomous organizations working with the United
Nations. All were brought into relationship with the UN through negotiated agreements.

Some existed even before the First World War. Some were associated with the League
of Nations. Others were created almost simultaneously with the UN. Others were created
by the UN to meet emerging needs.
9/28
Articles 57 and 63 of UN Charter provides provision of creating specialised agencies.

FAO
In 1945, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was created In Quebec City,
Canada, by the first session of the newly created United Nations.
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts
to defeat hunger.
FAO is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing
countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries
practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all.
ICAO
Under Chicago Convention, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
was established in 1944, as a UN specialized agency. It manages the
administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation
(Chicago Convention).
It provides the principles and techniques of international air navigation and
fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure
safe and orderly growth.
IFAD
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was established as
an international financial institution in 1977 through United Nations General
Assembly Resolution as one of the major outcomes of the 1974–World Food
Conference.
This conference was organized by the United Nations in response to the food
crises of the early 1970s, when global food shortages were causing widespread
famine and malnutrition, primarily in the Sahelian countries of Africa. It was
realized that food insecurity and famine were not so much failures in food
production but structural problems relating to poverty.
ILO
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency whose
mandate is to advance social justice and promote decent work by setting
international labour standards.
It sets international labour standards, promotes rights at work and encourages
decent employment opportunities, the enhancement of social protection and
the strengthening of dialogue on work-related issues.
As an agency of the League of Nations, it was created in 1919, as part of the
Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I.
9 International Labour Conventions and 10 Recommendations which dealt
with hours of work in industry, unemployment, maternity protection, night work
for women, minimum age, and night work for young persons in industry were
adopted in less than two years (by 1922).
By signing of the United Nation agreement whereby the ILO became the first
10/28
 United Nations specialized agency in 1946.
The Organization won the Nobel Peace Prize on its 50th anniversary in 1969 for
pursuing decent work and justice for workers.
In 1980, the ILO played a major role in the emancipation of Poland from
dictatorship by giving its full support to the legitimacy of the Solidarnosc Union,
based on respect for Convention No. 87 on freedom of association, which
Poland had ratified in 1957.
It emphasised that the future of work is not predetermined: Decent work for all
is possible but societies have to make it happen. It is precisely with this
imperative that the ILO established its Global Commission on the Future of
Work as part of its initiative to mark its centenary in 2019.
Its job is to undertake an in-depth examination of the future of work that
can provide the analytical basis for the delivery of social justice in the 21st
century.
IMF
UN Monetary and Financial Conference (1944, also called Bretton Woods
Conference), Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States was held to
regulate the international monetary and financial order after the conclusion of
World War II.
It resulted in foundation of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1945.
World Bank
UN Monetary and Financial Conference (1944, also called Bretton Woods
Conference), was held to regulate the international monetary and financial
order after the conclusion of World War II. It resulted in foundation of IBRD in
1945. IBRD is the founding institution of World Bank
IMO
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) – is the United Nations
specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and
the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.
ITU
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the
United Nations (UN) that is responsible for issues that concern information and
communication technologies (ICT). It is the oldest among all the specialised
agencies of UN.
It was founded in 1865 and based in Geneva, Switzerland. It works on the
principle of international cooperation between governments (Member States)
and the private sector (Sector Members, Associates and Academia).
ITU is the premier global forum through which parties work towards consensus
on a wide range of issues affecting the future direction of the ICT industry.
It allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical
standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and

11/28
 strive to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide.
UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was
founded in 1945 to develop the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind” as
a means of building lasting peace. It is located in Paris (France).
In this spirit, UNESCO develops educational tools to help people live as global
citizens free of hate and intolerance.
By promoting cultural heritage and the equal dignity of all cultures, UNESCO
strengthens bonds among nations.
UNIDO
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes
industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalisation and
environmental sustainability.
WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations’ specialized agency
for health.
It was established in 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
It is an inter-governmental organization and works in collaboration with its
Member States usually through the Ministries of Health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for
providing leadership on global health matters,
shaping the health research agenda,
setting norms and standards,
providing evidence-based policy options,
providing technical support to countries,
and monitoring and assessing health trends.
UNCTAD
UNCTAD supports developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized
economy more fairly and effectively. It helps to use trade, investment, finance,
and technology as vehicles for inclusive and sustainable development.
UNODC
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight
against illicit drugs and international crime.
It was established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug
Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.
UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit
drugs, crime and terrorism.
UNHCR
The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was
created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions
of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes.

12/28
 In 1954, UNHCR won the Nobel Peace Prize for its groundbreaking work in
Europe.
The start of the 21st century has seen UNHCR help with major refugee crises in
Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
It also uses its expertise to help many internally displaced by conflict and
expanded its role in helping stateless people.
ESCAP
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
is the main economic and social development centre of the UN in the region,
headquartered in Bangkok (Thailand) in 1947.
It responds to the development needs and priorities of the region through its
convening authority, economic and social analysis, normative standard-setting
and technical assistance.

UN Contribution to World

Peace and Security

Maintaining Peace and Security: By sending peacekeeping and observer missions to
the world’s trouble spots over the past six decades, the United Nations has been able
to restore calm, allowing many countries to recover from conflict.
Preventing Nuclear Proliferation: For over the five decades, the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has served as the world’s nuclear inspector. IAEA experts
work to verify that safeguarded nuclear material is used only for peaceful purposes. To
date, the Agency has safeguards agreements with more than 180 States.
Supporting Disarmament: UN treaties are the legal backbone of disarmament
efforts:
the Chemical Weapons Convention-1997 has been ratified by 190 States,
the Mine-Ban Convention-1997 by 162,
and the Arms Trade Treaty-2014 by 69.
At the local level, UN peacekeepers often work to implement disarmament
agreements between warring parties.
Preventing genocide: The United Nations brought about the first-ever treaty to
combat genocide—acts committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnical,
racial or religious group.
The 1948 Genocide Convention has been ratified by 146 States, which commits
to prevent and punish actions of genocide in war and in peacetime. The UN
tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda, as well as UN-supported courts in
Cambodia, have put would-be genocide perpetrators on notice that such crimes
would no longer be tolerated.

13/28
Economic Development
Promoting Development: Since 2000, promoting living standards and human skills
and potential throughout the world have been guided by the Millennium
Development Goals.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) supports more than 4,800 projects to
reduce poverty, promote good governance, address crises and preserve the
environment.
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 150 countries, primarily
on child protection, immunization, girls' education and emergency aid.
The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) helps developing
countries make the most of their trade opportunities.
The World Bank provides developing countries with loans and grants, and has
supported more than 12,000 projects in more than 170 countries since 1947.
Alleviating Rural Poverty: The International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD) provides low-interest loans and grants to very poor rural people.
Focusing on African Development: Africa continues to be a high priority for the
United Nations. The continent receives 36 per cent of UN system expenditures for
development, the largest share among the world’s regions. All UN agencies have
special programmes to benefit Africa.
Promoting Women's Well-being: UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to
gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Fighting Hunger: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) leads global
efforts to defeat hunger. FAO also helps developing countries to modernize and
improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices in ways that conserve natural
resources and improve nutrition.
Commitment in Support of Children: UNICEF has pioneered to provide vaccines
and other aid desperately needed by children caught in armed conflict. The
Convention on the Rights of the Child-1989 has become law in nearly all countries.
Tourism: The World Tourism Organization is the UN agency responsible for the
promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
Its Global Code of Ethics for Tourism seeks to maximize the benefits of tourism
while minimizing its negative impact.
Global Think Tank: The United Nations is at the forefront of research that seeks
solutions to global problems.
The UN Population Division is a leading source of information and research on
global population trends, producing up-to-date demographic estimates and
projections.
The UN Statistics Division is the hub of the global statistical system, compiling
and disseminating global economic, demographic, social, gender, environment
and energy statistics.
The United Nations Development Programme’s annual Human
14/28
 Development Report provides independent, empirically grounded analyses of
major development issues, trends and policies, including the groundbreaking
Human Development Index.
The United Nations World Economic and Social Survey, the Word Bank’s
World Development Report, the International Monetary Fund's World
Economic Outlook and other studies help policymakers to make informed
decisions.

Social Development
Preserving Historic, Cultural, Architectural and Natural Sites: The UNESCO has
helped 137 countries to protect ancient monuments and historic, cultural and natural
sites.
It has negotiated international conventions to preserve cultural property,
cultural diversity and outstanding cultural and natural sites. More than 1,000
such sites have been designated as having exceptional universal value - as
World Heritage Sites.
Taking the lead on global issues:
The first United Nations conference on the environment (Stockholm, 1972)
helped to alert world public opinion on the dangers faced by our planet,
triggering action by governments.
The first world conference on women (Mexico City, 1985) put women's right,
equality and progress on the global agenda.
Other landmark events include the first international conference on human
rights (Teheran, 1968), the first world population conference (Bucharest, 1974)
and the first world climate conference (Geneva, 1979).
Those events brought together experts and policymakers, as well as
activists, from around the world, prompting sustained global action.
Regular follow-up conferences have helped to sustain the momentum.

Human Rights
UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
It has helped to enact dozens of legally binding agreements on political, civil,
economic, social and cultural rights.
UN human rights bodies have focused world attention on cases of torture,
disappearance, arbitrary detention and other violations.
Fostering Democracy: The UN promotes and strengthens democratic institutions and
practices around the world, including by helping people in many countries to
participate in free and fair elections.
In the 1990s, the UN organized or observed landmark elections in Cambodia, El
Salvador, South Africa, Mozambique and Timor-Leste.
15/28
 More recently, the UN has provided crucial assistance in elections in
Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Nepal, Sierra
Leone and Sudan.
Ending Apartheid in South Africa: By imposing measures ranging from an arms
embargo to a convention against segregated sporting events, the United Nations was
a major factor in bringing about the downfall of the apartheid system.
In 1994, elections in which all South Africans were allowed to participate on an
equal basis led to the establishment of a multiracial Government.
Promoting Women's Rights: The 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women, ratified by 189 countries, has helped to promote
the rights of women worldwide.

Environment
Climate change is a global problem that demands a global solution. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which brings together 2,000
leading climate change scientists, issues comprehensive scientific assessments every
five or six years.
IPCC was established in 1988 under the auspices of the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization
for the purpose of assessing “the scientific, technical and socioeconomic
information relevant for the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate
change.
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides foundation
for UN members to negotiate agreements to reduce emissions that contribute to
climate change and help countries adapt to its effects. (UNFCCC-1992 is an
international environmental treaty adopted and opened for signature at the
Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1992.)
Global Environment Facility, which brings together 10 UN agencies, funds
projects in developing countries.
Protecting the Ozone Layer: The UNEP and the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) have been instrumental in highlighting the damage caused to Earth's ozone
layer.
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer-1985 provided the
framework necessary to create regulatory measures for international reductions
in the production of chlorofluorocarbons. Convention provided foundation for
Montreal protocol.
The Montreal Protocol-1987 is an international environmental agreement with
universal ratification to protect the earth’s ozone layer by eliminating use of
ozone depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
halons.
Kigali amendment (to the Montreal Protocol)-2016: was adopted to
16/28
 phase down production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
worldwide.
Banning Toxic Chemicals: The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants-2001 seeks to rid the world of some of the most dangerous chemicals ever
created.

International Law
Prosecuting War Criminals: By prosecuting and convicting war criminals, the UN
tribunals established for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda have helped to
expand international humanitarian and international criminal law dealing with
genocide and other violations of international law.
The International Criminal Court is an independent permanent court that
investigates and prosecutes persons accused of the most serious international
crimes—genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes—if national
authorities are unwilling or unable to do so.
Helping to Resolve Major International Disputes: By delivering judgments and
advisory opinions, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has helped to settle
international disputes involving territorial questions, maritime boundaries, diplomatic
relations, State responsibility, the treatment of aliens and the use of force, among
others.
Stability and Order in the World's Oceans:
The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which has gained nearly
universal acceptance, provides the legal framework for all activities in the
oceans and seas.
It also includes mechanisms for settling disputes.
Combating International Crime: The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
works with countries and organizations to counter transnational organized crime by
providing legal and technical assistance to fight corruption, money-laundering, drug
trafficking and smuggling of migrants, as well as by strengthening criminal justice
systems.
It has played a key role in brokering and implementing relevant international
Treaties, such as the UN Convention against Corruption-2005 and the UN
Convention against Transnational Organized Crime-2003.
It works to reduce the supply of and demand for illicit drugs under the three
main UN conventions on drug control :
the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 (amended 1972),
the Convention on Psychotropic Substances-1971,
and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances-1988
Encouraging Creativity and Innovation: The World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) promotes the protection of intellectual property rights and
17/28
 ensures that all countries are in a position to harness the benefits of an effective
intellectual property system.

Humanitarian Affairs
Assisting refugees: Refugees fleeing persecution, violence and war have received
aid from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
UNHCR seeks long-term or "durable" solutions by helping refugees repatriate
to their homelands, if conditions warrant, or by helping them to integrate in
their countries of asylum or to resettle in third countries.
Refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons, mostly women and
children, are receiving food, shelter, medical aid, education, and repatriation
assistance from the UN.
Aiding Palestinian Refugees: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in
the Near East (UNRWA), a relief and human development agency, has assisted four
generations of Palestinian refugees with education, health care, social services,
microfinance and emergency aid.
Reducing the Effects of Natural Disasters: The World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) has helped to spare millions of people from the calamitous effects of natural
and man-made disasters.
Its early warning system, which includes thousands of surface monitors, as well
as satellites,
has made it possible to predict with greater accuracy weather-related
disasters,
has provided information on the dispersal of oil spills and chemical and
nuclear leaks and has predicted long-term droughts.
Providing Food to the Neediest: The World Food Programme (WFP) is fighting
hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with
communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

Health
Promoting Reproductive and Maternal Health: United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA) is promoting the right of individuals to make their own decisions on the
number and spacing of their children through voluntary family planning
programmes.
Responding to HIV/AIDS: United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
coordinates global action against an epidemic that affects some 35 million people.
Wiping Out Polio: Poliomyelitis has been eliminated from all but three countries—
Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan—as a result of the Global Polio Eradication
Initiative.
Eradicating Smallpox: A 13-year effort by the World Health Organization (WHO)
18/28
 resulted in smallpox being declared officially eradicated from the planet in 1980.
Fighting Tropical Diseases:
WHO programme - African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control reduced
levels of river blindness (onchocerciasis) in 10 West African countries while
opening up 25 million hectares of fertile land to farming.
Guinea-worm disease is on the verge of being eradicated.
Schistosomiasis and sleeping sickness are now under control.
Halting the Spread of Epidemics
Some of the more prominent diseases for which WHO is leading the global
response for some of the more prominent diseases including Ebola, meningitis,
yellow fever, cholera and influenza, including avian influenza.

UN & India

UN Contribution to India
United Nations agencies, offices, programmes and funds working in India comprise
one of the largest UN field networks anywhere in the world.
The Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT):
APCTT founded in 1977 at New Delhi, is a Regional Institute of United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) with a
geographic focus of the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Centre has focused on three specific areas of activity: technology information;
technology transfer; and innovation management.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
When FAO began its India operations in 1948, its priority was to transform
India’s food and farm sectors through technical inputs and support for policy
development.
Over the years, FAO’s contribution has extended to issues such as access to
food, nutrition, livelihoods, rural development and sustainable agriculture.
With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), much of FAO’s focus in India
will be on sustainable agricultural practices.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD):
IFAD and the Government of India have achieved significant results investing in
the commercialization of smallholding-agriculture and building small
farmers’ capacity to increase incomes from market opportunities.
IFAD-supported projects have also provided women with access to financial
services, such as by linking women’s self-help groups with commercial banks.
International Labour Organization (ILO):
The first ILO Office in India started in 1928. There are 43 ILO conventions and 1
protocol ratified by India.
19/28
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
IOM assisted Indian citizens who were among the thousands of people displaced by
the Persian Gulf War (1990s).
In 2001, IOM’s prompt and effective assistance during the Gujarat earthquake
planted the seed of IOM operations in India as a humanitarian agency.
In 2007, recognizing India as a major labour-sending and labour-receiving country and
its importance as a remittance-receiving country, IOM began working with migrants on
safe and legal migration, warning them of the risks associated with irregular
migration.
UNESCO - Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable
Development (MGIEP):
MGIEP is an integral part of UNESCO, established with generous support from
the Government of India in 2012 in New Delhi.
The Institute’s global mandate is to transform education policies and
practices by developing innovative teaching and learning methods.
It works for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7 – “education for building
peaceful and sustainable societies across the world”.
A project 'Rethinking Schooling' was launched by UNESCO-MGIEP with the
UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education in 2016-17.
The first review of SDGs (4.7) by MGIEP, was released in Rethinking
Schooling for the 21st century.
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-
Women):
In India, UN-Women’s five priority areas are:
ending violence against women and girls,
expanding women’s leadership and participation,
making gender equality central to national development planning and
budgeting,
enhancing women’s economic empowerment,
and engaging women as global peace-builders and negotiators.
UN Women advocates for greater participation of women in politics and
decision-making, and works with planning bodies such as NITI Aayog to
ensure that policies and budgets reflect the needs of women.
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS): Its mission is to help prevent
new HIV infections, care for people living with HIV and mitigate the impact of the
epidemic.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
In the 1950s and 1960s, UNDP helped establish institutions of major national
importance, including space centres and nuclear research laboratories.
Over the last decade, UNDP has focused on building the resilience of people
faced with the risks of natural disasters and climate change, and of
20/28
 minorities to various forms of discrimination.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP):
In December 2011, a new South and South-West Asia office of ESCAP was
inaugurated in New Delhi to serve 10 countries in the sub-region.
As it moves up the development ladder, India has been sharing its
experience and capabilities with fellow developing countries in the region
and beyond, using ESCAP’s platform for this purpose.
UNESCO
In India, UNESCO has provided technical support to several premier educational
institutions.
As part of its World Heritage programme, it has recognized 27 cultural heritage
sites in India, such as the Taj Mahal and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka in
Madhya Pradesh.
UNESCO has also played a pioneering role in the development of community
radio in India, having helped to formulate the Community Radio Policy of 2002.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Currently, UNFPA is placing greater emphasis on policy development and
advocacy reflecting India’s middle-income status.
It raises awareness about demographic shifts towards older populations
and about the need to harness the opportunities and address the challenges of
population ageing.
United Nations Commission on Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
UN-Habitat promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and
cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.
UN-Habitat’s initiatives in India include supporting government projects on
sanitation coverage in urban areas, urban water supply and environmental
improvement, and supporting organizations that empower women’s group and
youth groups to fight social exclusion.
UN-Habitat "World Cities Report 2016"
As per Census 2011, 377 million Indians comprising 31.1% of the total
population lived in urban areas.
This is estimated to have risen to 420 million in 2015.
UN-Habitat-New Urban agenda (NUA)-2017 addresses Goal-11 of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): "Make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
India launched the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
(Amrut), Smart Cities, Hriday (National Heritage City Development and
Augmentation Yojana), and Swachh Bharat prominently allied to the goals of
the UN-Habitat-NUA.
United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
In 1954, UNICEF signed an agreement with the Government of India to fund the

21/28
 Aarey and Anand milk processing plants. In return, free and subsidised milk
would be provided to needy children in the area.
Within a decade, India had thirteen UNICEF assisted milk processing
plants.
Today, India has become the world’s largest producer of milk.
Polio Campaign-2012: The Government, in partnership with UNICEF, the World
Health Organization (WHO), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary
International and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contributed
to almost universal awareness of the need to vaccinate all children under
five against polio.
As a result of these efforts, India was removed from the list of endemic
countries in 2014.
It is also supporting nationwide campaigns on maternal and child nutrition
and the reduction of neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates to single digits by
2030.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO):
The programme, Integrated Approach Programme on Sustainable Cities-
2017 funded by the Global Environment Facility and co-implemented by the
World Bank and UNIDO.
World Food Programme (WFP)
WFP is working to improve the efficiency, accountability and transparency of
India’s own subsidized food distribution system, which brings supplies of
wheat, rice, sugar and kerosene oil to around 800 million poor people across the
country.
World Health Organization (WHO)
India became a party to the WHO Constitution on 12 January 1948.
The WHO Country Office for India is headquartered in Delhi with country-
wide presence.
It has also been instrumental in the country’s transition from hospital-based to
community-based care and the resultant increase in health posts and centres
focusing on primary care.
The WHO Country Cooperation Strategy – India (2012-2017) has been jointly
developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) and the
WHO Country Office for India (WCO).
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
India has a long tradition of receiving refugees that goes back centuries.
UNHCR’s support to India dates back to 1969-1975 when it coordinated aid to
Tibetan refugees as well as refugees from then East Pakistan.
UNHCR's urban operation is based in New Delhi with a smaller presence in
Chennai that helps Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu voluntarily repatriate back
to Sri Lanka.

22/28
 In the absence of a national legal framework for refugees, UNHCR conducts
refugee status determination under its mandate for asylum seekers who
approach the Office.
The two largest groups of refugees recognized by UNHCR are Afghans and
Myanmar nationals, but people from countries as diverse as Somalia and Iraq
have also sought help from the Office.
United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP)
Under the scheme of partition provided by the Indian Independence Act of
1947, Kashmir was free to accede to India or Pakistan. Its accession to India
became a matter of dispute between the two countries and fighting broke out
later that year.
In January 1948, the Security Council adopted resolution 39, establishing the
United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to investigate and
mediate the dispute.
The first team of unarmed military observers, which eventually formed the
nucleus of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
(UNMOGIP), arrived in the mission area in January 1949 to supervise, in the
State of Jammu and Kashmir, the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and to
assist the Military Adviser to UNCIP.
At the end of 1971, hostilities broke out again between India and Pakistan.
UNMOGIP started along the borders of East Pakistan and were related to the
movement for independence, which had developed in that region and which
ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh.
The last report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on UNMOGIP
was published in 1972.
Since 1972, India has adopted a non-recognition policy towards third parties
in their bilateral exchanges with Pakistan over the question regarding the state
of Jammu and Kashmir.
The military authorities of Pakistan have continued to lodge alleged
ceasefire violations complaints with UNMOGIP.
The military authorities of India have lodged no complaints since January
1972 limiting the activities of the UN observers on the Indian-administered
side of the Line of Control, though they continue to provide necessary
security, transport and other services to UNMOGIP.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
UNODC has worked in India over the last 25 years to address drug trafficking in
the context of a constantly evolving drug market, involving an increasing number
of drugs and psychoactive substances.
It also works with the government to address human trafficking, and the
prevention, treatment and care of persons who use drugs and live with HIV.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

23/28
 Invest India, the country’s investment promotion body, has won United
Nations (UN) Award for excellence in promoting investments in
sustainable development-2018.
The awards are given annually by UNCTAD since 2002 as part of its
investment promotion and facilitation.
India’s consistently strong voice for the developing world has made it a major
player with UNCTAD, spanning a multiplicity of economic reforms.

India’s contribution to UN
India was one of the original members of the League of Nations. As a signatory of the
Treaty of Versailles-1919, India was granted automatic entry to the League of
Nations.
India was represented by her Secretary of State, Edwin Samuel Montagu; the
Maharaja of Bikaner Sir Ganga Singh; Satyendra Prasanno Sinha, Parliamentary
Under-Secretary of State for India.
India was among the original members of the United Nations that signed the
Declaration by United Nations at Washington, D.C. in 1944. This declaration became
the basis of the United Nations (UN), which was formalized in the United Nations
Charter signed by 50 countries in 1945.
By 1946, India had started raising concerns regarding colonialism, apartheid and
racial discrimination.
India was among the most outspoken critics of apartheid and racial discrimination
(discriminatory treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa) in South Africa,
being the first country to have raised the issue in the UN in 1946.
India took an active part in Drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights-
1948.
Its experience with the UN had not always been positive. On Kashmir issue, Nehru's
faith in the UN and adherence to its principles proved costly as UN that was packed
with pro-Pakistani partisan powers.
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was elected the first woman President of the UN General
Assembly in 1953.
India's status as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the
Group of 77 (G-77) cemented its position within the UN system as a leading advocate
of the concerns and aspirations of developing countries and the creation of a more
equitable international economic and political order.
It involved in conflict with China (1962), two wars (1965, 1971) with Pakistan and
entered a period of political instability, economic stagnation, food shortages and
near-famine conditions.
India's role diminished in the UN which came both as a result of its image and a
deliberate decision by the post-Nehru political leadership to adopt a low
profile at the UN and speak only on vital Indian interests.
24/28
 India has been a member of the UN Security Council for seven terms (a total of 14
years), with the most recent being the 2011–12 term.
India is a member of G4 (Brazil, Germany, India and Japan), a group of nations who
back each other in seeking a permanent seat on the Security Council and advocate in
favour of the reformation of the UNSC.
The Russian Federation, United States, United Kingdom and France support
India and the other G4 countries gaining permanent seats.
India is also part of the G-77.
The Group of 77 (G-77) was established on 15 June 1964 by seventy-seven
developing countries signatories of the “Joint Declaration of the Seventy-
Seven Developing Countries”.
It is designed to promote its members' collective economic interests and create
an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.
Because of the historical significance, the name G-77 has been kept despite the
group’s growth to include more than 130 countries.
UN peacekeeping missions: From protecting civilians, disarming ex-combatants and
helping countries transition from conflict to peace, India has served the cause of
peace.
At present (2019), India is the third largest troop contributor with 6593
personnel deployed with UN Peacekeeping Missions (Lebanon, Congo, Sudan
and South Sudan, Golan Heights, Ivory Coast, Haiti, Liberia).
India has suffered the highest number of fatalities (164 out of close to 3,800
personnel) among countries that have sent forces to the United Nations
peacekeeping mission since 1948.
Mahatma Gandhi has had a lasting influence on the United Nations. His ideals of
non-violence deeply influenced the United Nations at the time of its inception.
In 2007, the United Nations declared 2 nd October, Mahatma’s Gandhi’s birthday,
as the International day of non-violence.
In 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution commemorating 21 June as
the International Yoga Day.
It recognises the holistic benefits of this timeless practice and its inherent
compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations.
Plea for International Equality Day: In 2016, with focus on combating inequalities
to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, B. R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary
was observed at the United Nations for the first time. India has made a plea to declare
April 14 as International Equality Day.

UN Challenges & Reforms

UN Administrative & Financial-Resources Challenges

25/28
 Development Reform: Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) will require
bold changes to the UN Development System (UNDS) for the emergence of a new
generation of country teams, centred on a strategic UN Development Assistance
Framework and led by an impartial, independent and empowered resident
coordinator.
Management Reform: To confront global challenges and to remain relevant in a
fast-changing world, United Nations must empower managers and staff, simplifies
processes, increases accountability and transparency and improves on the delivery of
our mandates.
There are concerns for improving efficiency, avoidance of duplication, and the
minimization of waste in the functioning of the entire UN system.
Financial Resources: Contributions of the Member States should have, as their
fundamental underpinning, the capacity to pay principle.
The Member States should pay their contributions unconditionally, in full and on
time, as delays in payments have caused an unprecedented financial crisis in the
UN system.
Financial reforms hold the key to the future of the world body. Without
sufficient resources, the UN's activities and role would suffer.

Peace and Security issues

Threats to Peace and Security: The range of potential threats to peace and security
that UN has to face, are following-
poverty, disease, and environmental breakdown (the threats to human security
identified in the Millennium Development Goals),
conflict between states,
violence and massive human rights violations within states,
terrorism threats from organized crime,
and the proliferation of weapons - particularly WMD, but also conventional.
Terrorism: Nations that support groups that are widely linked to terrorism, such as
Pakistan, are not held accountable specifically for these actions. To this date, the UN
still does not have a clear definition of terrorism, and they have no plans to pursue
one.
Nuclear Proliferation: In 1970, the nuclear non-proliferation treaty was signed by
190 nations. Despite this treaty, nuclear stockpiles remain high, and numerous
nations continue to develop these devastating weapons. The failure of the non-
proliferation treaty details the ineffectiveness of the United Nations and their
inability to enforce crucial rules and regulations on offending nations.

Security Council reforms

Composition of Security Council: It has remained largely static, while the UN
26/28
 General Assembly membership has expanded considerably.
In 1965, the membership of the Security Council was expanded from 11 to 15.
There was no change in the number of permanent members. Since then, the
size of the Council has remained frozen.
This has undermined the representative character of the Council. An expanded
Council, which is more representative, will also enjoy greater political authority
and legitimacy.
India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with
Brazil, Germany and Japan (G-4). The four countries support each others' bids for
the permanent seats in the top UN body.
Any expansion of permanent members' category must be based on an agreed
criteria, rather than be a pre-determined selection.
UNSC Veto power: It is often observed that UN's effectiveness and responsiveness to
international security threats depends on judiciously use of the UNSC veto.
Veto Power: The five permanent members enjoy the luxury of veto power;
when a permanent member vetoes a vote, the Council resolution cannot be
adopted, regardless of international support. Even if the other fourteen nations
vote yes, a single veto will beat this overwhelming show of support.
There are proposals on future of Veto power:
limiting the use of the veto to vital national security issues;
requiring agreement from multiple states before exercising the veto;
abolishing the veto entirely;
Any reform of the veto will be very difficult:
Articles 108 and 109 of the United Nations Charter grant the P5 (5
permanent members) veto over any amendments to the Charter, requiring
them to approve of any modifications to the UNSC veto power that they
themselves hold.

Non-Conventional Challenges
Since its creation, UN is working with goal of safeguarding peace, protecting human
rights, establishing the framework for international justice and promoting economic
and social progress. New challenges, such as climate change, refugees and
population ageing are new fields it has to work.
Climate Change: From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production, to
rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the impacts of climate
change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. Without drastic action today,
adapting to these impacts in the future will be more difficult and costly.
Growing population: The world population is projected to increase by more than one
billion people within the next 15 years, reaching 8.5 billion in 2030, and to increase
further to 9.7 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100.
The world population growth rate must slow down significantly to avoid
27/28
 reaching unsustainable levels.
Population Ageing: It is poised to become one of the most significant social
transformations of the twenty-first century, with implications for nearly all sectors of
society, including labour and financial markets, the demand for goods and services,
such as housing, transportation and social protection, as well as family structures and
intergenerational ties.
Refugees: The world is witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record.
An unprecedented 65.6 million people around the world have been forced from
home by conflict and persecution at the end of 2016.
Among them are nearly 22.5 million refugees, over half of whom are under the
age of 18.
There are also 10 million stateless people, who have been denied a nationality
and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and
freedom of movement.

Conclusion
Despite having many short-comings, UN has played a crucial role making this human
society more civil, more peaceful & secure in comparison to time of its origin at 2 nd
World War.
United Nations, being the world’s largest democratic body of all nations, its
responsibility towards humanity is very high in terms of building democratic society,
economic development of people living in acute poverty, & preserving the Earth’s
Ecosystem in concern with Climate Change.

28/28
Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter: The four Purposes of the
United Nations are stated in Article 1 of the UN Charter. The first and primary purposes of the
UN Charter are to maintain international peace and security. For achieving this purpose, the
organization is to take effective collective measures for prevention and removal of threats to
peace and suppression of acts of aggression and provide for methods of peaceful settlement of
disputes consistent with the principles of justice and international law. Other purposes are:
development of friendly relations among nations on the basis of equality , achieving
international cooperation in solving economic, social , cultural and humanitarian problems
without any discrimination and providing an international platform for harmonizing the action
of nations . Article 1 Paragraph I speaks of a distinction between „prevention and removal of
threats to the peace and speaks only of suppression‟ but not of prevention of acts of aggression
and other breaches of the peace .‟ Maintenance of peace can be by removal or suppression of
threat to peace but not by suppression of acts of aggression. According to Hans Kelsen, the
formula to maintain international peace and security appear in Article 2 paragraph 6 , Article 11
Paragraphs 1 and 2 , Article 43 paragraph 1, Article 47 Paragraph 1, Article 48 paragraph 1,
Article 51,52, Article 73 ( c ) , Article 84, Article 99 of UN Charter.

The Principles of the United Nations Charter have been framed in pursuance of Article 1
of the UN Charter . The Charter lays down seven principles. These include the principles of
sovereign equality, fulfillment of obligation assumed by the members in accordance with the
Charter in good faith , settlement of international disputes in a peaceful manner so that
international peace and security are not threatened . All members shall refrain in their
international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political
independence of any state , or in any manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United
Nations . All members shall give the UN every assistance in any action it takes in accordance
with the present Charter. The organization shall ensure that States who are not members of the
United Nations act in accordance with their Principles for the maintenance of International peace
and Security. In its last principle, the United Nations is not authorized to intervene in matters
which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.

Article 2 of the UN Charter contains the Basic Principles of the Organization . A careful
reading of the article necessarily entails that it is applicable not only on the member States but
also on the organs of the organization. Article 2 clearly reads that the “organization and its
Members, in pursuit of the Purposes stated in Article 1 shall act in accordance with the following
principles .” The opening line of Article 2 sets the tone for all the principles of the UN charter.
These principles are to be carried out in pursuance of the Purposes of the UN Charter.

The Principle of Sovereign Equality of the

States : Article 2 of the UN Charter contains the Basic Principles of the organization. A

careful reading of the Article necessarily entails, that it is applicable not only on the member
states but also on the organs of the organization. Article 2 clearly reads that the “Organization
and its Members, in pursuit of the Purposes stated in Article 1, shall act in accordance with the
following principles .” Thus , the opening lines of Art 2 sets the tone for the following seven
principles which should be carried out „in pursuit‟ of Art 1 or Purposes of the UN Charter. These
Principles were further developed in General Assembly Resolution 2625 (XXV) of 1970 and was
titled “Declaration On Principles Of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations And Co
Operation Among States In Accordance With The Charter Of The United Nations.”

According to Robert Kolb , Art 2 of the UN Charter represents the basic tenets of Modern
International Law . According to the author , the UN Charter was the culmination of the Modern
International Law and the world witnessed a breakaway from the Classical International Law ,
which came to an end with the signing of the Kellogg Briand Pact .

Following are the characteristics of Classical International Law and Modern international
Law :

(A) Classical International Law :

(1) It was based on the strands of co existence and predation .

(2) There was an absence of common values based on humanity .

(3) Protection of territorial Integrity .

(4) Primacy of Territory, diplomacy and War.

(5) Co operation among States was purely voluntary and embryonic .

(6) Jus ad bellum was a pertinent feature of the State Sovereignty and could easily sway the
pendulum from peace time to that of war (7) Annexation of territory was a logical corollary to
the right of war .

(8) Even in peaceful times, intervention in the affairs of small states was tolerable.

(9) In a nutshell, classic international law was based on inequality of states, unequal treaties,
and free use of force, colonialism and absence of legal devices for the peaceful settlement of
disputes.

4.4.3 Modern International Law : The principles of Modern International Law can be
enumerated as follows :

(1) It was based on the values of coexistence, co operation and community values .

(2) It promoted equality, order, justice and peace among states .

(3) It challenged inequality, intervention in the internal affairs of the state and use of force .

(4) It promotes the peaceful Settlement of disputes, international co operation , human rights
and de colonization.

Doctrine of Sovereign equality: General Assembly Resolution 2625 (XXV)

of 1970 elaborates on the different dimensions of the concept of sovereign equality in the
following words :

“ All States enjoy sovereign equality . They have equal rights and duties and are equal
members of the international community, notwithstanding differences of an economic , social
,political or other nature .”

In particular , sovereign equality includes the following elements :

States are juridically equal;

(a) Each State enjoys the rights inherent in full sovereignty;

(b) Each State has the duty to respect the personality of other States .
(c) The territorial integrity and political independence of the States are inviolable.

(d) Each State has the right freely to choose and develop its political , social , economic and
cultural systems.

(e) Each State has the duty to comply fully and in good faith with its international
obligations and to live in peace with other States.

Legal Content of the Principle : Following are the legal ramifications of the doctrine of
Sovereign equality:

(a) Each State enjoys the set of rights and duties as defined under International Law . The
conditions for effectively implementing these rights may vary according to power. The legal
content is related to formal quality and not material quality.

(b) Every state has the right to enjoy the inherent rights of sovereignty without being
categorized as a protectorate , colony etc.

(c) The obligation to respect the rights of other states.

(d) The right of every State to develop its own political , social , economic and cultural
system, free from the intervention in the internal affairs by other States. The International Court
of Justice affirmed that : “ the principle of non intervention in internal affairs forbids all State or
groups of States to intervene directly or indirectly in internal or external affairs of other states. A
prohibited intervention must accordingly be one bearing on matters in which each state is
permitted , by the principle of State sovereignty, to decide freely. One of these is the choice of a
political, economic, social and cultural system, and the formulation of a foreign policy.
Intervention is wrongful when it uses methods of coercion in regard to such choices , which must
remain free ones .”

4.4.4 Prohibition of the Use of Force : Since intervention can take the form of use of force or
the threat of use of force , hence it is essential to discuss Art 2 (4) of the U N Charter . The
Article was drafted to modify the jus ad bellum regime in the post 1945 world . The Article
provides, “All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force
against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state or in any manner
inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations .”

The above mentioned rule has assumed the status of customary international law . The
Charter allows three exceptions to the Principle :

(1) Arts 53 and 107 related to former enemies of the Allied States . The Articles are now
obsolete.

(2) Art 39 which talks about the powers of the Security Council .

(3) Art 51, which talks about self defence .

(1) No enforcement action shall be taken under regional arrangements or by regional

agencies without the authorization of the Security Council, with the exception of measures
against enemy state, as defined in paragraph 2 of this Article, provided for pursuant to Article
107 or in Regional Arrangements directed against renewal of foreign policy on the part of any
such state , until such time as the Organization may, on request of the Governments concerned,
be charged with the responsibility for preventing further aggression by such a state.

„Nothing in the present charter shall invalidate or preclude action , in relation to any state
which during the second world war has been an enemy of any signatory to the present Charter ,
taken or authorized as a result of that war by the Governments having responsibility for such
action.‟

Art 53 and Art 107 had a particular application and were limited to a particular situation.
Its drafting was based was based on the contingency that in case the vanquished states of the
second world war resumed their belligerent status, then , the victorious powers would be in a
position to take unilateral action. However, with the passage of time these Articles have become
obsolete. Even the defeated nations have now been admitted as members of the United Nations .
According to the United Nations Charter , they have been accepted as the peaceful states and the
conditions for being the members of the United Nations are exhaustive .

(1) Art 39 and coercive military action following an authorization from the Security Council
: Under Chapter VII of the UN Charter , the Security Council can expressly authorize the
member states , to use such force where States will no longer be violating the Art 2 (4) of UN
Charter . it cannot be called an exception in the real sense, as Art 2(4) is directed towards the
States acting in their individual capacity and not to Security Council as an organ of the Charter.
However it talks about , military contingencies placed under the Security Council and acting on
its behalf . This in turn refers back to the enforcement action under the UN Charter and thus an
exception to Art 2 (4).

(2) Art 51 and Self Defence : Before the codification of UN Charter , the right to self
defence existed primarily in customary law and was being governed by The Caroline Doctrine .
Art 51 gave a conventional status to the doctrine . This right to self defence is constructed in a
strict manner, so that the jus ad bellum regime is not expanded to great proportions . The self
dense of charter is limited in four ways :

(a) It is reactive and non anticipatory : The existence of an armed attack is must before a
State can resort to self defence . This norm limits the growing jurisprudence of „anticipatory self
defense‟.

(b) It is inter mediatory in nature :

(i) The State that is attacked defends itself ,or

(ii) With the help of other States defends itself while the Security Council – being
immediately informed of the attack –has not taken collective security measures .

(c) It is subordinate : Once the Security Council has over taken collective security measures
under Art 39 , then, these collective measures take precedence over self defense .

(d) It is an exception to Art 2(4).

The legal qualification for the existence of an armed attack is the prior existence of an
armed attack. The principle is based on the principle of responding violence with violence : vimi
vi repellere.

The phrase „armed attack‟ has not been mentioned anywhere in the UN Charter . The
International Court of Justice limited itself to two examples :
(A) Action by regular armed forces across an international border

(B) Indirect aggression by an armed group sent by another state .

In order to interpret the term aggression , it is desirable to interpret the term „aggression‟.
For this resort is to be made to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974) . The cases of
Armed Aggression are :

(1) Invasion of territory , bombardment and blockade

(2) An attack by the armed forces of a State on the land, sea or air forces, or marine and air
fleets of another State .

(3) Violating of agreement of the sending State with respect to armed forces stationed within
the territory of another, notably the extension of their presence beyond the termination of the
agreement.

(4) The action of a State in allowing its territory, which it has placed at the disposal of
another State, to be used by that other State for perpetrating an act of aggression a third States .

(5) Sending by or on behalf of a State of armed bands, irregular or mercenaries, which carry
out acts of armed forces against another State of such gravity as to amount to the acts listed
above, or in its substantial involvement therein .

As far as the triggering and termination of self defense is concerned , the modern
international law follows the Continental System which views use of force to repel an ongoing
armed attack on territory .

Robert Kolb distinguishes four types of situation in an armed attack :

(a) Reactive Self Defence : A situation where armed attack has already attacked and the
damage is already done.

(b) Interceptive Self Defence : The course of action is irrevocable, even though the impact of
attack is still not felt .

(c) Anticipatory Self Defence : No attack is made but it is imminent.

(d) Preventive or Pre emptive self defense :There is no foreseeable armed attack, but there is
a window of opportunity to strike in order to avert future threats .

According to Mr. Kellogg “ This right (of self defence) is so inherent and universal that
it was not deemed necessary even to insert it expressly in the treaty .‟

According to Hans Kelsen, the term „inherent‟ in Art 51 is reminiscent of the Natural law
doctrine, and even if the word inherent was dropped from the Charter, it would not impair the
rights of State to defend them. The author further lays down the characteristics of collective self
defense :

(a) According to Natural Law Doctrine, it is the right of an individual , or a state, to defend
its person, property or honour against a real or imminent attack .

(b) The right is conferred not only upon the attacked state but also upon other states that may
assist the attacked States .

(c) Treaties for Collective Self Defence are allowed .

(d) If Art 2 (6) of the U N Charter is to be pushed to its logical conclusion, then the right of
self defense cannot be denied even to non members and there is no restriction on the members to
deny the non members , the assistance required under Art 51.

Collective Security must be distinguished from Collective Self Defense. Collective

Security Measures are envisioned under Articles 1para 1, Article 24 Para 1, Article 39, Article
41, Article 42. Collective Security measures are the measures of the Organization, whereas on
the other hand , Collective Self Defense is the action taken by individual members. Collective
Measures taken under Art 51 are provisional as there is an obligation upon the members to report
the matter to the Security Council . It is permitted only, „until the Security Council has taken the
measures necessary to maintain international peace and security‟. Since Article 51 is placed
under Chapter VII and Article 39 stipulates that the Security Council shall determine the
existence of „any threat to the peace , breach of peace or act of aggression . It follows that an
armed attack is an act of aggression .
 Summary -
United Nations (UN) is an important international institution of our times. It was
set up in 1945 with 51 countries as member nations and its current membership
is 192. Most of the countries in the world today are members of the United
Nations. The activities of the United Nations reflect the needs and hopes of not
just the governments but the people of the world at large.

Origins of the United Nations

The US president
Roosevelt and the
British Prime Finally, the United
Minister, Winston States hosted the San
Churchill signed the Francisco Conference
Atlantic Charter in in early 1945 to
August 1941 finalise and sign the
indicating their desire Charter of the new
for a post-war peace organisation, the
institution ‘United Nations’

A series of The United Nations

conferences followed was established on
at Moscow, Teheran, 24th October 1945
Dumbarton Oaks, and
Yalta to discuss
various ideas and
proposals

Purposes and Principles - Purposes and Principles -

(iii) to maintain international (i) to achieve international
peace & security through cooperation in the economic,
collective measures for social, cultural, or
suppression of aggression & humanitarian fields.
through peaceful settlement (ii) to encourage respect for
of disputes. human rights and
(iv) to develop friendly relations fundamental freedoms.
among countries based on
full respect for the principle
of equality and self-
determination.
1
Political Science (317)
Learner’s Guide, Senior Secondary Course
 Principal Organs: Composition Economic & Social Council -
& Functions -
Works to promote international
The General Assembly - cooperation in economic & social
fields
Among the principal organs, the It comprises 54 members all of
General Assembly is the central whom are elected for a term of
body three years by the General
The principles of sovereign Assembly giving representation to
equality and universality are various geographical regions
embodied in its composition Decisions are taken by a simple
All members of the United majority of members present and
Nations are members of the voting
General Assembly It considers international
The General Assembly is economic, social, cultural, and
sometimes called as the world humanitarian problems
parliament The Council has set up
The Assembly has adopted commissions to study and advise
several laws like the covenant on the status of women,
on civil, political, economic population, human rights, etc.
rights of individuals
The laws of exploitation of seas, It has the power to coordinate the
laws prohibiting or controlling activities of various specialized agencies
chemical & biological weapons. like the International

The Security Council - International Court of Justice

Security Council is the most
powerful decision-making body
The International Court of Justice, known as
of the United Nations. the World Court, located at The Hague (The
Netherlands), is the principal judicial organ of
It has the main responsibility to the United Nations.
maintain international peace
and security.
The Council is a contrast from
the General Assembly, in
respect of both its composition
and the decision-making The Court consists of 15 judges, who are
elected jointly by the General Assembly and the
procedure. Security Council for a term of nine years
The power and functions of the
Security Council are limited to
the task of maintenance of
international peace & security.

2
Political Science (317)
Learner’s Guide, Senior Secondary Course
 The Secretariat - The UN revoked all previous
punishments and restored to the
Secretariat General comprises new South Africa its rightful place
the international staff posted at in the world body.
the UN headquarters, New
York, & other locations
throughout the world.
They are expected to be
Promotion of Human Rights
impartial and independent in
the discharge of their
responsibilities.
Promotion of human rights culture through
Fight against Colonialism & worldwide human rights standards has
Racism - been another major contribution of the
United Nations
India was a British colony for
nearly 200 years before
Independence in 1947 India
was not alone to come under So many declarations and conventions
colonial rule touching upon various facets of human rights
have been adopted by the UN in the past
Freeing millions of people from many decades
foreign colonial rule is a historic
achievement of the UN
The UN has built up the
campaign against colonialism
was the adoption of the The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
was the first among the UN declarations. The
Declaration of Decolonisation day of its adoption-10 December 1948
by the General Assembly in
1960, demanding immediate
independence of all colonial
territories and populations The UN has adopted other declarations and
The UN opposition to racism in covenants with the aim of stopping the
South Africa known as practice of torture & racial discrimination or
protecting vulnerable section like children,
apartheid is remarkable. The women, and migrant workers
organizations interest in the
matter dates to early 1946
The widely respected black
leader, Nelson Mandela was
The activities of the UN include the convening
released after 27 years of of periodical conferences on human rights.
imprisonment, The apartheid
laws were revoked.

3
Political Science (317)
Learner’s Guide, Senior Secondary Course
 Need for Re-Structuring United Nation

The United Nations has done a responsible job there are some
obstacles which limit its performance. For example, a few organs
of the United Nations have not changed, though the changes in
the world around require it.

There is a strong case to add a few countries like India as

permanent members. The member of non-permanent members
should also be increased so that different countries can get a
feeling that the Council works for their future.

The Third World countries are of the opinion that United

Nations is an agent of Western countries, especially the United
States. To correct this image the number of Permanent
members must be increased.

Evaluate yourself –
write your opinio
1. List down the principles of the UN charter.
2. Unted Nations has a very important position in the current scenario, write
your opinion in light to the given statement.
3. Mention the reasons for the need of re-structuring the United Nations.

4
Political Science (317)
Learner’s Guide, Senior Secondary Course
 Role and Functions of the
UNIT 12 ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE United Nations

UNITED NATIONS*

Structure
12.0 Objectives
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Objectives, Principles and Organs of the United Nations
12.3 Role of the UN System in Achieving Peace and Socio-economic
Development
12.4 Achievements and Failures of the United Nations
12.5 Reforming or Restructuring the UN System
12.6 Let Us Sum Up
12.7 References
12.8 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

12.0 OBJECTIVES
In this Unit, you will be studying about the United Nations. This Unit would
enable you to understand:
The objectives/ purposes, principles and the principal organs of the UN
Role of the UN in international politics
Its major achievements and failures
Need for democratization of UN System through reforms and
Future prospects of the UN

12.1 INTRODUCTION
The United Nations (UN) was established on 24 October 1945. It is the only
truly universal and global intergovernmental organization created to date. It was
founded with 51 nations; UN now consists of 193 states as its members. The UN
continues to be the only global international organization and actor that has an
agenda encompassing the broadest range of governance issues. As the world’s
only truly global organization, the UN has become the foremost forum to address
issues that transcend national boundaries; and, which cannot be resolved by any
one country acting alone – no matter, how mighty. It is a complex system that
serves as the central site for multilateral diplomacy, with the UN’s General
Assembly as the center stage. Three weeks of general debate at the opening of
each annual session of General Assembly in the month of September draws foreign
ministers and heads of state and government from small and large states to take
advantage of the opportunity to address the nations of the world and to engage in
intensive diplomacy. All these years, the UN has played a significant role in
world affairs. Without it, the world we live in today would have been totally
different. It has prevented breakout of another major war after the 2nd World War.

Prof. Abdulrahim P. Vijapur, Deptt. of Political Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
*

161
International Organisations Its role may not be highly satisfactory to every person in maintaining international
peace and security, but its active role succeeded in cooling off tensions between
Super Powers and other major Powers in the world, particularly during the period
of Cold War. However, its role in creating human rights norms, undertaking
humanitarian activities and tackling refugee problems, to name only few, are
laudatory. It is not like a world government expected to solve all major problems
in the world, and with power to enforce its orders. However, it does provide the
means to help resolve international conflicts and formulate policies on matters
affecting humanity. The UN is a forum where all countries meet to discuss,
elaborate and extend international law in areas such as as human rights,
international trade, freedom of navigation and uses of the seas, and the fight
against terrorism.

12.2 OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPLES, AND ORGANS

OF THE UNITED NATIONS
As set forth in its Charter, the UN has four purposes:
To maintain international peace and security
To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle
of equal rights and self-determination of peoples
To cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and
humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms and
To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these
common ends
In other words, the UN is mandated to safeguard peace and security; “to save
succeeding generations from the scourge of war”; to reaffirm faith in fundamental
human rights; to uphold respect for international law; and to promote social
progress and better standards of life. UN’s original vision was built on four pillars;
the first three – peace, development and human rights – have become increasingly
intertwined and support a consistent and integrated framework of national and
international priorities. The UN’s fourth founding pillar – sovereign independence
– although largely achieved during the UN’s first two decades through
decolonization, is now under scrutiny because of a concern for ‘reasonable limits’
on state sovereignty. The United Nations acts, to pursue its objectives, in
accordance with the following principles.
It is based on the sovereign equality of all its members
All members are to fulfill in good faith their Charter obligations
They are to settle their international disputes by peaceful means and without
endangering international peace and security and justice
They are to refrain from the threat or use of force against any other state
Neither they nor any member or the UN should interfere in domestic matters
of any State
To enable the UN to achieve its stated purposes and objectives the organization
has been equipped with following six main organs.

162
12.2.1 General Assembly Role and Functions of the
United Nations

The GeneralAssembly, perhaps the closest approximation of a world parliament,

is the main deliberative and legislative body. It is designed to utilize the time-
honoured technique of resolving problems by free and frank discussions and as
per the provisions of the customary international law. It is to function as the
world’s permanent forum and a meeting place. It is created on the assumption
that “war of words” is better than war fought with bombs and weapons. All the
UN Members are represented in it; and each has one vote on the basis of sovereign
equality. Decisions on ordinary matters are taken by simple majority. Important
questions require two third of the votes. The Assembly has the right to discuss
and make recommendations on all matters within the scope of the UN Charter.
Its decisions are not binding on member States, but they carry the weight of law,
ethics and world public opinion. Thus, it does not legislate like national parliament.
But in the meeting rooms and corridors of the UN, representatives of almost all
countries of the world – large and small, rich and poor, from diverse political and
social systems – have a voice and vote in shaping the policies of the international
community.

12.2.2 Security Council

The Security Council is the organ to which the Charter gives primary responsibility
for maintaining international peace and security. It can be convened at any time,
even at midnight when peace is threatened. Member States are obligated to carry
out its decisions. It has 15 members. Five of these – China, France, the Russian
Federation, the UK, and the US – are permanent members, known as P5; they
are also the nuclear weapons states. The other 10 are elected by the Assembly for
a two year term. A decision cannot be taken if there is “no” or negative vote by a
permanent member (known as “veto”) on substantive questions. In common
parlance, veto is known in the UN Charter as “Great Power unanimity” rule.
When a threat to peace is brought before the Council, it usually first asks the
parties to reach agreement by peaceful means. The Council may undertake
mediation or set forth principles for settlement. It may request the Secretary
General to investigate and report on a situation. If fighting breaks out, the Council
tries to secure a ceasefire. It may send peace-keeping units (observers or troops)
to troubled areas, with the consent of the parties involved, to reduce tension and
keep opposing forces apart. Unlike the General Assembly resolutions, its decisions
are binding and it has the power to enforce its decisions by imposing economic
sanctions and by ordering military action under the principle of “collective
security”.

12.2.3 Economic and Social Council

Absence or prevention of war does not automatically ensure a peaceful
international system. To diminish the underlying causes of future conflicts that
might lead to such threats to the peace or breach of peace, the founding fathers of
the UN also provided mechanisms for economic and social progress and
development and to promote higher standards of living. This job has been assigned
to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) - third main organ of UN. The
ECOSOC has 54 members. It usually holds two-month long session each year. It
coordinates the economic and social work of the UN and other specialized
agencies and institutions – together known as the UN Family or simply as the
163
International Organisations UN System. It recommends and directs activities aimed at, among others,
promoting economic growth of developing countries, administering development
and humanitarian assistance projects, promoting the observance of human rights,
ending discrimination against minorities, spreading the benefits of science and
technology, and fostering world cooperation in areas such as better housing,
family planning and crime prevention.
Let us elaborate what constitutes the UN System. It consists of the UN, its 15
Specialized Agencies, and its various programmes. Following Specialized
Agencies are part of the UN System: ILO (International Labour Organization),
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), UNESCO (United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,) WHO (World Health
Organization), IBRD (International Bank Reconstruction and Development –
the World Bank), IMF (International Monetary Fund), ICAO (International Civil
Aviation Organization), IMO (International Maritime Organization), ITU
(International Telecommunication Union), UPU (Universal Postal Union)WMO
(World Meteorological Organization), WIPO (World Intellectual Property
Organization), IFAD (International Fundfor Agricultural Development), UNIDO
(United Nations Industrial Development Organization), UNWTO (World Tourism
Organization).
UN Programmes and Funds include, UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development), ITC (International Trade Centre), UNDP (United
Nations Development Programme), UNCDF (United Nations Capital
Development Fund), UNV (United Nations Volunteers), UNEP (United Nations
Environment Programme), UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) UN-
HABITAT (United Nations Human Settlements Programme), UNHCR (Office
of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), UNICEF (United
Nations Children’s Fund), UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime),
UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in
the Near East) UN-Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality, and the
Empowerment of Women), and WFP World Food Programme.
It must be noted that the Specialized Agencies and UN Programmes and Funds
work under ECOSOC and report to it.

12.2.4 The Trusteeship Council

The Trusteeship Council was created to supervise the administration of 11 Trust
Territories and to ensure that Governments responsible for their administration
take adequate steps to prepare them for self-government and independence. It is
gratifying to note that all these territories had attained independence by the end
of 1994 and now this body has little work.

12.2.5 The International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice consists of 15 judges who are elected
concurrently by the General Assembly and the Security Council. It resolves legal
issues and interprets international treaties.

12.2.6 The Secretariat

The Secretariat is the sixth main organ of the UN. It consists of a Secretary-
General and other staff and personnel who run the UN administration and carry
164
out day-to-day work of the UN. Staff members are drawn from 193 members of Role and Functions of the
United Nations
UN. As international civil servants, they work for the UN as a whole, and pledge
not to take or seek instructions from any government or outside authority. Calling
upon some 41,000 staff members worldwide, the Secretariat services the other
principal organs of the UN and administers the programmes and policies
established by them. At its head is the Secretary-General, who is appointed by
the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. Till now
the office of the Secretary-General has been occupied by nine incumbents: Trygve
Lie (Norway), Dag Hammarskjold (Sweden), U. Thant (Myanmar), Kurt
Waldheim (Austria), Javier Perez de Cuellar (Peru), Boutros Boutros Ghali
(Egypt), Kofi Annan (Ghana), Ban Ki-moon (Republic of Korea) and Antonio
Guterres (Greece).
Check Your Progress Exercise 1
Note: i) Use the space given below for your answer.
ii) See the end of the unit for tips for your answer.
1) Why the United Nations has been established by the international
community?
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................

12.3 ROLE OF THE UN SYSTEM IN ACHIEVING

PEACE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
In spite of the careful framing of the UN Charter, the UN was unable to solve
many problems of the world due to the Cold War between the US and the former
USSR. On the other hand, it played an important role in a number of international
crises by arranging ceasefires and negotiations, and by providing peacekeeping
forces. Its successes in non-political work care of refugees, protection of human
rights, economic planning and attempts to deal with problems of world health,
population and famine have been enormous. The Security Council of the UN is
its principal organ to maintain international peace and security. The Council
works on the principle of “collective security”. This concept treats the aggression
of one state against the other States as an attack on all member States of the UN.
It allows the Security Council to take action against the aggressor only when
five of its permanent members (which are great Powers) the US, USSR, France,
China and Britain are unanimous on such action. Any negative vote (veto) will
prevent such action. Any veto will kill the concept of collective security. The
Council was paralyzed many times by use of veto during the Cold War (1945-
1991). In order to secure some action in case of a veto by one of the P5 countries,
the General Assembly (GA) (at the time of the Korean War in 1950) introduced
the “Uniting for Peace” Resolution. This resolution stated that if the Security
Council’s proposals were vetoed, the GA could meet within 24 hours and decide
165
International Organisations what action to take, even military intervention if necessary. In cases like this, a
decision by the Assembly would only need a two-thirds majority. Again this new
rule was not incorporated in the UN Charter, and the USSR, which exercised
more vetoes than any P5 states, always maintained that a Security Council veto
should take precedence over a GA decision. Nevertheless, the Assembly acted in
this way many times, ignoring Russian protests.

How successful has been the UN as a peacekeeping organization? Although it

has had mixed success, it is probably fair to say that the UN has been more
successful than the League of Nations in its peacekeeping efforts, especially in
crises which did not directly involve the interests of the great powers, such as the
civil war in the Congo (1960-64). On the other hand, it has often been ineffective
like the League in situations where the interests of one of the great powers –
were involved (e.g., the 1956 Hungarian crisis and the 1968 Czech crisis). The
best way to illustrate the UN’s varying degrees of success is to examine some of
the major disputes (both during the Cold War and post-Cold War) in which it has
been involved.

A) Palestine (1947 – Till Present): The dispute between Jews and the Arabs
in Palestine was brought before the UN in 1947. After an investigation, the
UN decided to divide Palestine, setting up the Jewish state of Israel. This
was one of the most controversial UN decisions, and it was not accepted
the Arab states. The UN was unable to prevent three Arab-Israeli wars (1948-
49, 1967 and 1973) over the question of Palestine. However, it did useful
work arranging ceasefires and providing supervisory forces, and caring for
the Arab refugees. Due to strong US support to Israel and the disunity among
Arab states, the UN has not been able to resolve the Palestine issue till date.

B) The Korean War (1950-53): This was the only occasion on which the UN
was able to take decisive action in a crisis directly involving the interests of
one of the superpowers. When South Korea was invaded by communist
North Korea in June 1950, the Security Council immediately passed a
resolution condemning North Korea, and called on UN members to send
help to South Korea. However, this was possible because the USSR was
boycotting UNSC meeting in protest at the failure of allow PRC to join the
UN. Although the Russian delegates returned soon (to cast its veto), it was
too late for them to prevent action going ahead. Troops of 16 countries
were able to repel the invasion and preserve the borders between the two
Koreas along the 38th parallel. Though this was claimed by the West as a
great success, it was in fact very much the American operation the vast
majority of troops and the Commander-in-Chief, General MacArthur, were
American, and the US government had already decided to intervene with
force the day before the Security Council vote was taken. Only the absence
of the Russians enabled the USA to turn it into a UN operation. When the
USSR started vetoing further resolutions against North Korea, the General
Assembly passed its famous resolution, “Uniting for Peace”, as discussed
above.

C) The Suez Crisis (1956): On the sudden nationalization of Suez Canal by

President Nasser of Egypt in 1956, Egypt was attacked by Britain and France
(which owned shares in Suez Canal Company) and Israel. When the Security
Council resolution condemning use of force by Britain and France was
166 vetoed, the General Assembly under “Uniting for Peace” resolution not
 only condemned the invasion (by majority of 64 to 5) but also called for a Role and Functions of the
United Nations
withdrawal of troops. In view of the weight of opinion against them, the
aggressors agreed to withdraw, provided the UN ensured a reasonable
settlement over the Canal and kept away the Arabs and Israelis from
slaughtering each other. The UN General Assembly sent UN Peace Keeping
forces (5000 peacekeeping soldiers) to Egypt to supervise ceasefire
agreement. The Canadian diplomat, Lester Pearson, had invented the idea
of Peacekeeping. He received Nobel Peace Prize later for his contribution
to world peace. The UN was quite successful in maintaining peace in the
region, though Russian and American pressure was also important in bringing
about ceasefire. However, the UN was not so successful in the 1967 Arab-
Israeli conflict.

D) The Iran-Iraq War (1980-88): The UN was successful in bringing an end

to the long-drawn-out war between Iran and Iraq. After years of attempting
to mediate, the UN at last negotiated a ceasefire, though admittedly they
were helped by the fact that both sides were close to exhaustion.

E) The 1991 Gulf War: UN action on the war was impressive. When Saddam
Hussain of Iraq sent his troops to invade and capture the tiny, but extremely
rich, neighbouring state of Kuwait (August 1990), the UNSC wanted him
to withdraw or face the consequences. When he refused, a large UN force
was sent to Kuwait. In a short decisive campaign, Iraqi troops were driven
out, suffering heavy losses, and Kuwait was liberated. However, the critics
of the UN complained that Kuwait had received help only because the West
needed her oil supplies. Other small states, like East Timor (which was
taken over by Indonesia in 1975) did not receive help.

Why the UN is not so successful in enforcing peace in the world? There are five
reasons, given below.
The lack of a permanent UN army
Lack of unanimity among P5
Veto power of P5
Shortage of funds and
Non-cooperation of member states
Economic and Social Development
Although most people associate the United Nations with the issues of peace and
security, the vast majority of the organization’s resources are in fact devoted to
advancing the Charter’spledge to “promote higher standards of living, full
employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development”.
United Nations development efforts have profoundly affected the lives and well-
being of millions of people throughout the world. Guiding the UN endeavours is
the conviction that lasting international peace and security are possible only if
the economic and social well-being of people everywhere is assured. Many of
the economic and social transformations that have taken place globally since
1945 have been significantly affected in their direction and shape by the work of
the United Nations. As the global centre for consensus-building, the UN has set
priorities and goals for international cooperation to assist countries in their
development efforts and to foster a supportive global economic environment.
167
International Organisations The UN has provided a platform for formulating and promoting key new
developmental objectives on the international agenda through a series of global
conferences. It has articulated the need for incorporating issues such as the
advancement of women, human rights, sustainable development, environmental
protection and good governance into the development paradigm. Over the years,
the world view of development has changed. Today, countries agree that
‘sustainable development’ – development that promotes prosperity and economic
opportunity, greater social wellbeing, and protection of environment – offers the
best path forward for improving the lives of people everywhere.

At their Millennium Summit in 2000, member states adopted the Millennium

Declaration, which contained a set of wide-ranging goals for the future course
of the UN. The Declaration was translated into a roadmap that included eight
time-boundand measurable goals to be reached by 2015, known as the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs aim to eradicate extreme poverty and
hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and the
empowerment of women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat
HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and
develop a global partnership for development. In September 2015, world leaders
adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the ‘2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development’. The 2030 Agenda officially came into force on 1
January 2016, marking a new course for the UN towards ending poverty,
protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030. Three other accords
adopted in 2015 play critical roles in the global development agenda: the Addis
Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development, the Paris Agreement on
climate change and the Sendai Framework on disaster risk reduction.
Check Your Progress Exercise 2
Note: i) Use the space given below for your answer.
ii) See the end of the unit for tips for your answer.
1) Why the UN has been less successful in promoting international peace?
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................

12.4 ACHIEVEMENTS AND FAILURES OF THE

UN
The United Nations was created to save succeeding generations from the scourge
of war, protect human rights, maintain international peace and security, and uphold
international law. It history is marked with many successes, but also
disappointments. We need to look at both sides so that we can make the UN
more effective in the future. This section lists some of its achievements and
failures.
168
12.4.1 Achievements of the UN Role and Functions of the
United Nations

A) One of the greatest achievements of the UN is its role in the field of

decolonization. It gave inspiration to millions of Africans and Asians, who
were under colonial rule, to claim the right of self-determination and
independence. When the UN was founded in 1945, 80 of the present UN
members were colonies. The UN helped many of them, having 750 million
people, to achieve independence. With this development the International
Relations have been democratized.

B) The UN has an impressive record of resolving many international conflicts.

U.N. peacekeepers have, since 1945, undertaken over 60 field missions and
negotiated 172 peaceful settlements that ended regional conflicts. Right
now, peacekeepers are in 20 hot spots around the world trying to save lives
and avert wars.

C) One of the most significant achievements of the UN is the creation of a

comprehensive body of human rights law – a universal and internationally
protected code to which all nations can subscribe and all people aspire. It
has defined a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including civil,
political, economic, cultural and social rights. It has International Bill of
Human Rights (consisting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
1948, and the two International Covenants on civil and political, economic,
social and cultural rights, 1966). Besides the International Bill of Rights, it
has adopted nearly 80 human rights treaties or declarations. It has also
established mechanisms to promote and protect these rights and to assist
states in carrying out their responsibilities.

D) More international law has been created through the UN in last seven decades
than in the entire previous history of humankind. It has made major
contributions towards expanding the rule of law among nations through the
codification of international law.

E) Today the UN provides food and assistance to 80 million people in 80

countries, supplies vaccine to millions of children and helps save 3 million
lives a year, and assists and protects 67.7 million people fleeing war, famine
and persecution. It fights extreme poverty, helping improve the lives of
more than one billion people. It supports maternal health, helping over 1
million women a month overcome pregnancy risks.
F) It works with 195 nations to keep the global temperature rise below 2°C/
3.6 F.
G) UN keeps peace with 104, 000 peacekeepers in 14 operations around the
world.
H) It tackles the global water crisis affecting over 2 billion people worldwide.
I) It coordinates US $24.7 billion appeal for the humanitarian needs of 145
million people.
J) It uses diplomacy to prevent conflict; assists some 50 countries a year with
their elections.
K) UN’s success can be gauged from the fact that 12 Nobel Peace Prize have
been awarded to it, its specialized agencies, programmes and staff. This
169
International Organisations included an award in 1988 to the UN Peacekeeping Forces in 2001 to the
UN and its secretary-general, Kofi Annan. In 2020, Nobel Peace Prize was
awarded to World Food Program, a UN special agency that fights hunger
around the world.

L) The UN has made progress with its eight Millennium Development Goals,
which has been followed by 17 Sustainable Development Goals to enhance
social, environmental and economic progress by 2030.

M) Along similar lines, the UN’s International Court of Justice has resolved
major international disputes, but the UN’s veto powers have limited its
effectiveness at critical times.

12.4.2 Shortcomings of the UN

The UN is not without shortcomings. Following UN failures should be noted.

A) In 1970, when the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was signed by

190 nations, all five superpowers owned nuclear weapons. Later, despite
the NPT and Partial Test Ban Treaty, several countries – North Korea, Israel,
Pakistan, and India – developed nuclear weapons. This revealed the UN’s
inability to enforce regulations on offending nations as well as promote the
goal of universal nuclear disarmament.

B) The International Criminal Court, established in 2002, has prosecuted several

war criminals – but it has been criticized for prosecuting only African leaders
while Western powers too have committed war crimes.

C) Dag Hammarskjold, Secretary-General from 1953-1961, said that the “UN

was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell.”
The UN has solved many violent conflicts, prevented wars, and saved
millions of lives but it also faced disappointments.

D) In Rwanda, over 800,000 were massacred in 100 days. In 1995, Bosnian

Serb forces overran the “safe zone” of Srebrenica and massacred 8,000
Muslim men and boys. In Darfur, an estimated 300,000 Sudanese civilians
were killed. In Nigeria, Boko Haram has killed over 13,000 people.

E) A recent report by “Body Count” revealed that “in addition to one million
deaths in Iraq, an estimated 220,000 people have been killed in Afghanistan
and 80,000 in Pakistan as a result of US foreign policy”.

F) In recent years, Israel attacked homes, schools, hospitals, and U.N. shelters
in Gaza killing 2,200 Palestinians. Condemning that action, Navi Pillay,
former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that “Israel was
deliberately defying international law in its military offensive in Gaza and
that world powers should hold it accountable for possible war crimes.” The
UN Security Council (SC) has failed as the United States vetoes any action
against Israel.

G) The Arab Spring in the Middle East caused thousands of deaths and regime
changes in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen. Libya is devastated with over
40,000 deaths, and the civil war in Syria has killed over 220,000 people.
These wars have displaced over 50 million people. Now, ISIS has infiltrated
170
 these countries causing gruesome killings, human rights abuses, and war Role and Functions of the
United Nations
crimes, at an unprecedented rate. These catastrophic events might have been
prevented if the Member States of the UN had the ability to resolutely act in
a timely manner. But the UN is not a world government, and it does not
have a standing army of peace-keepers ready for deployment. And, it is the
Member States that make decisions at the UN. These setbacks clearly reflect
the shortcomings of the UN Security Council, and its veto powers that allow
some members’ own interests to be placed ahead of the need to end a raging
conflict. Navi Pillay, addressing the Security Council, said that “short-term
geopolitical considerations and national interest, narrowly defined, have
repeatedly taken precedence over intolerable human suffering and grave
breaches of – and long-term threats to – international peace and security.”

H) During the last 75 years, geopolitics has changed drastically that call for
reform of the UN – to meet global needs and challenges of the 21st century.

I) Member States accuse the Security Council of being arrogant, secretive

and undemocratic but the veto powers resist change. Meanwhile, violations
of the UN Charter by powerful countries continue to erode the effectiveness
of the United Nations.

12.5 REFORMING OR RESTRUCTURING THE UN

SYSTEM
Since the meeting of the Heads of Government of the Security Council on 31
January 1992, a global debate on the restructuring of the UN System has begun.
Many proposals have been made in this regard. The main objective of such reform
proposals is to make the UN, specially its Security Council, more democratic,
efficient and adaptable to the changing international milieu. Since the UN
responsibilities and concerns are world-wide and are now expanding to virtually
every conceivable area of human activity, it is imperative to re-design the UN
structure so that it can meet the challenges of the 21st century. One of the
suggestions included that the Security Council should be expanded from 15 to
23 or 25, out of which 5 should be additional permanent members – two
industrialized countries (Japan and Germany), and three large developing
countries (Brazil, India and Nigeria). Names of South Africa, Egypt are also
discussed for permanent membership of the Council. More than 25 years have
passed since the debate of expanding Security Council began but no consensus
has emerged among P5 nations to come to any conclusion. However, some
administrative reforms were carried out by trimming the Secretariat during the
tenures of Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon.

It has been argued that the UN Security Council should be reformed so that it
becomes truly democratic. At the moment, only five veto power countries decide
the matters related to world politics. These five countries have their own
differences due to which they are not able to decide important matters. If the
UNSC has to be democratic, there should be more members in it from different
parts of the world. The UNSC reflects the reality of 1940s geopolitics when the
Second World War was being fought. The UNSC should reflect the contemporary
geopolitics in which new powers like India, Japan and Germany have risen and
play an important part in international relations. India is part of the G-4 grouping
along with Japan, Germany and Brazil which support each other as permanent
171
International Organisations members of the UNSC. This group seeks UNSC reform to make it more
democratic and representative. India’s claim to the permanent membership of
the UNSC is based on following.
Ancient Civilization with the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
(Whole World is a Family)
Pluralist Democracy
Status Quoist power
Responsible nuclear power
Economic Strength
One fifth of world’s population lives in India. To make the UNSC truly
democratic, India cannot be kept out of global decision making institutions.

Check Your Progress Exercise 3

Note: i) Use the space given below for your answer.
ii) See the end of the unit for tips for your answer.
1) List some important achievements of the the UN.
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................

12.6 LET US SUM UP

History has proved that the UN has become an irreplaceable part of international
relations and international community. It has been playing a significant, sometimes
historic, role in world politics. Its modest achievements listed in the Unit are
testimony to it. It is a fact that, as mandated by its Charter, the UN has prevented
another World War. The UN has made impressive and unprecedented progress in
all aspects of human development, bringing great benefits to millions of people
around the world. Our convoluted world needs the UN. The Security Council
must be reformed and strengthened to enable the UN as a whole to confront and
resolve complex challenges of our world. Former US President Obama has said,
the UN is imperfect, but it is also indispensable. UN’s contribution to ideas,
analysis, and policy making in the economic and social arena is one of its most
important achievements. UN’s thinking and ideas in these arenas have had a
major positive impact in many countries. Success and failures of the UN reflect
the strengths and weaknesses of commitment and support from both the member
states of the UN and the staff members. Let us conclude our discussion by quoting
Jussi M Hanhimaki (The United Nations: A Very Short Introduction) who wrote:
In the end, the UN cannot and should not be expected to offer solutions to all of
the world’s ills. It does much good humanitarian work and often provides ways
of easing tension and solving crises. It often enables people stuck in poverty to
improve their lot. The UN is hardly perfect. But it remains an indispensable
organization even as its behavior and effectiveness – much like that of individual
172 countries – is in constant need of improvement.
 Role and Functions of the
12.7 REFERENCES United Nations

Bailey, Sydney D. (1989). The United Nations: A Short Political Guide, 2nd edition.
London: Macmillan.
Baehr, Peter R. and Gordenker, Leon. (2005). The United Nations: Reality and
Ideal, 4th edition. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Hanhimaki, Jussi M. (2008). The United Nations — A Very Short Introduction.
New Delhi: Oxford University Press.
Karns, Margret, Mingst, Karen A. & Kendell, W. Stiles. (2016). International
Organizations: The Politics and Process of Global Governance, 3rd edition. New
Delhi: Viva Books.
Mingst, Karen A., Karns, Margret. (2012). The United Nations in the 21st Century,
4th edition. Boulder, Col.: Westview Press.
Moore, John Allphin & Pubantz, Jerry. (2006). The New United Nations –
International Organization in the twenty-First Century. New Delhi: Pearson
Education.
Roberts Adam and Kingslay, Benedict (eds.). (1988). United Nations, Divided
World: The UN’s Roles in International Relations. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Thakur, Ramesh (ed.). (1998). Past Imperfect, Future Uncertain: The United
Nations at Fifty. London: Macmillan.
“The United Nations at 70”, Special Issue, UN Chronicle, 2015, available at:
https://unchronicle.un.org/issue/united-nations-70
United Nations.(2017). Basic Facts about the United Nations, 42nd edition. New
York: United Nations Department of Public Information.
—————, The Essential UN (New York: United Nations Department of Public
Information, 2018), available for read only at: www.un.org/en/essential-un/ ; //
read.un-ilibrary.org
—————, The United Nations Today (New York: United Nations Department
of Public Information, 2008), Available for free download at: http://www.un.org/
ar/geninfo/pdf/UN.today.pdf
—————. (1996). The Blue Helmets: A Review of UN Peacekeeping, 3rd
edition. New York: United Nation.
Vijapur, Abdulrahim P. (1995). The United Nations at Fifty: Studies in Human
Rights. New Delhi: South Asian Publishers.
Weiss, Thomas & Ramesh Thakur. (2010). Global Governance and the United
Nations: An Unfinished Journey. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

12.8 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

EXERCISES
Check Your Progress Exercise 1
1) Your answer should highlight the following points
173
International Organisations The UN has prevented another World War
Active role in cooling off tensions between Super Powers and other
major Powers
Exemplary role in creating human rights norms, undertaking
humanitarian activities and tackling refugee problems
The UN is a forum where all countries meet to discuss issues important
for the world
Check Your Progress Exercise 2
1) Your answer should highlight the following points
The lack of a permanent UN army
Lack of unanimity among P5
Veto power of P5
Shortage of funds and
Non-cooperation of member states
Check Your Progress Exercise 3
1) Highlight the following
UN’s role in decolonization
Peacekeeping efforts and mission
Creation of Human Rights Law
Role in fighting hunger and poverty

174