UNITED NATIONS: OBJECTIVE, STRUCTURE AND WORKING OF UNO, RELEVANCE

By

Dr. Farzeen Khan

 Class- B. A. 5th Semester (NEP) (3rd year, Kumaun University)

Paper -1 International Politics

UNIT-VI- UNITED NATIONS: OBJECTIVE, STRUCTURE AND WORKING OF UNO, RELEVANCE

STRUCTURE OF THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION (UNO) 

1. Introduction

The United Nations Organization (UNO) is an international organization established on October 24, 1945, after the end of World War II. Its main objective is to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, promote social progress, and improve living standards and human rights.

The UN was created to provide a platform where countries could work together to prevent future conflicts, resolve international disputes, and address global issues collaboratively.

All sovereign and peace loving countries of the world can become members of the United Nations. According to Article 3 of the Charter, all the countries which participated in the San Francisco Conference and which signed the United Nations Declaration of 1 January 1942 were declared as members of this organization. The number of initial members was 51 and after that, 100 countries were declared as members. At present the organization has 193 member states.

Its headquarters in New York City, USA.

2. Structure of U. N. O.

The UN was created to provide a platform where countries could work together to prevent future conflicts, resolve international disputes, and address global issues collaboratively. Its structure is composed of six main organs, which include:

1. The General Assembly

2. The Security Council

3. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
4. The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
5. The Secretariat
6. The Trusteeship Council (Inactive since 1994)

2.1. The General Assembly (GA)

The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN. All 193 member states are represented in this body.

• Functions of General Assembly

 Discusses international issues within the scope of the Charter.

 Makes recommendations for peaceful resolutions.

 Oversees the UN budget and appoints non-permanent members to the Security Council.

 Elects members to other bodies such as the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

 Adopts resolutions, which are not legally binding but carry moral authority.

• Committees

  The General Assembly has 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)

• Voting System of GA

  - Each member state has one vote.

  - Most decisions require a simple majority, but significant matters (peace and security, admission of new members, budgetary issues) require a two-thirds majority.

2.2. The Security Council (SC)

The Security Council is the most powerful body of the UN, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It can make legally binding decisions that member states are obliged to follow.

• Composition of SC

It has total 15 Member Countries (Permanent & Non-Permanent)

 Permanent members: 5 countries with veto power—United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China.

 Non-permanent members: 10 members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, without veto power.

• Functions of SC

 The Security Council can take the necessary decisions to stop any war.

 The Security Council is responsible for making arrangements for disarmament and arms control.

 It is only on the recommendation of the Security Council that the General Assembly admits a country into the United Nations.

 The General Assembly appoints the Secretary General on its recommendation.

 The Security Council and the General Assembly elect the judges of the International Court of Justice by voting separately.

 Investigates situations threatening international peace.

 Recommends peaceful settlements of disputes.

 Can impose sanctions or authorize the use of force to maintain or restore peace.

• Veto Power of the Permanent Members

The veto power is a special right held by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, and France. Each of the five permanent members has veto power, meaning they can block any substantive resolution. For example:

According to Article 27 of the UN Charter, the Security Council can make decisions on procedural matters (routine or less significant issues) if any 9 out of 15 members agree. However, for important matters such as peace and security, war, or the election of the Secretary-General and judges, a decision is only valid if it gets 9 votes in favor, including the approval of all five permanent members.

If even one of the permanent members votes against a decision, it cannot pass, regardless of how many other members support it. This is what we call veto power.

The veto power allows any of the five permanent members to block any decision they disagree with. During the Cold War, this power was used so frequently that the Security Council often couldn’t make decisions, as the major powers would frequently veto each other’s proposals.

 2.3. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

 ECOSOC is responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development. It coordinates the work of the UN’s specialized agencies.

• Composition of ECOSOC

  - 54 members elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms.

• Functions of ECOSOC

 Coordinates economic, social, and environmental work through subsidiary bodies.

 Oversees specialized agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), and others.

 Issues reports, provides forums for discussion, and makes recommendations to the General Assembly on development and human rights issues.

2.4. The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

 The ICJ, located in The Hague, Netherlands, is the principal judicial organ of the UN. It settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues.

• Composition of ICJ

There are total 15 judges elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council, serving 9-year terms. They belong from different Countries.

• Functions of ICJ

 Settles disputes between countries based on international law.

 Advises UN bodies on legal matters.

 Participation in the ICJ is voluntary, but if a state agrees to participate, it must comply with the court’s decision.

2.5. The Secretariat

The Secretariat is the administrative arm of the UN, responsible for carrying out the day-to-day work of the organization. It operates under the direction of the Secretary-General.

  Head: The Secretary-General, who is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council, serves a five-year renewable term.

The Secretary-General is the head of the Secretariat, and the UN works on a broad range of issues including peacekeeping, climate change, human rights, health, and humanitarian assistance.

• Functions of the Secretariat

 Provides information, conducts research, and facilitates communication among the different UN organs.

 Implements the decisions of the Security Council, General Assembly, and other organs.

 The Secretary-General can also bring attention to the Security Council on matters that may threaten international peace.

2.6. The Trusteeship Council

The Trusteeship Council was established to oversee the administration of trust territories and ensure that the interests of the inhabitants were being served, ultimately leading to self-government or independence.

• Inactive Status:

Since the last trust territory (Palau) gained independence in 1994, the Trusteeship Council has suspended its operations, though it formally exists and can be revived if necessary.

3. Specialized Agencies and Other Bodies

Apart from the principal organs, the UN also works through various specialized agencies such as the:

 World Metrological Organization (WMO)

 World Health Organization (WHO)

 International Monetary Fund (IMF)

 World Bank Group

 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

 United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

 UNICEF

These agencies function independently but are coordinated through ECOSOC.

4. Conclusion

The structure of the United Nations is designed to facilitate international cooperation, maintain peace, promote human rights, and foster development. Each organ of the UN plays a critical role in fulfilling the organization’s overall objectives. While the General Assembly ensures representation and discussion, the Security Council enforces international security decisions. The Economic and Social Council coordinates global development efforts, and the International Court of Justice ensures the application of international law. Finally, the Secretariat administers the UN’s day-to-day functions, and the Trusteeship Council (though inactive) historically played an important role in the decolonization process.

OBJECTIVES OF THE UNITED NATIONS

According to Article 1 of the UN Charter, the main objectives of the United Nations are:

I. Maintain international peace and security by taking effective collective measures to prevent and address threats to peace.

II. Develop friendly relations among all nations, based on respect for equal rights and self-determination.

III. Cooperate internationally to solve economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems.

IV. Promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all people without distinction.

V. Serve as a hub for the coordination of collective actions to achieve these common goals.

Thus, the United Nations is essential for maintaining global peace, protecting human rights, and promoting socio-economic development among member states.

WORKING OF THE UNO

The United Nations Organization (UNO) is an international organization formed to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. The working of the UNO is structured through its various organs, each responsible for specific functions. Here’s a detailed look at how the UNO operates:

1. General Assembly

The General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the UNO, where all 193 member states are represented. Each member has one vote regardless of size or power. It meets once a year in regular sessions, but special sessions can also be called. The General Assembly works on a wide range of issues including international peace, security, and human rights.

Functions of the General Assembly:

 Discusses and makes recommendations on issues related to international peace and security.

 Approves the UN budget and sets policies for member states.

 Elects non-permanent members of the Security Council, members of the Economic and Social Council, and judges for the International Court of Justice.

 Coordinates work among various specialized agencies of the UN.

2. Security Council

The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It consists of 15 members: 5 permanent members (USA, UK, Russia, China, and France) with veto power, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Functions of the Security Council:

 Makes decisions on issues of international peace, such as war, conflict, and aggression.

 Can authorize peacekeeping operations or impose sanctions on countries violating international law.

 The veto power allows any of the 5 permanent members to block any substantive resolution, even if the majority votes in favor of it.

3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) promotes international economic, social, and environmental cooperation. It consists of 54 member countries elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms.

Functions of ECOSOC:

 Coordinates the work of UN specialized agencies like UNESCO, WHO, IMF, and World Bank.

 Promotes sustainable development, human rights, and social equity.

 Conducts studies and reports on global economic, social, and health issues.

 4. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, is the main judicial organ of the UN. It is based in The Hague, Netherlands.

Functions of ICJ:

 Settles legal disputes between member states based on international law.

 Gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the General Assembly, Security Council, or other UN organs.

 Decisions made by the ICJ are binding, though enforcement relies on the Security Council.

 5. Secretariat

The Secretariat is the administrative arm of the UN, headed by the Secretary-General, who serves a five-year term. The current Secretary-General is António Guterres.

Functions of the Secretariat:

 Implements the decisions made by the other UN organs.

 Coordinates the activities of the UN’s agencies and programs across the world.

 The Secretary-General acts as a spokesperson and mediator in global crises.

 Oversees peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution efforts.

WORKING PROCESS AND MECHANISMS

1. Decision-Making Process:

 The General Assembly makes decisions through voting, with a two-thirds majority required for major issues like security, membership, and budgetary matters.

 The Security Council requires 9 affirmative votes for important decisions, but any of the 5 permanent members can use their veto power to block decisions.

2. Peacekeeping Operations:

 One of the critical functions of the UN is its peacekeeping operations, where UN forces, made up of soldiers from different member states, are deployed to conflict zones to maintain peace and security. These forces work to monitor ceasefires, protect civilians, and ensure stability.

3. Humanitarian Aid and Development Programs:

 The UN is heavily involved in humanitarian efforts through agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and UNHCR. It provides food, shelter, education, and health services to vulnerable populations, especially in conflict zones and disaster-affected areas.

 The UN also promotes sustainable development goals (SDGs) to eradicate poverty, ensure quality education, improve healthcare, and address climate change.

4. Conflict Resolution and Mediation:

 The UN plays a pivotal role in conflict mediation, offering its services to prevent wars, negotiate peace treaties, and facilitate dialogue between warring nations.

5. Specialized Agencies:

 The UN operates several specialized agencies that focus on various global issues:

 WHO (World Health Organization) deals with global health issues.

 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) promotes education, science, and culture.

 IMF (International Monetary Fund) and World Bank assist in financial stability and economic development.

The working of the United Nations is multifaceted and dynamic, addressing a broad range of international issues, from peace and security to economic and social development. Through its six primary organs and various specialized agencies, the UN serves as a platform for global cooperation, ensuring that nations work together to solve collective problems and create a more peaceful and just world.

RELEVANCE OF THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION (UNO)

Since its founding in 1945, the United Nations Organization (UNO) has played a crucial role in international diplomacy, peacekeeping, human rights, and global development. Over the decades, its relevance has evolved in response to changing global challenges. The UNO continues to serve as a vital platform for international cooperation, although it faces criticism and challenges in its effectiveness. Below is a detailed exploration of the relevance of the UNO in today’s world.

 1. Maintaining International Peace and Security

The primary objective of the UNO, as outlined in its Charter, is to maintain international peace and security. Over the years, the organization has made significant contributions in this area through its peacekeeping operations, conflict mediation, and diplomatic efforts.

- Peacekeeping Operations:

• The UNO deploys peacekeeping missions to areas of conflict to monitor ceasefires, protect civilians, and stabilize regions. It has been instrumental in conflicts like those in Rwanda, Bosnia, South Sudan, and Congo.

 Relevance Today: The need for peacekeeping remains crucial as new conflicts arise, such as in Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine, where the UNO’s efforts to broker peace and protect civilians are ongoing.

- Diplomatic Conflict Resolution:

• The UNO serves as a platform where countries can negotiate peacefully. The Security Council plays a key role in preventing wars and mediating disputes between nations.

  Relevance Today: In the face of rising tensions between global powers and regions (such as between the US and China or Russia and NATO), the UNO’s role as a diplomatic forum is indispensable for preventing conflict.

 2. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

One of the UNO’s most critical roles is in delivering humanitarian aid to people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and crises like refugee movements.

- Humanitarian Agencies:

 Agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide essential services in the form of food, shelter, medical care, and education to displaced and vulnerable populations.

 The UNO has also led efforts in combating global health crises, such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Ebola outbreaks, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic.

Relevance Today: Humanitarian crises, such as those caused by the Syrian civil war, natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, and the ongoing refugee crisis due to wars in Africa and the Middle East, highlight the UNO’s critical role in responding swiftly to global emergencies.

3. Promotion of Human Rights

The UNO has been a global leader in the promotion and protection of human rights. Through the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, it set global standards for human dignity.

- Human Rights Mechanisms:

 The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) monitors human rights violations across the globe and takes action to protect individuals and groups.

 The International Criminal Court (ICC), although separate from the UNO, works closely with the organization to prosecute individuals for crimes against humanity and genocide.

Relevance Today: Issues like gender equality, freedom of speech, and racial justice are ongoing struggles worldwide. The UNO’s efforts to protect minorities, refugees, marginalized groups, and LGBTQ+ communities remain vital in ensuring that human rights are respected globally.

 4. Sustainable Development and Climate Change

The UNO has become increasingly relevant in tackling global development issues, especially those related to poverty, inequality, and climate change.

- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

 The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets 17 goals aimed at eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and addressing environmental sustainability. These goals are designed to create a more inclusive and sustainable world.

 Initiatives like UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) focus on ensuring that developing countries have the resources and strategies to address development challenges.

Relevance Today: As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, including global warming, deforestation, and pollution, the UN’s efforts to combat climate change through multilateral agreements like the Paris Agreement are crucial. Climate change disproportionately affects poorer nations, making the UN’s role in promoting global environmental justice even more significant.

 5. Global Health and Pandemics

The UNO, particularly through the World Health Organization (WHO), has been at the forefront of managing global health crises. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of international cooperation in tackling health challenges.

- Global Health Initiatives:

 The WHO coordinates international responses to pandemics, sets global health standards, and provides technical assistance to countries for better health systems.

 The UN also plays a key role in global vaccination efforts, including the distribution of vaccines through initiatives like COVAX.

Relevance Today: In an interconnected world, pandemics can spread quickly across borders. The UN’s efforts to ensure that vaccines, treatments, and resources are distributed fairly and efficiently are essential for global health security.

 6. International Law and Justice

The UNO, through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other legal mechanisms, ensures that international law is upheld. This contributes to resolving disputes between nations and holding individuals accountable for international crimes.

- International Legal Framework:

 The ICJ resolves disputes related to territorial conflicts, maritime law, and other issues based on international treaties and conventions.

 The UNO also plays a crucial role in promoting disarmament and controlling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, chemical, and biological).

- Relevance Today: In a world facing increasing geopolitical tensions, the UNO’s legal frameworks ensure that conflicts are resolved peacefully and that international law is respected.

7. Criticism and Challenges Facing the UNO

Despite its relevance, the UNO faces criticism for several reasons:

I. Veto Power and Security Council Inefficiency: The veto power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council (USA, UK, Russia, China, and France) has often been criticized for hindering action on key issues, especially during times of crisis (e.g., the Syrian conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian dispute).

II. Bureaucratic Inefficiency: The UNO’s vast bureaucracy is sometimes seen as slow and inefficient in responding to crises. Reforms have been proposed but progress remains slow.

8. Relevance in a Changing World:

  - The rise of non-state actors, global terrorism, and cyber threats are challenges that the UNO must adapt to in order to remain relevant.

Conclusion

The United Nations Organization (UNO) remains a highly relevant institution in today’s world, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace, promoting human rights, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and pandemics. However, it faces significant challenges, including structural inefficiencies and geopolitical tensions. Despite these, the UN’s contribution to international cooperation and global governance continues to make it an indispensable part of the international system. Its ability to evolve in response to new global challenges will determine its relevance in the future.