United Nations (UN) : Structure and Functions

 Structure and Functions of the United Nations (UN)

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization that was established on October 24, 1945, after World War II. It was created to maintain peace and security in the world and to promote cooperation among countries. The UN currently has 193 member countries.

 

Structure of the United Nations

The UN has six main organs that help it function smoothly. Each organ has a specific role.

1. General Assembly

• It is like a global parliament where all 193 member countries are represented.
• The main deliberative and policymaking body of the UN.
• Each country has one vote, no matter how big or small it is.
• Meets annually in New York for a general debate.
• It discusses important global issues, such as peace, human rights, and development.
• Requires a two-thirds majority to make a decision.
• It makes recommendations, but its decisions are not legally binding.
• Elects a President every year.

2. Security Council

• It is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
• It has 15 members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent).
• The 5 permanent members (USA, UK, France, Russia, and China) have a special power called veto, which allows them to stop any decision.
• It can send peacekeeping forces, impose sanctions, or authorize military action if necessary.

3. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

• It is also known as the World Court and is based in The Hague, Netherlands.
• It settles legal disputes between countries.
• It gives advice on international law.
• Only countries can bring cases to the ICJ, not individuals.

4. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

• It works on global economic, social, and environmental issues.
• It coordinates the work of UN agencies like WHO (World Health Organization), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund).
• It helps in poverty reduction, education, and sustainable development.
• Has 54 members, elected for three-year terms.

5. Secretariat

• It is the administrative body of the UN.
• It is headed by the Secretary-General, who is the leader and spokesperson of the UN.
• The Secretary-General serves a 5-year term.
• The Secretariat carries out day-to-day work like preparing reports and organizing peace missions.

6. Trusteeship Council

• It was originally created to help colonies become independent nations.
• Since all former colonies have gained independence, this council stopped its operations in 1994.
• It now meets only when necessary.

 

Functions of the United Nations

The UN performs many important functions to ensure peace, security, and development in the world.

1. Maintaining International Peace and Security

• The UN prevents wars and conflicts between countries.
• It sends peacekeeping forces to troubled areas.
• It helps in peace negotiations and conflict resolution.

2. Protecting Human Rights

• The UN promotes fundamental human rights like freedom of speech, equality, and justice.
• It has a special agency called the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to monitor violations.
• It supports victims of war, violence, and discrimination.

3. Providing Humanitarian Aid

• The UN helps countries affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and famine.
• Organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and the World Food Programme (WFP) provide food, medicine, and shelter to needy people.

4. Promoting Sustainable Development

• The UN helps countries achieve economic growth while protecting the environment.
• It has created the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to fight poverty, hunger, and climate change.

5. Supporting International Law

• The UN creates and enforces international laws to maintain order in global relations.
• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolves disputes and ensures justice among nations.

6. Promoting Education, Science, and Culture

• UNESCO works to promote education, scientific research, and cultural heritage.
• It protects historical sites and traditions around the world.

7. Addressing Climate Change

• The UN works to reduce global warming and pollution.
• It organizes global climate conferences like the Paris Agreement to find solutions for environmental protection.

 

Conclusion

The United Nations plays a crucial role in ensuring peace, security, and development across the world. It brings nations together to solve global problems and improve people’s lives. Although it faces challenges, the UN continues to work for a better and more peaceful world.