Public International Law: The United Nations

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of the United Nations?

To regulate international shipping

To facilitate international diplomacy and peace (correct)

To promote global trade agreements

To enforce world laws

Which article of the UN Charter outlines the principles of the UN?

Article 7

Article 12

Article 2 (correct)

Article 19

How many principal organs are established by Article 7 of the UN Charter?

6 (correct)

What is the main responsibility of the UN Secretariat?

To manage day-to-day operations of the UN Signup and view all the answers

Which body of the UN is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security?

Security Council Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between UN staff and member states according to Article 100?

Staff is independent from Member States Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many staff members are in the UN Secretariat?

20,500 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not one of the principal organs of the UN?

World Trade Organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Security Council?

Maintenance of international peace and security Signup and view all the answers

Which article of the UN Charter states that important questions require a two-thirds majority?

Art. 18 Signup and view all the answers

Who is the current Secretary-General of the UN as mentioned?

António Guterres Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the International Law Commission (ILC)?

To contribute to the codification and development of public international law Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of staff in the Secretariat according to the information provided?

20,500 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about advisory opinions given by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is true?

They are non-binding but can influence international opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What type of resolutions does the Security Council issue that are binding on Member States?

Binding resolutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal role of the Human Rights Council (HRC)?

To carry out Universal Periodic Reviews of human rights in UN Member States Signup and view all the answers

Which article specifies that Security Council resolutions can encompass measures to restore peace and security?

Art. 24 Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 22 of the UN Charter state regarding subsidiary organs?

Their budgets are part of the regular UN budget or separate peacekeeping budget. Signup and view all the answers

Which body of the UN is responsible for day-to-day operations and is led by the Secretary-General?

Secretariat Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the advisory opinions of the ICJ?

They can be challenged in a judicial review process. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the adoption of other questions as defined in Art. 18 of the UN Charter?

Simple majority Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes specialized agencies within the UN system?

They focus on specific, often technical subject matters. Signup and view all the answers

Which organ generally coordinates the activities of specialized agencies in the UN system?

ECOSOC Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the International Labour Organization (ILO)?

It has a tripartite structure with representation of employers, employees, and states. Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary aim of the World Health Organization (WHO)?

To coordinate the fight against health pandemics and diseases. Signup and view all the answers

Which article of the UN Charter highlights the relationship between specialized agencies and the UN?

Article 63 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of specialized agencies like the WHO?

To carry the ultimate responsibility for their work and budgets. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the relationship between specialized agencies and the UN is true?

Specialized agencies must align their missions with the goals of the UN. Signup and view all the answers

What type of advisory opinion can the WHO seek from the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

On the legality of nuclear weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the Security Council in the UN?

15 members with 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the Security Council to make decisions on 'all other matters'?

9 votes in favor including support from at least one permanent member Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?

To coordinate economic and social development among specialized agencies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the Trusteeship Council?

It has become defunct in its original purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main competences of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

To adjudicate contentious cases and issue advisory opinions Signup and view all the answers

How many judges are on the International Court of Justice?

15 judges elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of decisions made by the International Court of Justice in contentious cases?

They are binding upon the states that are party to the proceedings. Signup and view all the answers

What majority is needed for the Security Council to decide on procedural matters?

At least 9 out of 15 members Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Public International Law Lecture: The United Nations

The lecture focuses on the United Nations' purposes, principles, structure, and main bodies.
The agenda includes introduction, UN purposes and principles, UN structure and main bodies, and their relationship.
A quote by António Guterres emphasizes the UN's crucial role in moments of global crisis and minimal agreement.
The UN is a globally recognized international organization.
The UN boasts near universal global membership.
UN offices and missions are worldwide.

UN Purposes and Principles

The UN incorporates a comprehensive approach to its purposes.
The preamble and Article 1 of the UN Charter outline the organization's fundamental aims.
The UN's principles are outlined in Article 2 of the UN Charter.

UN Structure and Main Bodies, and Their Relationship

The UN principal organs, as per UN Charter Article 7, are detailed:
- Secretariat
- General Assembly (GA)
- Security Council (SC)
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- Trusteeship Council
- International Court of Justice (ICJ)
The Secretariat, governed by Article 100, is independent from member states.
The Secretariat handles the UN's daily operations.
The UN Secretariat staff size is approximately 35,000.
The General Assembly (GA) is outlined, including its competencies, membership, and the General Debate.
Decision-making within the Security Council (SC) follows procedures outlined in Article 18 of the UN Charter, distinguishing between important and other questions.
- Important questions require a two-thirds majority.
- Other questions require a simple majority.
The SC holds primary responsibility for international peace and security.
- Its decisions are binding on member states (Article 25).
The SC has 15 member states, with 10 holding two-year elected terms and five (P5) having permanent membership.
All SC members have one vote.
Procedural matters require a simple majority (9/15), while important matters necessitate a 9/15 majority including P5 affirmative votes.
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) coordinates UN specialized agencies for economic and social development and cooperation.
The Trusteeship Council is no longer operative.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds judicial authority and issues advisory opinions on requested matters.
The ICJ's decisions are binding on the states involved in a case.
Advisory opinions issued by the ICJ are non-binding. However, they hold significant weight.

International Law Commission

The ILC contributes to the codification and development of international law through documents like VCLT, Rome Statute, and Articles on Responsibility of States.

Human Rights Council

The HRC is involved in conducting the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of human rights situations within member states.

Specialized Agencies

Specialized agencies (e.g., WHO, ILO) work alongside but are legally distinct from the UN. They have their own budgets and areas of responsibility.

Workshop

A workshop is planned to explore the ICJ's advisory opinions on Namibia, Lockerbie, and nuclear weapons.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This lecture explores the United Nations, covering its purposes, principles, structure, and main bodies. It discusses the crucial role of the UN in global crises and the comprehensive approach to its fundamental aims as outlined in the UN Charter. Learn about the principal organs and their relationships within the organization.