The UN: Challenges and Developments Since 1945

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following organizations is responsible for overseeing humanitarian affairs?

OIOS

UN-OHRLLS

DGACM

OHCHR (correct)

What is the primary role of specialized agencies within the UN framework?

To provide military support during conflicts

To manage economic sanctions against countries

To directly enforce international laws

To operate autonomously while collaborating with the UN (correct)

Which agency focuses specifically on supporting least developed countries and landlocked developing states?

UN-OHRLLS (correct)

DGACM

ECOSOC

OIOS

How do specialized agencies coordinate their activities at the intergovernmental level?

Through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Signup and view all the answers

What is one major benefit of the coordinating machinery of ECOSOC?

It facilitates collaboration among autonomous organizations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB)?

An inter-secretariat coordination body Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is responsible for internal oversight services within the UN?

OIOS Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of development is primarily focused on by the UN's specialized agencies?

Sustainable development and poverty reduction Signup and view all the answers

Which body is specifically responsible for gender equality initiatives within the UN framework?

Commission on the Status of Women Signup and view all the answers

What was the last United Nations Trust Territory to gain independence?

Palau Signup and view all the answers

Which UN agency focuses specifically on humanitarian efforts across the globe?

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Signup and view all the answers

What type of commission is the Commission for Africa categorized as?

Regional Commission Signup and view all the answers

Which council suspended its operations on November 1, 1994?

Trusteeship Council Signup and view all the answers

What initiative is central to the goals of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?

Gender equality and women's empowerment Signup and view all the answers

Which office is associated with legal affairs within the UN structure?

Office of Legal Affairs Signup and view all the answers

In what way do UN agencies like ECOSOC contribute to international cooperation?

Through development of sustainable practices Signup and view all the answers

Which UN entity is specifically focused on gender equality and women's empowerment?

UN-Women Signup and view all the answers

Which organisation is primarily responsible for providing aid to Palestine refugees?

UNRWA Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)?

Sustainable development and poverty reduction Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is known for its work in humanitarian outreach to children?

UNICEF Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym UNCTAD stand for?

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the World Food Programme (WFP)?

Food assistance in emergencies and nutrition security Signup and view all the answers

Which specialized agency focuses on population issues and reproductive health?

UNFPA Signup and view all the answers

Which body within the UN is responsible for coordinating international efforts in health?

WHO Signup and view all the answers

What is the UN's main objective in supporting sustainable development?

Ensuring all nations have access to clean water and food security Signup and view all the answers

Which UN body is established to address humanitarian crises and disaster responses?

UNISDR Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a commission that works on social and economic issues for Africa?

ECA Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of UNIDO in the United Nations system?

Fostering industrial development for poverty reduction Signup and view all the answers

Which UN agency is involved in humanitarian aid while also addressing the issues of refugees globally?

UNHCR Signup and view all the answers

Which organization works to promote international cooperation in telecommunications?

ITU Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Framing Questions

Does the UN reconcile great power politics and universalism?
Why is the UN more involved in domestic matters and what are the limits?
What are the UN's successes and challenges regarding conflict prevention and sustainable development?

Reader's Guide

The chapter examines the UN's development and challenges since 1945.
The UN is a grouping of states, prioritizing state sovereignty.
UN institutions reflect a blend of great power consensus and universalism, emphasizing state equality.
UN involvement within states is increasing, recognizing human rights as integral to global order.
International tensions can arise from human rights or economic issues, challenging traditional intervention views.
The UN is adapting to new global challenges, including debate on effectiveness and multilateralism.

Introduction

The UN encompasses the central system in New York, specialized agencies (e.g., WHO), and funds/programmes (e.g., UNICEF).
The UN aims for a just and peaceful global community, with universal legitimacy for security, economic/social development, human rights, and environmental protection.
The UN's evolving role addresses inter-state conflicts and non-state actors, political/economic/social conditions, and relevance/effectiveness debates.
The 2003 Iraq War and 2011 Libya interventions sparked UN criticism and relational crises.
The Syrian conflict since 2011 presents another critical challenge.

A brief history of the United Nations and its principal organs

The UN was established in 1945 by 51 countries post-WWII, aiming to correct League of Nations issues.
Member states agree to the UN Charter, outlining basic principles: maintaining peace/security, developing relations, solving problems, and upholding human rights.
The UN structure includes the General Assembly, Security Council, and other organs, prioritizing state needs and interests.

Box 21.1 : Selected articles of the UN Charter

The UN Charter highlights the rights of both states and individuals.
The Charter includes provisions for peaceful conflict resolution (e.g., negotiation, arbitration).
A key principle is non-intervention in domestic matters.

Box 21.2 : Principal organs of the United Nations

The Security Council holds primary responsibility for international peace and security, with permanent members and veto power.
The General Assembly comprises all member states with one vote each, primarily making recommendations.
The UN Secretariat manages the administrative work of the UN.

The United Nations System

The UN system comprises various organs and subsidiary bodies focused on economic/social issues, security, and international cooperation.

The UN Charter placed more emphasis than the League Covenant...

The UN focused on promoting social/economic advancement, addressing the 1930s global crisis.
The UN Charter established the ECOSOC to handle economic/social issues, unlike the League’s approach.
The UN encompasses many institutions and programmes addressing diverse concerns (e.g., specialized agencies, funds).

The UN and the maintenance of international peace and security

The Cold War significantly hampered UN peace efforts, affecting the Security Council and its ability to function effectively.
The UN established peacekeeping mechanisms, though often lacking explicit provisions in the Charter.
Post-Cold War, UN peace efforts evolved, addressing civil conflicts and other global threats.

Case Study 21.1 : UN peacekeeping in the Congo

The UN peacekeeping missions in the Congo (ONUC, MONUC, and MONUSCO) faced challenges regarding internal conflicts, external interference, and human rights violations.

Increased attention to conditions within states

The UN's initial focus on international order among states shifted, eventually recognizing the importance of the individual's rights and basic needs (e.g., food, water).

Case Study 21.2 : The 2003 intervention in Iraq

The 2003 Iraq intervention highlighted the tension between the sovereignty of states and the protection of human rights.
Differences over UN authorization and Iraq’s potential weapons of mass destruction caused a crisis.
Post-2003 efforts to address conflicts have emphasized a greater UN focus on the prevention of conflicts through mediation and diplomacy.

The UN aimed to promote global social/economic progress, with differing perspectives and priorities among member states.
Several global conferences and initiatives (e.g., MDGs, SDGs) addressed global development, though challenges remain.

Conclusion

The UN’s role and regulations have become more intricate over the past 70 years, encompassing many activities related to international relations.
The UN’s effectiveness depends on cooperation among member states and its ability to adapt to evolving global challenges.
Participation in the UN enhances state status/influence.

Questions

The document concludes with a list of questions about UN efforts to maintain order, states' interests, and intervention.

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Description

This quiz explores the United Nations' role in global politics since its establishment in 1945. It covers topics such as the balance between great power politics and universalism, the UN's increasing involvement in domestic matters, and its successes and challenges in conflict prevention and sustainable development. Test your understanding of how the UN balances state sovereignty with the need for human rights and global cooperation.