23 Questions
How many members are represented in the General Assembly?
193
What is the primary responsibility of the Security Council?
Peace and security
How many permanent members are there in the Security Council?
5
What is the term of non-permanent members in the Security Council?
2 years
What is the main function of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?
Discuss economic problems and social issues
How many members are there in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?
54
What are the four main purposes of the United Nations?
Maintain international peace and security; Develop friendly relations among nations; Cooperate in solving international problems and respect for human rights; Being a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.
Is the United Nations a world government?
No, it is not a world government, it does not make laws.
How many main organs does the United Nations have?
5
What is unique about the United Nations membership?
All Members, large and small, rich and poor, differing in political views and social systems, have a voice and a vote.
What is the primary goal of the United Nations in terms of human rights?
Respect for human rights
What is the main goal of the UN in promoting education and health?
To improve education and health as universal human rights and freedoms of people everywhere.
How many affiliated organizations does the United Nations have?
30
What was a significant achievement of the UN in the decolonization process?
The UN was a promoter of the great movement of decolonization, and independence of more than 80 nations.
What is the role of UNICEF in the global vaccine market?
UNICEF buys half the vaccines produced worldwide.
What is the main function of the Human Rights Council?
To deal with human rights issues and monitor the human rights records of nations.
How often does the Human Rights Council hold its sessions?
Three times a year.
How long is the term of members elected to the Human Rights Council?
3 years.
What is the consequence of a Council Member committing gross and systematic violations of human rights?
Suspension of rights and privileges by the General Assembly
What is the role of special rapporteurs or representatives in the Human Rights Council?
Gathering facts, visiting prisons, and interviewing victims
What kind of assistance does the Human Rights Council provide to courts and school systems?
Technical assistance
What is the purpose of international conferences held by the Human Rights Council?
To discuss human rights issues
What is the role of the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council?
Providing technical expertise to the Council
Study Notes
What is the United Nations?
- The United Nations is an international governmental organization with four purposes:
- Maintain international peace and security
- Develop friendly relations among nations
- Cooperate in solving international problems
- Respect for human rights and harmonize the actions of nations
- The UN is not a world government and does not make laws
- It provides means to resolve international conflicts and formulate policies with 30 affiliated organizations
Membership of UN and its bodies
- The UN has 193 member countries, with all members having a voice and a vote
- The work of the UN is carried out by five main organs:
- General Assembly
- Security Council
- Economic and Social Council
- Trusteeship Council
- Secretariat
- The UN promotes respect for human rights, reduces poverty, fights disease, and protects the environment
Achievements of the UN
- Promoter of the great movement of decolonization and independence of over 80 nations
- Major purchaser of goods and services, with UNICEF buying half the vaccines produced worldwide
- Relief agencies provide aid and protection for millions of refugees and displaced persons worldwide
- Defines technical standards in telecommunication, aviation, shipping, and postal services
- Campaigns for universal immunization against childhood diseases
Human Rights Council
- The Human Rights Council is a subsidiary body of the General Assembly
- Replaced the Human Rights Commission in 2006
- Located in Geneva with 47 members and held three times a year
- Main forum for dialogue and cooperation on human rights, administered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Monitors human rights records of nations
The General Assembly
- Represents all 193 member countries of the United Nations
- Each nation has one vote, regardless of size or wealth
- Functions: discuss and make recommendations on any subject, discuss means to improve human rights, decide on UN budget and spending
The Security Council
- Has primary responsibility for topics of peace and security
- Has 15 members, including 5 permanent members (China, France, Russia, UK, and USA) and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms
- Functions: investigate international conflicts, recommend methods of settlement, and recommend a Secretary-General of the United Nations
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- Forum to discuss economic problems, trade, economic development, and social issues
- Consists of 54 members elected for three-year terms
- Recommends suspension of rights and privileges of Council Members who commit gross and systematic violations of human rights
Mechanism of the HR council
- Establishes committees and appoints special rapporteurs or representatives to gather facts and investigate human rights issues
- Provides technical assistance for courts and school systems
- Holds international conferences to discuss human rights issues
- Allows individuals to lodge complaints under optional protocols to some UN treaties
Test your knowledge of the United Nations' accomplishments and roles in promoting education, health, and human rights worldwide. Learn about the UN's efforts in advancing social progress, economic development, and international cooperation. Assess your understanding of the UN's achievements in decolonization and independence of nations.
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