UN Achievements and Functions

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

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?

What is the term of non-permanent members in the Security Council?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

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

Discuss economic problems and social issues Signup and view all the answers

How many members are there in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?

54 Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

Is the United Nations a world government?

No, it is not a world government, it does not make laws. Signup and view all the answers

How many main organs does the United Nations have?

5 Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the United Nations in terms of human rights?

Respect for human rights Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

How many affiliated organizations does the United Nations have?

30 Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of UNICEF in the global vaccine market?

UNICEF buys half the vaccines produced worldwide. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Human Rights Council?

To deal with human rights issues and monitor the human rights records of nations. Signup and view all the answers

How often does the Human Rights Council hold its sessions?

Three times a year. Signup and view all the answers

How long is the term of members elected to the Human Rights Council?

3 years. Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of special rapporteurs or representatives in the Human Rights Council?

Gathering facts, visiting prisons, and interviewing victims Signup and view all the answers

What kind of assistance does the Human Rights Council provide to courts and school systems?

Technical assistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of international conferences held by the Human Rights Council?

To discuss human rights issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council?

Providing technical expertise to the Council Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

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.