United Nations and International Peace

The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization established after World War II to promote international cooperation and maintain international peace and security.

The primary objective of the UN is to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, promote international cooperation, and harmonize actions of nations.

The UN General Assembly is a body composed of all UN member states, where each member can send up to 5 representatives. It can discuss anything related to the UN Charter and the functions of the UN organs, but its resolutions are only recommendations and are not binding.

The UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It consists of 15 members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent). For a resolution to pass, at least 9 members must vote in favor, including all 5 permanent members.

The UN Secretary-General is the highest official of the UN. This elected official serves as the chief administrative officer and acts as an executive body at each UN meeting. They also bring matters that threaten international peace and security to the attention of the Security Council.

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries that aims to promote peace, shared values, the well-being of its citizens, an open market, and the Euro currency.

The EU is a unique intergovernmental organization with a supranational character. This means that EU decisions can be binding on member states even if they do not agree with them.

Respecting the equality of member states, the principle of loyal cooperation (member states working together), and supporting each other in fulfilling their roles are fundamental principles within the EU.

The EU has exclusive powers in certain areas, meaning that the EU is the sole authority in these fields. In other areas, the EU has shared powers with member states, meaning both can legislate in these areas.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions.

The ICJ is composed of 15 judges, elected by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. They serve nine-year terms and are chosen based on their legal expertise and impartiality.