5 Questions
What is the primary mission of the United Nations, and where is it headquartered?
The primary mission of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security, promote sustainable development, and protect human rights. The UN is headquartered in New York City, USA.
What is the role of the Security Council, and which five countries hold permanent membership?
The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, and it has 15 members, including 5 permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Who is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations, and what is the role of this position?
The current Secretary-General of the United Nations is António Guterres (as of 2023). The Secretary-General serves as the chief administrative officer of the UN, overseeing the implementation of UN policies and programs.
What is the role of the International Court of Justice, and how does it contribute to the mission of the United Nations?
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations, responsible for settling international disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on international law. It contributes to the UN's mission by promoting the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes.
What were the failures of the United Nations in Somalia and Bosnia, and what were the consequences of these failures?
The United Nations failed to prevent humanitarian crises in Somalia (1992-1993) and Bosnia (1992-1995) due to inadequate troop deployment, unclear mandates, and lack of resources. The consequences were human suffering, mass atrocities, and a tarnished reputation for the UN.
Study Notes
Founding and Mission of the United Nations
- The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, in the aftermath of World War II.
- The UN's mission is to promote peace, security, and cooperation among its member states.
Security Council
- The Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
- Its primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security.
- The Security Council has 15 members, with five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Secretary General
- The current Secretary General of the United Nations is António Guterres.
International Court of Justice
- The International Court of Justice is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations.
- Its role is to settle disputes between states and provide advisory opinions on international law.
United Nations' Accomplishments
- Eradication of smallpox through a global vaccination campaign.
- Development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Promotion of decolonization and self-determination.
- Establishment of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
- Emergency relief and humanitarian assistance in crisis situations.
Rwandan Genocide
- The Rwandan genocide occurred in 1994, resulting in the deaths of approximately 800,000 people.
- The genocide was sparked by the assassination of the Rwandan President, which led to violence between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups.
- The Hutus and Tutsis are two ethnic groups native to Rwanda and Burundi.
Rwanda and UN Intervention
- The international community, including the United Nations, failed to intervene in the Rwandan genocide, leading to widespread criticism.
Somalia and Bosnia
- The United Nations failed to provide adequate assistance in Somalia, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
- In Bosnia, the UN failed to prevent the Srebrenica massacre, which resulted in the deaths of over 8,000 people.
Test your knowledge about the United Nations, its mission, structure, and accomplishments. Learn about its history, key organs, and role in international relations.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
