United Nations Past Paper PDF

As World War II was about to end in 1945, nations were in ruins, and the world wanted peace. Representatives of 50 countries gathered at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, California from 25 April to 26 June 1945. For the next two months, they proceeded to...

As World War II was about to end in 1945, nations were in ruins, and the world wanted peace. Representatives of 50 countries gathered at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, California from 25 April to 26 June 1945. For the next two months, they proceeded to draft and then sign the UN Charter, which created a new international organization, the United Nations, which, it was hoped, would prevent another world war like the one they had just lived through. Four months after the San Francisco Conference ended, the United Nations officially began, on 24 October 1945, when it came into existence after its Charter had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and by a majority of other signatories. Now, more than 75 years later, the United Nations is still working to maintain international peace and security, give humanitarian assistance to those in need, protect human rights, and uphold international law. At the same time, the United Nations is doing new work not envisioned for it in 1945 by its founders. The United Nations has set [sustainable development goals](http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/) for 2030, in order to achieve a better and more sustainable future for us all. UN Member States have also agreed to [climate action](http://www.un.org/en/climatechange) to limit global warming. With many achievements now in its past, the United Nations is looking to the future, to new achievements. The history of the United Nations is still being written. **UNITED NATIONS** The United Nations (U.N.) is a global diplomatic and political organization dedicated to international peace and stability. The U.N. was officially established in 1945 following the horrific events of World War II, when international leaders proposed creating a new global organization to maintain peace and avoid the abuses of war. The U.N. initially had just 51member states; today, the organization, which is headquartered in New York City, has 193 members. Major U.N. initiatives include preventing conflict by exploring options to ensure peace, providing food and medical assistance in emergencies, and offering humanitarian support to millions of people around the world. While the United Nations is sometimes criticized for its policies, bureaucracy and spending, the organization has accomplished hundreds of successful peacekeeping missions. The United Nations is also doing new work not envisioned for it in 1945 by its founders. The United Nations has set [sustainable development goals](http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/) for 2030, in order to achieve a better and more sustainable future for us all. UN Member States have also agreed to [climate action](http://www.un.org/en/climatechange) to limit global warming. FOUNDING MEMBERS STATES The United Nations was established by the Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice.The Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 by the representatives of 50 countries; Poland signed on 15 October 1945. There were 51 Founding Members in 1945. The founding members of the United Nations are the countries that were invited to participate in the 1945 San Francisco Conference at which the UN Charter and Statute of the ICJ was adopted. Participation was determined by virtue of having signed or adhered to the Declaration by United Nations (1942) or as approved at the Conference. In accordance with Article 110, the Charter entered into force on 24 October 1945, after ratification by the five permanent members of the Security Council and a majority of the other countries. Twenty-two countries subsequently deposited their instruments of ratification. The table below reflects the pattern of ratification: first the five permanent members, then the other countries that ratified by 24 October, and then the remaining countries. Since 1945, some of the Founding Members have changed their names, others have been dissolved and new states have succeeded them. **Original Member State** **Date of Signing** **Deposit of Ratification** **Current Name/Successor States** ------------------------------------------------------ --------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Republic of China 26 June 1945 28 Sept. 1945 People\'s Republic of China France 26 June 1945 31 Aug. 1945   Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 26 June 1945 24 Oct. 1945 Russian Federation United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 26 June 1945 20 Oct. 1945   United States of America 26 June 1945 8 Aug. 1945   Argentina 26 June 1945 24 Sept. 1945   Brazil 26 June 1945 21 Sept. 1945   Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic 26 June 1945 24 Oct. 1945 Belarus Chile 26 June 1945 11 Oct. 1945   Cuba 26 June 1945 15 Oct. 1945   Czechoslovakia 26 June 1945 19 Oct. 1945 Czechia and Slovakia Denmark 26 June 1945 9 Oct. 1945   Dominican Republic 26 June 1945 4 Sept. 1945   Egypt 26 June 1945 22 Oct. 1945   El Salvador 26 June 1945 26 Sept. 1945   Haiti 26 June 1945 27 Sept. 1945   Iran 26 June 1945 16 Oct. 1945   Lebanon 26 June 1945 15 Oct. 1945   Luxembourg 26 June 1945 17 Oct. 1945   New Zealand 26 June 1945 19 Sept. 1945   Nicaragua 26 June 1945 6 Sept. 1945   Paraguay 26 June 1945 12 Oct. 1945   Philippine Commonwealth 26 June 1945 11 Oct. 1945 Philippines Poland 15 Oct. 1945 24 Oct. 1945   Saudi Arabia 26 June 1945 18 Oct. 1945   Syrian Arab Republic 26 June 1945 19 Oct. 1945   Turkey 26 June 1945 28 Sept. 1945 Türkiye Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic 26 June 1945 24 Oct. 1945 Ukraine Yugoslavia 26 June 1945 19 Oct. 1945 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia Australia 26 June 1945 1 Nov. 1945   Belgium 26 June 1945 27 Dec. 1945   Bolivia 26 June 1945 14 Nov. 1945 Plurinational State of Bolivia Canada 26 June 1945 9 Nov. 1945   Colombia 26 June 1945 5 Nov. 1945   Costa Rica 26 June 1945 2 Nov. 1945   Ecuador 26 June 1945 21 Dec. 1945   Ethiopia 26 June 1945 13 Nov. 1945   Greece 26 June 1945 25 Oct. 1945   Guatemala 26 June 1945 21 Nov. 1945   Honduras 26 June 1945 17 Nov. 1945   India 26 June 1945 30 Oct. 1945   Iraq 26 June 1945 21 Dec. 1945   Liberia 26 June 1945 2 Nov. 1945   Mexico 26 June 1945 7 Nov. 1945   Netherlands 26 June 1945 10 Dec. 1945 Netherlands (Kingdom of the) Norway 26 June 1945 27 Nov. 1945   Panama 26 June 1945 13 Nov. 1945   Peru 26 June 1945 31 Oct. 1945   Union of South Africa 26 June 1945 7 Nov. 1945 South Africa Uruguay 26 June 1945 18 Dec. 1945   Venezuela 26 June 1945 15 Nov. 1945 Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela **UNITED NATIONS BODIES** The main bodies of the United Nations are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. All were established under the UN Charter when the Organization was founded in 1945. 1. **General Assembly-** The [General Assembly](http://www.un.org/en/ga/) is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. All [193 Member States](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/member-states) of the UN are represented in the General Assembly, making it the only UN body with universal representation.  Each year, in September, the full UN membership meets in the General Assembly Hall in New York for the annual General Assembly session, and [general debate](https://gadebate.un.org/), which many heads of state attend and address. Decisions on important questions, such as those on peace and security, admission of new members and budgetary matters, require a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly. Decisions on other questions are by simple majority.  The General Assembly, each year, elects a [GA President](http://www.un.org/pga/) to serve a one-year term of office. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **SESSION** **YEAR** **NAME** **COUNTRY** ------------------------------------- ---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- 10th emergency special (resumed) 2018 [**Mr. Miroslav Lajčák**](http://www.un.org/pga/72/president/biography/) Slovakia 10th emergency special (resumed) 2017 [**Mr. Miroslav Lajčák**](http://www.un.org/pga/72/president/biography/) Slovakia 72nd 2017 [**Mr. Miroslav Lajčák**](http://www.un.org/pga/72/president/biography/) Slovakia 71st 2016 [**Mr. Peter Thomson**](http://www.un.org/pga/71/president/biography/) Fiji 30th special 2016 [**Mr. Mogens Lykketoft**](http://www.un.org/pga/70/president/biography/) Denmark 70th 2015 [**Mr. Mogens Lykketoft**](http://www.un.org/pga/70/president/biography/) Denmark 29th special 2014 [**Mr. Sam Kahamba Kutesa**](https://www.un.org/pga/about-the-president/) Uganda 69th 2014 [**Mr. Sam Kahamba Kutesa**](https://www.un.org/pga/about-the-president/) Uganda 68th 2013 [**Mr. John W. Ashe**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/68/about/index.shtml) Antigua and Barbuda 67th 2012 [**Mr. Vuk Jeremić**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/67/about/) Serbia 66th 2011 [**Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/66/about/) Qatar 65th 2010 [**Mr. Joseph Deiss**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/65/about/index.shtml) Switzerland 64th 2009 [**Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/64/presskit/president.shtml) Libya (formerly Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) 63rd 2008 [**Mr. Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/63/presskit/president.shtml) Nicaragua 62nd 2007 [**Mr. Srgjan Kerim**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/62/presskit/president.shtml) Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 10th\ 2006 [**Ms. Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/61/presskit/president.shtml) Bahrain emergency\ special (resumed twice) 61st 2006 [**Ms. Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/61/presskit/president.shtml) Bahrain 60th 2005 [**Mr.Jan Eliasson**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/60/office/president.html) Sweden 59th 2004 [**Mr. Jean Ping**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/59/office/president.html) Gabonese\ Republic 10th\ 2004 [**Mr. Julian Robert Hunte**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/58/office/president.html) Saint\ emergency\ Lucia special (resumed) 10th\ 2003 [**Mr. Julian Robert Hunte**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/58/office/president.html) Saint\ emergency\ Lucia special (resumed twice) 58th 2003 [**Mr. Julian Robert Hunte**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/58/office/president.html) Saint\ Lucia 57th 2002 [**Mr. Jan Kavan**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/57/pages/president.html) Czech\ Republic 10th\ 2002 [**Mr. Han Seung-soo**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/56/biography.htm) Republic\ emergency\ of Korea special (resumed twice) 10th\ 2001 [**Mr. Han Seung-soo**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/56/biography.htm) Republic\ emergency\ of Korea special (resumed) 56th 2001 [**Mr. Han Seung-soo**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/56/biography.htm) Republic\ of Korea 26th\ 2001 [**Mr. Harri Holkeri**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/55/biom.htm) Finland special 25th\ 2001 [**Mr. Harri Holkeri**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/55/biom.htm) Finland special 10th\ 2000 [**Mr. Harri Holkeri**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/55/biom.htm) Finland emergency\ special (resumed) 55th 2000 [**Mr. Harri Holkeri**](https://www.un.org/ga/president/55/biom.htm) Finland 24th\ 2000 [**Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio54.shtml) Namibia special 23rd\ 2000 [**Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio54.shtml) Namibia special 22nd special 1999 [**Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio54.shtml) Namibia 54th 1999 [**Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio54.shtml) Namibia 21st\ 1999 [**Mr. Didier Opertti**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio53.shtml) Uruguay special 10th emergency\ 1999 [**Mr. Didier Opertti**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio53.shtml) Uruguay special (resumed) 53rd 1998 [**Mr. Didier Opertti**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio53.shtml) Uruguay 20th\ 1998 [**Mr. Hennadiy\ Ukraine special Udovenko**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio52.shtml) 10th\ 1998 [**Mr. Hennadiy\ Ukraine emergency\ Udovenko**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio52.shtml) special (resumed) 52nd 1997 [**Mr. Hennadiy\ Ukraine Udovenko**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio52.shtml) 19th\ 1997 [**Mr. Razali Ismail**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio51.shtml) Malaysia special 10th\ 1997 [**Mr. Razali Ismail**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio51.shtml) Malaysia emergency\ special (resumed) 51st 1996 [**Mr. Razali Ismail**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio51.shtml) Malaysia 50th 1995 [**Prof. Diogo Freitas\ Portugal do Amaral**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio50.shtml) 49th 1994 [**Mr. Amara Essy**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio49.shtml) Côte\ d'Ivoire 48th 1993 [**Mr. Samuel R. Insanally**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio48.shtml) Guyana 47th 1992 [**Mr. Stoyan Ganev**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio47.shtml) Bulgaria 46th 1991 [**Mr. Samir S. Shihabi**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio46.shtml) Saudi\ Arabia 45th 1990 [**Mr. Guido de Marco**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio45.shtml) Malta 18th\ 1990 [**Mr. Joseph Nanven Garba**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio44.shtml) Nigeria special 17th\ 1990 [**Mr. Joseph Nanven Garba**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio44.shtml) Nigeria special 16th\ 1989 [**Mr. Joseph Nanven Garba**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio44.shtml) Nigeria special 44th 1989 [**Mr. Joseph Nanven Garba**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio44.shtml) Nigeria 43rd 1988 [**Mr. Dante M. Caputo**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio43.shtml) Argentina 15th\ 1988 [**Mr. Peter Florin**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio42.shtml) German\ special Democratic\ Republic 42nd 1987 [**Mr. Peter Florin**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio42.shtml) German\ Democratic\ Republic 14th\ 1986 [**Mr. Humayun Rasheed Choudhury**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio41.shtml) Bangladesh special 41st 1986 [**Mr. Humayun Rasheed Choudhury**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio41.shtml) Bangladesh 13th\ 1986 [**Mr. Jaime de Piniés**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio40.shtml) Spain special 40th 1985 [**Mr. Jaime de Piniés**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio40.shtml) Spain 39th 1984 [**Mr. Paul J. F. Lusaka**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio39.shtml) Zambia 38th 1983 [**Mr. Jorge E. Illueca**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio38.shtml) Panama 37th 1982 [**Mr. Imre Hollai**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio37.shtml) Hungary 12th\ 1982 [**Mr. Ismat T. Kittani**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio36.shtml) Iraq special Ninth\ 1982 [**Mr. Ismat T. Kittani**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio36.shtml) Iraq emergency special Seventh emergency special (resumed) 1982 [**Mr. Ismat T. Kittani**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio36.shtml) Iraq 36th 1981 [**Mr. Ismat T. Kittani**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio36.shtml) Iraq Eighth\ 1981 [**Mr. Rüdiger von Wechmar**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio35.shtml) Federal\ emergency special Republic of Germany 35th 1980 [**Mr. Rüdiger von Wechmar**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio35.shtml) Federal\ Republic of Germany 11th\ 1980 [**Mr. Salim A. Salim**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio34.shtml) United\ special Republic of Tanzania Seventh emergency special 1980 [**Mr. Salim A. Salim**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio34.shtml) United\ Republic of Tanzania Sixth\ 1980 [**Mr. Salim A. Salim**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio34.shtml) United\ emergency special Republic of Tanzania 34th 1979 [**Mr. Salim A. Salim**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio34.shtml) United\ Republic of Tanzania 33rd 1978 [**Mr. Indalecio Liévano**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio33.shtml) Colombia 10th\ 1978 [**Mr. Lazar Mojsov**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio32.shtml) Yugoslavia special Ninth\ 1978 [**Mr. Lazar Mojsov**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio32.shtml) Yugoslavia special Eighth\ 1978 [**Mr. Lazar Mojsov**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio32.shtml) Yugoslavia special 32nd 1977 [**Mr. Lazar Mojsov**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio32.shtml) Yugoslavia 31st 1976 [**Mr. H. S. Amerasinghe**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio31.shtml) Sri\ Lanka 30th 1975 [**Mr. Gaston Thorn**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio30.shtml) Luxembourg Seventh\ 1975 [**Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio29.shtml) Algeria special 29th 1974 [**Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio29.shtml) Algeria Sixth\ 1974 [**Mr. Leopoldo Benítes**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio28.shtml) Ecuador special 28th 1973 [**Mr. Leopoldo Benítes**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio28.shtml) Ecuador 27th 1972 [**Mr. Stanislaw Trepczynski**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio27.shtml) Poland 26th 1971 [**Mr. Adam Malik**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio26.shtml) Indonesia 25th 1970 [**Mr. Edvard Hambro**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio25.shtml) Norway 24th 1969 [**Miss\ Liberia Angie E. Brooks**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio24.shtml) 23rd 1968 [**Mr. Emilio Arenales Catalán**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio23.shtml) Guatemala 22nd 1967 [**Mr. Corneliu Manescu**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio22.shtml) Romania Fifth\ 1967 [**Mr. Abdul Rahman Pazhwak**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio21.shtml) Afghanistan emergency special Fifth\ 1967 [**Mr. Abdul Rahman Pazhwak**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio21.shtml) Afghanistan special 21st 1966 [**Mr. Abdul Rahman Pazhwak**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio21.shtml) Afghanistan 20th 1965 [**Mr. Amintore Fanfani**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio20.shtml) Italy 19th 1964 [**Mr. Alex Quaison-Sackey**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio19.shtml) Ghana 18th 1963 [**Mr. Carlos Sosa Rodríguez**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio18.shtml) Venezuela Fourth\ 1963 [**Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio17.shtml) Pakistan special 17th 1962 [**Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio17.shtml) Pakistan 16th 1961 [**Mr. Mongi Slim**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio16.shtml) Tunisia Third\ 1961 [**Mr. Frederick Henry Boland**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio15.shtml) Ireland special 15th 1960 [**Mr. Frederick Henry Boland**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio15.shtml) Ireland Fourth\ 1960 [**Mr. Víctor Andrés Belaúnde**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio14.shtml) Peru emergency special 14th 1959 [**Mr. Víctor Andrés Belaúnde**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio14.shtml) Peru 13th 1958 [**Mr. Charles Malik**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio13.shtml) Lebanon Third emergency special 1958 [**Sir Leslie Munro**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio12.shtml) New\ Zealand 12th 1957 [**Sir Leslie Munro**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio12.shtml) New\ Zealand 11th 1956 [**Prince\ Thailand Wan Waithayakon**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio11.shtml) Second emergency special 1956 [**Mr. Rudecindo Ortega**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio1-2ess.shtml) Chile First\ 1956 [**Mr. Rudecindo Ortega**](https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio1-2ess.shtml) Chile emergency special 10th 1955 [**Mr. José Maza**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio10.shtml) Chile Ninth 1954 [**Mr. Eelco N. van Kleffens**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio09.shtml) Netherlands Eighth 1953 [**Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio08.shtml) India Seventh 1952 [**Mr. Lester B. Pearson**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio07.shtml) Canada Sixth 1951 [**Mr. Luis Padilla Nervo**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio06.shtml) Mexico Fifth 1950 [**Mr. Nasrollah Entezam**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio05.shtml) Iran Fourth 1949 [**Mr. Carlos P. Rómulo**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio04.shtml) Philippines Third 1948 [**Mr. H. V. Evatt**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio03.shtml) Australia Second\ 1948 **Mr. José Arce** Argentina special Second 1947 [**Mr. Oswaldo Aranha**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio02.shtml) Brazil First\ 1947 [**Mr. Oswaldo Aranha**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio02.shtml) Brazil special First 1946 [**Mr. Paul-Henri Spaak**](http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/bios/bio01.shtml) Belgium -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. **Security Council**- The [Security Council](https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/) has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security.  It has 15 Members ([5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members](https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/current-members)). Each Member has one vote. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.  The Security Council has a [Presidency](https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/presidency), which rotates, and changes, every month. 3. **Economic and Social Council-** The [Economic and Social Council](https://ecosoc.un.org/en) is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as implementation of internationally agreed development goals. It serves as the central mechanism for activities of the UN system and its specialized agencies in the economic, social and environmental fields, supervising subsidiary and expert bodies.  It has [54 Members](https://ecosoc.un.org/en/about-us/members), elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. It is the United Nations' central platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on [sustainable development](https://sdgs.un.org/). 4. **Trusteeship Council-** The [Trusteeship Council](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/trusteeship-council) was established in 1945 by the UN Charter, under [Chapter XIII](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter/chapter-13), to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories that had been placed under the administration of seven Member States, and ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government and independence. By 1994, all Trust Territories had attained self-government or independence.  The Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November 1994. By a resolution adopted on 25 May 1994, the Council amended its rules of procedure to drop the obligation to meet annually and agreed to meet as occasion required \-- by its decision or the decision of its President, or at the request of a majority of its members or the General Assembly or the Security Council. 5. **International Court of Justice-** The [International Court of Justice](https://www.icj-cij.org/en) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Its seat is at the Peace Palace in the Hague (Netherlands). It is the only one of the six principal organs of the United Nations not located in New York (United States of America). The Court's role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies. The International Court of Justice functions in accordance with its [Statute](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter/statute-of-the-international-court-of-justice). 6. **Secretariat**- The [Secretariat](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/secretariat) comprises the [Secretary-General](https://www.un.org/sg/) and tens of thousands of international UN staff members who carry out the day-to-day work of the UN as mandated by the General Assembly and the Organization\'s other principal bodies. The Secretary-General is [Chief Administrative Officer](https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/role-secretary-general) of the Organization, appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year, renewable term. The Secretary-General is also a symbol of the Organization\'s ideals, and an advocate for all the world\'s peoples, especially the poor and vulnerable. UN staff members are recruited internationally and locally, and work in duty stations and on peacekeeping missions all around the world.  But serving the cause of peace in a violent world is a dangerous occupation. Since the founding of the United Nations, hundreds of brave men and women [have given their lives](http://www.un.org/en/memorial/) in its service. 1. Trygve Lie- Trvgne Lie was a Norwegian diplomat born on July 16, 1896, in Oslo. He attended Oslo University for his law degree. After holding various positions in Norway's government, Trugne Lie became the chairman of the Norwegian delegation to the United Nation General Assembly in London. On February 1, 1946, he was elected the first secretary General of the UN and officially inaugurated the following day. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. **Dag Hammarskjold-** Dag Hammarskjöld was a diplomat from Sweden born in 1905. He was appointed the Secretary-General of the UN in 1953 and served until he died in a plane crash on September 18, 1961. He received posthumous Nobel Prize, and he is remembered to have established the meditation room at UN head-offices under his supervision where people assembled regardless of their religion or faith to have a moment of silence. **3. U Thant-** U Thant was the third Secretary-General of the UN from 1961 to 1971, appointed following the death of Dag Hammarskjold. U Thant schooled at National High School in Pantanaw and later proceeded to University College, Rangoon. He was an educationist working at various institutions until his appointment. U Thant was publicly famous for faulting the conduct of America in the Vietnam war. **UNITED NATIONS MEMBER** What started as a group of 51 states has grown increasingly over the years. War, independence movements and decolonization have all helped boost membership in the U.N. Currently, there are 193 members, representing countries from all over the world. New members must be recommended by the United Nations' Security Council and accepted by a two-thirds vote from the General Assembly. The U.N. states that membership in the organization is "open to all peace-loving States that accept the obligations contained in the United Nations Charter and, in the judgment of the Organization, are able to carry out these obligations." The table provides a list of the UN's 193 member states and the year in which each was admitted. **United Nations membership** ------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **1945** Argentina, Australia, Belarus (Belorussia), Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia (U.S.S.R.)^1^, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia^2^ **1946** Afghanistan, Iceland, Sweden, Thailand **1947** Pakistan, Yemen^3^ **1948** Myanmar (Burma) **1949** Israel **1950** Indonesia **1955** Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Laos, Libya, Nepal, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sri Lanka (Ceylon) **1956** Japan, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia **1957** Ghana, Malaysia **1958** Guinea **1960** Benin (Dahomey), Burkina Faso (Upper Volta), Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (capital at Brazzaville), Congo (Zaire; capital at Kinshasa), Côte d\'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Cyprus, Gabon, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Togo **1961** Mauritania, Mongolia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania^4^ **1962** Algeria, Burundi, Jamaica, Rwanda, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda **1963** Kenya, Kuwait **1964** Malawi, Malta, Zambia **1965** The Gambia, Maldives, Singapore **1966** Barbados, Botswana, Guyana, Lesotho **1968** Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Swaziland **1970** Fiji **1971** Bahrain, Bhutan, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates **1973** The Bahamas, Germany^5^ **1974** Bangladesh, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau **1975** Cape Verde, Comoros, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname **1976** Angola, Samoa, Seychelles **1977** Djibouti, Vietnam **1978** Dominica, Solomon Islands **1979** Saint Lucia **1980** Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Zimbabwe **1981** Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Vanuatu **1983** Saint Kitts and Nevis **1984** Brunei **1990** Liechtenstein, Namibia **1991** Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, North Korea, South Korea **1992** Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina^2^, Croatia^2^, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, San Marino, Slovenia^2^, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan **1993** Andorra, Czech Republic^6^, Eritrea, Macedonia, Monaco, Slovakia^6^ **1994** Palau **1999** Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga **2000** Tuvalu **2002** East Timor, Switzerland **2006** Montenegro, Serbia^2^ **2011** South Sudan UNITED NATIONS DOCUMENTS - **UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS**- The [Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)](https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/2021/03/udhr.pdf) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 ([General Assembly resolution 217 A](http://undocs.org/en/A/RES/217(III))) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over [500 languages](http://www.ohchr.org/en/search?f%5B0%5D=event_type_taxonomy_term_name%3AUniversal%20Declaration%20of%20Human%20Rights). The UDHR is widely recognized as having inspired, and paved the way for, the adoption of more than seventy human rights treaties, applied today on a permanent basis at global and regional levels (all containing references to it in their preambles).  - **CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD** - In 1989 something incredible happened. Against the backdrop of a changing world order world leaders came together and made a historic commitment to the world's children. They made a promise to every child to protect and fulfil their rights, by adopting an international legal framework -- the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Contained in this treaty is a profound idea: that children are not just objects who belong to their parents and for whom decisions are made, or adults in training. Rather, they are human beings and individuals with their own rights. The Convention says childhood is separate from adulthood, and lasts until 18; it is a special, protected time, in which children must be allowed to grow, learn, play, develop and flourish with dignity. The Convention went on to become the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history and has helped transform children's lives. The Convention on the Rights of of the Child is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and widely claimed as a landmark for human rights, recognizing the roles of children as social, economic, political, civil and cultural actors. The Convention guarantees and sets minimum standards for protecting the rights of children in all capacities. UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S EMERGENCY FUND (UNICEF), which helped draft the Convention, is named in the document as a source of expertise. UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES - **Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO**)- The [Food and Agriculture Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Agriculture_Organization) of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO\'s mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve [agricultural productivity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_productivity), better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy. FAO is the largest of the U.N. agencies. It was established in 1945 and its headquarters is in Rome. - **International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-** The [International Civil Aviation Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Civil_Aviation_Organization) (ICAO) was founded in 1947. It codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international [air transport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airline) to ensure safe and orderly growth. Its headquarters are located in [Montreal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal), Quebec, Canada.The ICAO Council adopts standards and recommended practices concerning air navigation, prevention of unlawful interference, and facilitation of border-crossing procedures for international [civil aviation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_aviation). In addition, ICAO defines the protocols for air accident investigation followed by transport safety authorities in countries signatory to the [Convention on International Civil Aviation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_International_Civil_Aviation). - **International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-** The [International Fund for Agricultural Development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Fund_for_Agricultural_Development) (IFAD) was established as an international financial institution in 1977, as one of the major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference and a response to the situation in the [Sahel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahel). It is dedicated to eradicating [rural poverty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_poverty) in developing countries. Its headquarters are in [Rome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome), [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy). - **International Labour Organization (ILO)- The [International Labour Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Labour_Organization) (ILO**) deals with labour issues. Its headquarters are in [Geneva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva), [Switzerland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland). Founded in 1919, it was formed through the negotiations of the [Treaty of Versailles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Versailles) and was initially an agency of the League of Nations. It became a member of the UN system after the demise of the League and the formation of the UN at the end of World War II. Its [Constitution](http://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:62:0::NO:62:P62_LIST_ENTRIE_ID:2453907:NO), as amended to date, includes the [Declaration of Philadelphia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Philadelphia) on the aims and purposes of the Organization. Its secretariat is known as the International Labour Office. - **International Maritime Organization (IMO**)- The [International Maritime Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Maritime_Organization) (IMO), formerly known as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), was established in 1948 by the United Nations to coordinate international [maritime safety](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_safety) and related practices. However, the IMO did not enter into full force until 1958. Headquartered in [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London), United Kingdom, IMO promotes cooperation between government and the shipping industry to improve maritime safety and prevent [marine pollution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_pollution). IMO is governed by an Assembly of members and is financially administered by a council of members elected from the assembly. The work of IMO is conducted through five committees, and these are supported by technical sub-committees. Member organizations of the U.N. organizational family may observe the proceedings of the IMO. Observer status may be granted to qualified non-governmental organizations. The IMO is supported by a permanent secretariat of employees who are representative of its members. The secretariat is composed of a Secretary-General who is periodically elected by the Assembly, and various divisions including, *inter alia*, marine safety, environmental protection, and a conference section. It also promotes international cooperation in education, science and culture. - **International Monetary Fund (IMF)-** The [International Monetary Fund](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Monetary_Fund) (IMF) is part of the [United Nations system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_system) and has a formal relationship agreement with the U.N., but retains its independence.[^\[11\]^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_specialized_agencies_of_the_United_Nations#cite_note-UNROP1999-12) The IMF provides monetary cooperation and financial stability and acts as a forum for advice, negotiation and assistance on financial issues. It is headquartered in [Washington D.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_D.C.) - **International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-** The [International Telecommunication Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Telecommunication_Union) (ITU) was established to standardize and regulate international radio and [telecommunications](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunication). It was founded as the International Telegraph Union in [Paris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris) on 17 May 1865. Its main tasks include [standardization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standardization), allocation of the [radio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio) spectrum, and organizing interconnection arrangements between different countries to allow international phone calls---in which regard it performs for telecommunications a similar function to what the Universal Postal Union (UPU) performs for postal services. It has its headquarters in [Geneva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva), Switzerland, next to the U.N.\'s Geneva campus. - **United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)**- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ([UNESCO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO)) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1945 with its headquarters in [Paris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris), [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France). Its stated purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture to propagate further universal respect for justice, the [rule of law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_law), and the [human rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights) and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the U.N. Charter. - **United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO**)- The [United Nations Industrial Development Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Industrial_Development_Organization) (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations, which promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID), headquartered in [Vienna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna), Austria. The organization addresses some of the most pressing issues of our time and works to accelerate economic growth to bring prosperity to all while at the same time safeguarding the environment. UNIDO\'s mandate is fully aligned with the global development agenda, which underlines the central role of industrialization and its importance as a key enabler for all 17 [Global Goals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Goals), and especially for SDG9. The Director General is [Gerd Müller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerd_M%C3%BCller_(politician)). - **Universal Postal Union (UPU)** - The [Universal Postal Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Postal_Union) (UPU), headquartered in [Bern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bern), Switzerland, coordinates postal policies between member nations, and hence the worldwide postal system. Each member country agrees to the same set of terms for conducting international postal duties. - **World Bank Group (WBG**)- The [World Bank Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Bank_Group) is part of the [United Nations System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_System) and has a formal relationship agreement with the U.N., but retains its independence.[^\[11\]^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_specialized_agencies_of_the_United_Nations#cite_note-UNROP1999-12) The WBG comprises a group of five legally separate but affiliated institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ([IBRD](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Bank_for_Reconstruction_and_Development)), the International Finance Corporation ([IFC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Finance_Corporation)), the International Development Association ([IDA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Development_Association)), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency ([MIGA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilateral_Investment_Guarantee_Agency)), and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ([ICSID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Centre_for_Settlement_of_Investment_Disputes)). It is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Its mission is to fight poverty with passion and professionalism for lasting results and to help people help themselves and their environment by providing resources, sharing knowledge, [building capacity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacity_building) and forging partnerships in the public and private sectors. WBG\'s headquarters are in [Washington, D.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington,_D.C.) - **World Health Organization (WHO)-** The [World Health Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization) (WHO) acts as a coordinating authority on international [public health](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_health) and deals with health, sanitation, and diseases and sends medical teams to help combat [epidemics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemics). Established on 7th April 1948, when 26 members of the United Nations ratified its Constitution, the agency inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health Organization, which had been an agency of the League of Nations. 7 April is now celebrated as World Health Day every year. The WHO is governed by 194 Member States through the World Health Assembly. It is headquartered in [Geneva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva), [Switzerland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland). - **World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO**)- The [World Intellectual Property Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Intellectual_Property_Organization) (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations created in 1967 and headquartered in [Geneva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva), [Switzerland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland). Its purpose is to encourage creative activity and to promote the protection of [intellectual property](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property) throughout the world. The organization administers several treaties concerning the protection of intellectual property rights. - **World Meteorological Organization (WMO)-** The [World Meteorological Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Meteorological_Organization) (WMO) originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873. Established in 1950, WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations for modern meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences. It has its headquarters in [Geneva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva), [Switzerland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland). - **United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)-** The [World Tourism Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Tourism_Organization) (UNWTO or WTO) was established in 1974 in [Madrid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid), Spain, to replace the International Union of Official Tourist Publicity Organizations (IUOTPO). UNWTO has 160 member states and 350 affiliated members representing private organizations, educational institutions, and others. It is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The World Tourism Organization serves as a forum for tourism policies and acts as a practical source for tourism know-how. - **United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)-** UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, especially the most disadvantaged and those hardest to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfil their potential.We provide and advocate for education, health and nutrition services. Protect children from violence and abuse. Bring clean water and sanitation to those in need. And keep them safe from climate change and disease. The world's largest provider of vaccines, UNICEF also runs the world's largest humanitarian warehouse.  **UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE-** United Nations celebrate its International Day of Peace every 21^st^ of September. **2024 Theme: Cultivating a Culture of Peace** This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the [Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace](https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/285677?ln=en). In that declaration, the United Nations' most inclusive body recognized that peace "not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation." In a world with rising geopolitical tensions and protracted conflicts, there has never been a better time to remember how the UN General Assembly came together in 1999 to lay out the values needed for a culture of peace. These include: respect for life, human rights and fundamental freedoms; the promotion of non-violence through education, dialogue and cooperation; commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts; and adherence to freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding at all levels of society and among nations. In follow-up resolutions, the General Assembly recognized further the importance of choosing negotiations over confrontation and of working together and not against each other. The Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ([UNESCO](https://www.unesco.org/en)) starts with the notion that "wars begin in the minds of men so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed". It is this notion that framed the theme and logo of this year's observance of the International Day of Peace. The ideas of peace, the culture of peace, need to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities through formal and informal education, across countries and generations. The International Day of Peace has always been a time to lay down weapons and observe ceasefires. But it now must also be a time for people to see each other's humanity. Our survival as a global community depends on that. The International Day of Peace was [established](http://undocs.org/A/RES/36/67) in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to [designate](http://undocs.org/A/RES/55/282) the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------