History The United Nations Charter Study Cards

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United Nations Charter

A historic international treaty signed on June 26, 1945, establishing the United Nations as an intergovernmental organization to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations.

Origins and Development

The United Nations Charter was drafted during the United Nations Conference on International Organization held in San Francisco in 1945, following the end of World War II.

Principles and Objectives

The United Nations Charter is based on principles such as sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference in domestic affairs, and the promotion of human rights and social progress.

Structure and Functions

The United Nations consists of six main organs: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and Secretariat. Each has specific functions and responsibilities.

Membership and Voting

The United Nations has 193 member states, each with one vote in the General Assembly. Decisions on important matters require a two-thirds majority, while other issues are decided by a simple majority.

Peacekeeping and Security Council

The United Nations plays a crucial role in peacekeeping operations, authorized by the Security Council. The Security Council has the power to impose sanctions and authorize military action to maintain international peace and security.

Human Rights and International Law

The United Nations Charter affirms the importance of human rights and the rule of law. It has led to the development of international human rights standards and the establishment of the International Criminal Court.

Economic and Social Development

The United Nations promotes economic and social development through programs and agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Environmental Protection

The United Nations addresses global environmental challenges through initiatives like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

International Cooperation

The United Nations encourages international cooperation in various fields, including peace and security, human rights, sustainable development, and the fight against poverty and inequality.

Impact and Relevance

The United Nations Charter has had a significant impact on international relations, shaping global norms and providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation among nations.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document that sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms to be universally protected.

International Peace Day

Observed annually on September 21st, International Peace Day is a United Nations initiative to promote peace and non-violence worldwide.

United Nations Millennium Development Goals

The Millennium Development Goals were a set of eight targets established by the United Nations in 2000 to address global issues such as poverty, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals, are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to guide global efforts towards sustainable development by 2030.

International Court of Justice

The principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs.

United Nations Children's Fund

Commonly known as UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund is a specialized agency of the United Nations that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Also known as UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization promotes international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication to build peace and sustainable development.

United Nations Peacekeeping

United Nations peacekeeping missions are deployed to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace. They involve military, police, and civilian personnel from various member states.

United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

United Nations General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the United Nations. It consists of all 193 member states and meets annually in regular sessions.

United Nations Secretariat

The United Nations Secretariat is the administrative arm of the United Nations, headed by the Secretary-General. It provides support to the other organs and carries out day-to-day operations of the organization.

United Nations Economic and Social Council

The United Nations Economic and Social Council is responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development. It coordinates the work of specialized agencies and regional commissions.

United Nations Trusteeship Council

The United Nations Trusteeship Council was established to oversee the administration of trust territories and ensure their progress towards self-government or independence. It suspended operations in 1994.

United Nations Development Programme

The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network, working in over 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience.

United Nations Human Rights Council

The United Nations Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It addresses human rights violations and conducts periodic reviews of member states.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an international environmental treaty aimed at preventing dangerous human interference with the climate system. It provides a platform for global climate negotiations.

United Nations Environment Programme

The United Nations Environment Programme coordinates environmental activities and assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. It promotes sustainable development and the protection of the environment.

United Nations World Health Organization

The United Nations World Health Organization is a specialized agency responsible for international public health. It provides leadership on global health matters, sets health standards, and coordinates responses to health emergencies.

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund

Also known as UNICEF, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. It focuses on child survival, development, and protection.

United Nations International Court of Justice

The principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs.

United Nations International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court is an independent judicial body established by the United Nations to prosecute individuals accused of the most serious crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

United Nations International Labour Organization

The United Nations International Labour Organization promotes social justice and internationally recognized labor rights. It sets labor standards, develops policies, and provides technical assistance to improve working conditions and employment opportunities.

United Nations International Monetary Fund

The International Monetary Fund is an international financial institution that provides loans and financial assistance to member countries facing economic difficulties. It promotes global monetary cooperation and stability.

United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency

The International Atomic Energy Agency is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and safeguards against its misuse. It assists member states in using nuclear technology for development while ensuring non-proliferation.

United Nations International Telecommunication Union

The International Telecommunication Union is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates global telecommunications networks and services. It promotes international cooperation and develops technical standards.

United Nations International Maritime Organization

The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for improving maritime safety, security, and environmental performance. It sets international standards for shipping and maritime activities.

United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization

The International Civil Aviation Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that sets international standards and regulations for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.

United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development

The International Fund for Agricultural Development is a specialized agency of the United Nations that invests in rural people and empowers them to reduce poverty, increase food security, and improve nutrition.

United Nations International Trade Centre

The International Trade Centre is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization that supports businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in developing countries to become more competitive in global markets.

United Nations International Renewable Energy Agency

The International Renewable Energy Agency is an intergovernmental organization that promotes the adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy worldwide. It provides a platform for international cooperation and knowledge sharing.

United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was a United Nations court established to prosecute individuals responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law during the conflicts in the Balkans in the 1990s.

United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda was a United Nations court established to prosecute individuals responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law during the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals is a United Nations court established to carry out the remaining functions of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia after their closure.

United Nations International Seabed Authority

The International Seabed Authority is an intergovernmental organization that regulates deep-sea mining and exploration of mineral resources in the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction.

United Nations International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is an independent judicial body established by the United Nations to adjudicate disputes arising from the interpretation and application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

United Nations International Organization for Migration

The International Organization for Migration is a United Nations agency that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants. It promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.