The UN Flashcards
What is the United Nations?
an international organisation founded in 1945
How many Member States is it currently made up of?
193
What are the four aims of the UN?
- To maintain international peace and security
- To develop friendly relations among nations
- To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character
- To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends
What does the UN do (5)?
Maintain International Peace and Security
Promote Sustainable Development
Protect Human Rights
Uphold International Law
Deliver Humanitarian Aid
Why was the UN formed?
In response to the atrocities of World War Two as the League of Nations was not working
They needed to create an international force which would work to achieve peace so that a disaster like this would never occur again
What is the structure of the UN?
The main organs of the UN are:
the General Assembly
the Security Council
the Economic and Social Council
the Trusteeship Council
the International Court of Justice
the UN Secretariat
What does the Security Council do?
It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement
Can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorise the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security
What does the UN Secretariat do?
Work in duty stations and on peacekeeping missions all around the world
How does the UN work stop conflicts?
Monitors and assesses global political development
Advises the UN Secretary-General on actions that could advance to the cause of peace
Provides support and guidance
How does the UN work to resolve conflicts?
Try to secure a ceasefire as soon as possible
Sends a peacekeeping force
Can order economic sanctions
Can authorise its members to use military force
Usually involves diplomatic action to bring hostile parties to a negotiated agreement
How does the UN work to promote world peace?
Strengthening national capacities at all levels for conflict management
Lays the foundation for sustainable peace and development
Addresses core issues that effect the functioning of society and the State, and seek to enhance the capacity of the State to effectively and legitimately carry out its core functions
Case Study: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
Long-standing commitment to one group of refugees
Contributed to the welfare and human development of four generations of Palestine refugees
The Agency’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, micro-finance and emergency assistance, including in times of armed conflict
UNRWA is committed to fostering the human development of Palestine refugees by helping them to acquire knowledge and skills, lead long and healthy lives, achieve
Give some examples of famous UN ambassadors
Emma Watson
Angelina Jolie
Leonardo di Caprio
Case Study: UN and 2011 Civil War in Libya
In response to the 2011 civil war in Libya the UN Security Council passed a resolution to freeze Gaddafi’s (the leader) assets
The UN Human Rights Council condemned Gaddafi’s actions and expelled Libya outright
The UN Security Council passed a further resolution in March to allow member states to establish a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent Gaddafi bombing his own cities: the resolution allowed member states to use “all necessary measures” to prevent civilians being killed
Case Study: UN and Kosovo
In 1989, the President of Serbia unjustly took control of Kosovo
The Serbian army began the mass execution of the Albanian Kosovo’s
The United Nations tried to negotiate a deal over Kosovo but when the President rejected it, NATO forces began a bombing campaign driving Serbian troops out
In 1999 the UN took control of Kosovo giving the people there it’s protection.
