unit 6-8

Question 1

UN General Assembly

Answer 1

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. - provides forum for multilateral discussion of of the
full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. 193 nations have equal vote
The UNGA also makes key decisions for the
UN, including:
* Appointing the secretary-general on the recommendation of the security council
* Electing the non-permanent members of the security council
* Approving the UN budge
- meets in regular sessions from September to December each year in HQ at NYC
- UNGA is headed by its President, who is elected for a term of one year

Question 2

functions and power of UNGA

Answer 2

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) responsibilities include:

• Approving the UN budget and member contributions.
• Discussing global peace, security, and disarmament, and recommending actions.
• Electing UNSC non-permanent members and appointing the Secretary-General.
• Reviewing reports from the UNSC and other UN bodies.
• Promoting international cooperation, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution.
• Addressing peace threats where the UNSC has failed to take action bec of the Veto POwer
• Initiating studies and making recommendations to boost international political cooperation,
  developing and codifying international law, realizing fundamental freedoms and human
  rights, and creating global collaboration in the social, economic, humanitarian, educational,
  cultural and health domains

Question 3

Committees and Subsidiary Organs of UNGA

Answer 3

6 main committees
1. First Committee (Disarmament and International Security):
Deals with disarmament, global challenges, and threats to peace that affect the international community.
2* Second Committee (Economic and Financial): Focuses on economic growth and development, including macroeconomic policy questions, financing for development,
sustainable development, and poverty eradication.

3 * Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural):
Addresses social and humanitarian issues and human rights questions that affect people all over the world.

4 * Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization):
Considers issues related
to decolonization, Palestinian refugees, human rights, peacekeeping, mine action,
outer space, public information, and atomic radiation.

5* Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary):
Handles the administration and budget of the United Nations.

6 * Sixth Committee (Legal): Deals with legal matters, including international law.

Question 4

key functions and achievements

Answer 4

1. Human Rights: The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 is one of the Assembly’s most significant achievements. This landmark
   document laid the foundation for modern international human rights law.
   2 * Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The GA has been instrumental in setting global development agendas,
   including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet,
   and ensure prosperity for all.

3* Peace and Security: The Assembly has been involved in numerous
peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts. While it does not have the power to enforce decisions like the Security Council, it can call for action and make recommendations.

4* Global Health: The Assembly has addressed global health issues, including the response to HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

5* Climate Change: The General Assembly has been a forum for addressing climate change, culminating in agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement

Question 5

Challenges and Criticisms of UNGA

Answer 5

** Implementation of Resolutions**: The non-binding nature of its resolutions
means that compliance by Member States can be inconsistent.
* Inefficiency and Bureaucracy: The Assembly has been criticized for its slow and
cumbersome processes, which can impede timely and effective action.
* Political Polarization: The diverse membership often leads to polarized debates and decision-making, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.
* Representation and Equity: There are ongoing debates about the representation and influence of different countries, particularly concerning the perceived
dominance of powerful states

Question 6

UNSC

Answer 6

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security.
EST= 1945
- makes binding decisions that member states are obligated to implement
- Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These five nations hold permanent seats and possess veto power,

Non-Permanent Members: Ten members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, with five members elected each year
- seats are distributed regionally
- Five from African and Asian states
o One from Eastern European states
o Two from Latin American and Caribbean states
o Two from Western European and other states

The 10 non-permanent members are:

Albania
Brazil
Gabon
Ghana
India
Ireland
Kenya
Mexico
Norway
10. United Arab Emirates

Question 7

UNSC functions and powers

Answer 7

1. Investigating Disputes: dispute or situation that might lead to intl friction or conflict, and reccomend adjustments
2. peacekeeping operations in conflict zones - UN peacekeepers=comprising militarypersonnel, police officers, and civilian personnel from member states.
3. Sanctions: The Council can impose sanctions to enforce its decisions. Sanctions can range from economic and trade restrictions to arms embargoes and travel bans.
4. Military Action: If necessary, the Security Council can authorize the use of force to maintain or restore intl peace and security EXAMPLE= KOREAN WAR + GULF WAR
   5.

Question 8

Security Council: Activities

Answer 8

1. Conflict Resolution: The Security Council has been involved in resolving
   numerous conflicts worldwide, from the Korean Peninsula to the Balkans, the Middle East, and Africa.
   2 * Counter-Terrorism: The Council has established several counter-terrorism measures,
2. Non-Proliferation: The Security Council addresses the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, implementing sanctions
3. humanitarian intervention

Question 9

Security Council: Challenges and Criticisms

Answer 9

1. Veto Power and Decision-Making Deadlock=Impediment to Action : The use of the veto can prevent the Council from taking
   timely and decisive action in response to crises. For example, the Council has been unable to pass resolutions addressing the Syrian Civil War due to
   conflicting interests among the P5.
   Political Motivations: Vetoes are often exercised based on national interests rather than global security concerns, undermining the Council’s ability to function as an impartial body
2. Representation and Equity- reflects the geopolitical realities of the post-World War II era and does not adequately represent the contemporary global landscapeLack of Inclusivity: Emerging powers such as India, Brazil, and South Africa, as
   well as regions like Africa and Latin America, do not have permanent
   representation, leading to a perceived lack of inclusivity and legitimacy
3. Effectiveness in Conflict Resolution- delayed response and selective intervention based on political interests of the P5 and ignoring other significant crises
4. Accountability and Transparency= closed door meetings, lack of accountability of P5 due to its veto power
5. Implementation of Resolutions=Non-Compliance: and weak sanctions reducing their effectiveness in changing behavior or resolving conflicts.
6. Geopolitical Rivalries of the P5 Influence of National Interests: The P5’s decisions are often driven by national interests rather than the collective good, leading to accusations that the Council is more a forum for power politics than an effective instrument for global peace and security.
7. ** Peacekeeping Operations- resource constraints, mandate limitations, and abuse and misconduct**

Question 10

Secretariat

Answer 10

The United Nations Secretariat carries out the day-to-day work
of the UN as mandated by the General Assembly and the
Organization’s other main organs. The Secretary-General is the
head of the Secretariat,

Key Departments and Offices:
1.* Office of the Secretary-General (OSG):
* Secretary-General: The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year renewable term. The Secretary-General acts as the spokesperson and leader of the UN, bringing attention to global issues and advocating for international peace and security, development, and
human rights.
* Deputy Secretary-General: Assists the Secretary-General in managing the operations of
the Secretariat and may take on specific assignments or represent the Secretary-General
when needed.

2 * Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA):
* Focuses on preventing and resolving conflicts, providing political analysis, mediation, and support to peace processes around the world.

3* Department of Peace Operations (DPO):
* Manages peacekeeping operations, providing logistical, operational, and strategic support to peacekeeping missions worldwide

4. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA):
* Supports international cooperation for sustainable development, providing analysis and policy recommendations on economic, social, and environmental issues.

5 * Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA):
* Coordinates international humanitarian response efforts, ensuring timely and effective
assistance to those affected by disasters and emergencies.

6* Department of Global Communications (DGC):
* Promotes global awareness and understanding of the UN’s work, managing public information, media relations, and outreach effort

* 7. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Question 11

Secretariat: Functions and Responsibilities

Answer 11

Humanitarian Assistance: Coordinates international humanitarian response to crises, ensuring that aid
reaches those in need and that humanitarian principles are upheld.
* Human Rights Promotion:
Supports the implementation of international human rights standards, providing assistance to human rights mechanisms and monitoring human rights situations worldwide.
* Development Coordination:
Promotes sustainable development through coordination of international
development efforts, policy advice, and technical assistance to member states

Question 12

ECOSOC- The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) = 1 of 6 principal organs

Answer 12

responsible for coordinating the
economic, social, and related work of 15 specialized agencies, their functional commissions, and five regional commissions. Established under the UN Charter in 1945. discusses and formulates economic and social policy
Has 54 member states elected by GA for overlapping 3 year terms seats= 14 African Seats, 11 Asian Seats and 6 Eastern European seats and 10 LatAmerican + Carribbean and 13 for Western Europ and other states
has functionals. reagonal and standing committees

Question 13

ECOSOC function and responsibilty

Answer 13

1. 1. Policy Coordination and Review:
      ECOSOC is responsible for coordinating the economic, social, and related work of the UN
2. Promoting Sustainable Development
3. 3. Forum for Debate on global economic, social, and environmental issues.
4. 4. Facilitation of International Cooperation
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

Question 14

ECOSOC: Key Activities and Initiatives

Answer 14

1. High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)= reviewing the implementation of the
   Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) meets annually under ECOSOC and every 4 years at Heads of State and govt level
2. Annual Ministerial Review (AMR)= countries present their progress
3. Development Cooperation Forum (DCF)=biennial event that reviews trends and progress in international
   development cooperation.
4. Financing for Development (FfD)
5. 5. Integration Segment: It addresses key themes and fosters integrated approaches to development challenges
      6.

Question 15

ECOSOC Effectiveness of Policy Recommendations and Influence

Answer 15

1. Implementation of Resolutions:
   Non-Binding Nature+ Lack of follow up mechanisms
2. Influence on Member States:
   National Interests vs. Global Goals and Political Will of nations
3. Policy Coherence and Coordination:
   Fragmentation+ Overlapping Agendas: basically it has overlapping agendas with other UN bodies so it kinda dlutes th eeffectiveness
4. Measuring Impact:
   Indicators and Metrics- lack of consistent metrics + lack of Data Availability hindrs accurate assessment

Question 16

The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

the principal
judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). est 1945 , Hague, netherlands

Answer 16

Structure and Composition: 15 judges- 9 year terms, elected by UNGA and UNSC. no two judges can be from same country. they must have qualifications in their respective country and highest judicial offices there or be jurists of recognized competence in international law. they do not represent their govts and are independ.

Election Process
Nomination: Judges are nominated by national groups in the Permanent Court of Arbitration or by national groups appointed by their governments.
Voting: Candidates must receive an absolute majority in both the UNGA and UNSC to be elected.
Re-Election: Judges may be re-elected.

Leadership
President and Vice-President: The Court elects its President and Vice-President for three-year terms.

Question 17

Jurisdiction and Functions

Answer 17

Contentious Jurisdiction
Scope: The ICJ settles legal disputes submitted to it by states. Binding Judgments: Judgments are binding on the parties involved and cannot
be appealed. However, parties may request the Court to interpret or revise a judgment.

Advisory Jurisdiction
Scope: The ICJ gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the UNGA and UNSC or other UN organs and specialized
agencies authorized to do so.
Non-Binding: Advisory opinions are not binding but carry significant moral and legal authority

Question 18

ICJ key cases

Answer 18

1. Corfu Channel Case (1949): The ICJ ruled that Albania was responsible for the damage caused by mines to British warships in the Corfu Channel.
2. Nicaragua v. United States (1986): The Court found that the U.S. had violated international law by supporting Contra rebels in Nicaragua and by mining Nicaraguan harbors.
** 3. Bosnian Genocide Case (2007):** The Court ruled that Serbia had not committed genocide in Bosnia but had violated the Genocide Convention by failing to prevent it and to punish the perpetrators

4. Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (2004): The Court concluded that the construction of the wall by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory violated international law
** 5. Reparations for Injuries (1949):** The ICJ affirmed the UN’s capacity to bring claims for injuries to its personnel.

Question 19

Trusteeship Council

Answer 19

• oversee the administration of trust territories and ensure that their inhabitants were prepared for self-governance. its historical role and functions remain crucial in understanding the development of international governance and decolonization.

Composition and Membership: Permanent Members of the Security Council : This includes China, France, the
Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Administering Countries : Countries that administered trust territories. Since completion of its mandate it is currently only the UNSC and regular meetings have been suspended

FUNCTION and responsibilty:
Examination and Approval of Reports : The Council examined reports submitted by the administering authorities on the political, economic, social, and educational advancement of the trust territories.
Visiting Missions : The Council dispatched visiting missions to the trust territories to observe conditions and progress first-hand.
Petitions and Inquiries : It received and examined petitions from the inhabitants of trust territories and conducted inquiries to address grievances and issues

Achievements:
** Togoland (independence as Togo in 1960)
* Cameroons (divided into independent Cameroon and Nigeria in 1961)
* Somaliland (united with Somalia in 1960)
* Tanganyika (united with Zanzibar to form Tanzania**

future prospects of trusteeship council? 1. potential repurposing for environmental stewardship, global health and human rights governance

Question 20

UNESCO

HQ= PARIS

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Answer 20

1. UNESCO develops educational tools so as to help humanity live in a world free of intolerance and hate.
2. It works in preserving the cultural heritage of the world’s many cultures and also promotes the equal dignity of all cultures.
3. It also engages in advancing scientific programmes

** The US, Israel and Liechtenstein are members of the UN, but not members
UNESCO.
* The US and Israel stepped out in 2019 citing bias in the organisation in the
Palestine issue.**
Three countries, namely, Palestine, Niue and the Cook Islands are members of
UNESCO, but not of the UN

=UNESCO sponsors many programmes such as in the fields of teacher training,
science, promotion of media and press freedom, regional and cultural history, cultural diversity, natural and cultural heritage, translating world literature, human rights, etc
= UNESCO World Heritage Sites
* UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site recognized by UNESCO as having a distinctive cultural or physical significance

Question 21

Culture Conventions of UNESCO:

Answer 21

Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Traffic of
Cultural Property (1970)
* Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972)
* Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001)
* Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

UNESCO India is a founding member of UNESCO. India has been continuously re-elected to the Executive Board of UNESCO since 1946 Members are elected for four-year terms.

Question 22

ILO
International Labour Organization (ILO)

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

india is founding member and is a permanent member

Answer 22

The organization has played a key role in
* Ensuring labour rights during the Great Depression
* Decolonization process
* The creation of Solidarność ( trade union) in Poland
* The victory over apartheid in South Africa

ILO: Organisational Structure
* The ILO accomplishes its work through three main bodies which comprise governments’, employers’ and workers’ representatives

1. International Labour Conference
   The ILO’s general assembly, which meets annually in Geneva to set policies and international labor standards
2. Governing Body
   The ILO’s executive council, which meets three times a year in Geneva to decide policy and budget
3. International Labour Office
   The ILO’s permanent secretariat, which prepares activities and is led by the Director-General

** To promote and realize standards and fundamental principles and rights at
work.
* To create greater opportunities for women and men to secure decent
employment.
* To enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all.
* To strengthen tripartism and social dialogue**

Question 23

Core Conventions of the ILO

Answer 23

The eight-core conventions of the ILO are:
* Forced Labour Convention (No. 29) IN
* Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105) IN
* Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100) IN
* Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111) IN
* Minimum Age Convention (No.138) IN
* Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182) IN
* Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No.87)
* Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)

the final 2 have not been ratified by india because it would give govt employees right to strike and openly cricise the govt and join foriegn organisations which we obvio cant allow

IN means ratified by india.other 2 have not been ratified

Question 24

ILO: Key recommendations

Answer 24

A universal labour guarantee that protects the fundamental rights of workers’, an adequate living wage, limits on hours of work and safe and healthy workplaces.
* Guaranteed social protection from birth to old age that supports people’s needs over the life cycle.
* A universal entitlement to lifelong learning that enables people to skill, reskill and upskill.
* Managing technological change to boost decent work, including an
international governance system for digital labour platforms.
* Greater investments in the care, green and rural economies.
* A transformative and measurable agenda for gender equality.
* Reshaping business incentives to encourage long-term investments

Question 25

WHO

Geneva

Answer 25

= The WHO provides leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda,providing
technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends

Governing body= World Health Assembly * The Health Assembly determines the policies of the Organization.
* It supervises the financial policies of the Organization and reviews and approves the budget.
* It reports to the Economic and Social Council in accordance with any
agreement between the Organization and the United Nations.
they also have a secreteriat which is the office of the Director-General - who is appointed by Health Assembly

** Territories or groups of territories which are not responsible for the conduct of
their international relations may be admitted as Associate Members by the Health Assembly.**

Question 26

WHO and INDIA

Regional office for South East Asia is located in New Delhi

Answer 26

• In 1967, the WHO launched the Intensified Smallpox Eradication Programme.
• With a coordinated effort by Indian government with the World Health
  Organization (WHO), smallpox was eradicated in 1977.

Polio
* India began the battle against the disease in response to the WHO’s 1988 Global Polio Eradication Initiative with financial and technical help from World Bank As a result of these efforts, India was removed from the list of endemic countries in 2014

REFORMS suggested by INDIA:
1. Strengthening the
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
declaration process.
A PHEIC implies a situation that is:
1. Serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected;
2. Carries implications for public health beyond the affected State’s national
border; and
3. May require immediate international action.

Question 27

the role of WHO in World Health Concerns?

Answer 27

1. *Global Influenza Pandemic
   * The WHO is constantly monitoring the circulation of influenza viruses to detect potential pandemic strains: 153 institutions in 114 countries are involved in global surveillance and
   response
2. *Ebola and Other High-Threat Pathogens
   * In 2018, the Democratic Republic of the Congo saw two separate Ebola outbreaks, both of which spread to cities of more than 1 million people. One of the affected provinces is also in an active conflict zone
3. *HIV
   * The progress made against HIV has been enormous in terms of getting people tested, providing them with antiretrovirals . services.
   * The WHO is working with countries to support the introduction of self-testing so that more people living with HIV know their status and can receive treatment

Monkeypox
* In July 2022, the WHO has Declared Global Health Emergency and sounded the highest alarm on the Monkeypox Virus.

Question 28

FAO- food and agriculture organisation of UN

HQ= Rome,

sister bodies are the World Food
Programme and the International Fund
for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Answer 28

Initiatives Taken:
* Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
* Monitors the Desert Locust situation throughout the world
* The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Flagship Publications:  * The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA).  * The State of the World's Forests (SOFO).  * The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).  * The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).

Question 29

FAO

Answer 29

Field Programme activities can be divided into three main types:

1. Normative Projects: These global or inter-regional projects support FAO’s research and policy work, such as the global forest resource assessment.
2. Priority Area Projects: These projects focus on issues in specific countries or regions identified as priorities by FAO. They address local needs and help align the Field Programme with FAO’s main technical goals.
3. Technical Cooperation Projects: The largest group, these projects focus on meeting specific development needs in individual countries or groups of countries.

Question 30

IMF

Answer 30

IMF: Objectives
* Foster global monetary cooperation
* Secure financial stability
* Facilitate international trade
* Promote high employment and sustainable economic growth
* And reduce poverty around the world
* Macro-economic growth
* Policy advise & financing for developing countries,
* Promotion of exchange rate stability, and an international payment system

IMF: Functions
It has three critical missions:
1. Furthering international monetary cooperation, encouraging the expansion
of trade and economic growth,
2. Discouraging policies that would harm prosperity.
3. To fulfill these missions, IMF member countries work collaboratively with
each other and with other international bodies

Question 31

IMF governance

Answer 31

Governance Structure

1. Board of Governors:
   
   • Each member country has one governor and one alternate governor on this board.
   • Key responsibilities include:
     
     • Electing executive directors.
     • Approving changes in quotas and allocations.
     • Admitting new members or mandating member withdrawals.
     • Amending articles and by-laws.
   • The board is advised by two committees: the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) and the Development Committee.
   • Meets once a year at the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings.
2. Ministerial Committees:
   
   • IMFC: Composed of 24 members representing all IMF countries, it discusses global financial management and amendments to the Articles of Agreement.
   • Development Committee: A joint committee with 25 members from the IMF and World Bank, it advises on development issues for emerging and developing countries, aiming for intergovernmental consensus on these issues.

**Executive Board: **
* It is 24-member Executive Board elected by the Board of Governors.
The Board normally makes decisions based on consensus, but sometimes formal votes are taken.
* Votes of each member equal the sum of its basic votes (equally distributed among all members) and quota-based votes. A member’s quota determines its voting power.

• IMF Management:
• IMF’s Managing Director is both chairman of the IMF’s Executive Board and head
  of IMF staff.
• The Managing Director is appointed by the Executive Board by voting or
  consensus.
• IMF Members:
  Any other state, whether or not a member of the UN, may become a member of the
  IMF in accordance with IMF Articles of Agreement and terms prescribed by the Board of Governors

Question 32

IMF: Functions

Answer 32

IMF Functions

1. Financial Assistance:
   
   • The IMF provides loans to countries facing balance of payments issues, helping stabilize currencies and support economic growth. In return, countries must follow structural adjustment policies monitored by the IMF.
2. IMF Surveillance:
   
   • The IMF oversees the global monetary system and monitors economic policies in its 190 member countries. It identifies stability risks and advises on policy changes at both global and national levels.
3. Capacity Development:
   
   • The IMF offers technical assistance and training to central banks, finance ministries, and other economic institutions. This support helps improve public revenue systems, strengthen banking and legal frameworks, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).