United Nations Flashcards
What are the UN human rights regimes?
The UN Charter (1945, Article I)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
International Bill of Human Rights
When was the UN founded?
1945 in San Franscisco, CA, U.S.
What is the UN charter?
Must be signed by all governments wanting to join the UN
Codifies that all states are equal in terms of international law, must carry out their international obligations, and have full independence, and territorial integrity
What are the costs of joining the UN?
Dues based on size of national economy
What are the benefits of joining the UN?
International recognition as a sovereign state
Convenient meeting place
Access to information and technical expertise
What is the UN General Assembly (UNGA)?
Forum for multilateral discussion
One of the two law-making bodies with the SC
Equal representation (one vote each)
UNGA resolutions are non-binding
How many countries are in the UN Security Council (SC)?
Five: United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France
What are the features of the UNSC?
Meet as needed in NY
Membership: Permanent 5+ rotating 10 (2-year terms)
UNSC resolutions require 9 “yes” votes with 0 “no” votes from the P5
UNSC resolutions are binding on member-states
What are the authorized military actions of the UNSC?
Chapter VII: authorizing the use of enforcement measures – non-military or military measures
Establish peace keeping operations
What is the secretariat?
Led by Secretary-General
UN staff of ~15,000
What is the ICJ (World Court)?
Meets as needed in The Hague, Netherlands
Main judicial organ composed of 15 judges
Hears only cases between national governments
2 principles
What are the 2 principles of the ICJ?
Non-compulsory jurisdiction
Binding ruling, but voluntary compliance
What is non-compulsory jurisdiction?
Jurisdiction based on the consent of parties
Optional Clause (Article 36 (2))
What is binding ruling, but voluntary compliance?
Produce binding decisions, but cannot enforce compliance
The UNSC can step in and enforce compliance (never happens)
Who are the important figures in the UN?
Antonio Guterres (Secretary-General)
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General, WTO)
Kristalina Georgieva (Managing Director, IMF)
Ajay Banga (Manager, World Bank Group)
