United Nations Flashcards
Questions 6, 7, 8, 26
- Describe the UN system
It is a global organization comprising various agencies, funds, and programs, aimed at promoting international cooperation and addressing global challenges through collective action among its member states
UN origins
After WW2 with nations in ruins, the world wanted peace. Representatives of 50 countries gathered at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco from April to June of 1945. The Charter was signed on June 26th, 1945 and came into force on 24 October 1945.
What is the UNGA?
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Forum for discussion and policymaking with one vote per member state.
What is the UNSC?
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Comprised of 15 members responsible for peace and security, including veto power holders.
Secretariat
UN Secretariat
Executes daily UN operations and supports its organs, led by the Secretary-General.
What is WHO?
World Health Organization (WHO)
Focuses on global public health, disease outbreaks, emergencies, and health systems.
What is UNHCR?
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Aids refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide with shelter and healthcare.
Human Rights Council
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Promotes and protects human rights globally, reviews member states’ records.
How many permanent members of the UNSC are there?
5
Who has a veto?
China, France, Russia, UK, USA
How many non-permanent members cannot veto?
10: Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland
- Describe primary issue area of 9 major human rights treaties
- ICERD
- ICCPR
- ICESCR
- CEDAW
- CAT
- CRC
- ICRMW
- CED
- CRPD
ICERD
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination: Addresses racial discrimination and aims to eliminate it in all forms.
ICCPR
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Focuses on civil and political rights, including freedom of speech and fair trial.
ICESCR
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Concerns economic, social, and cultural rights like education and health.
CEDAW
The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women: Targets gender-based discrimination and promotes gender equality.
CAT
Convention Against Torture: Addresses torture and aims to prevent cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
CRC
Convention on the Rights of the Child: Focuses on children’s rights, including protection from violence and exploitation.
ICRMW
International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers: Concerns the rights of migrant workers against exploitation and discrimination.
CED
Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Addresses enforced disappearances and aims to prevent such acts.
CRPD
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Focuses on the rights of persons with disabilities, including non-discrimination.
What is the concept of “reservation” with regard to these?
Unilateral statement by a state to not be bound by specific treaty provisions.
What is the difference between “signature”, “accession”, and “ratification”?
Signature: shows intent to be bound by a treaty, pending ratification.
Accession: state agrees to join a treaty it did not originally sign.
Ratification: formal process where a state confirms consent to be bound by a treaty.
What do each of the four (4) Geneva Conventions concern?
All together, concern forces on land, sea, and prisoners.
1st: protects wounded and sick soldiers on land during war with a neutral status
2nd: protects the sick, wounded, and ship-wrecked military personnel at sea during war
3rd: requires humane treatment, food, and relief supplies to prisoners of war + banning pressure on prisoners above providing the min. amount of info required
4th: protects civilians in areas of war and occupied territories
What was the League of Nations?
International organization founded in 1920 to maintain world peace after WW1 as outlined in the Treaty of Versailles.
Why did the US not join the LoN?
The US Senate decided to not join the League due to concerns about sovereignty and independence.
Why did the League fail?
Lack of participation: absence of major powers like the US weakened the League.
Structure ineffective: slow decision-making process and member states’ veto power hindered the League’s effectiveness.
Failure to prevent economic instability: League’s struggle to address economic repercussions of the Great Depression.
Inability to stop conflicts: unable to prevent conflicts like the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and Italian invasion of Ethiopia.