United Nations Flashcards
What is the UN, and when/why was it created?
The United Nations (UN) was established on October 24, 1945. It was formed to help keep peace in the world after the suffering and destruction of WWII. The goals of the UN are:
- to keep world peace;
- to help countries get along;
- to improve living conditions of people all through the world; and,
- to make the world a better place.
UN Peacekeeping - how does it work? (UN security council)
The UN security council is the permanent peacekeeping organ of the United Nations that is composed of five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US) and ten elected members.
UN Peacekeeping helps countries torn by conflict create the conditions for lasting peace. It brings together the General Assembly, the Security Council, the UN Partners, troop and police contributors, and host governments in a combined effort to maintain international peace and security. Its strength lies in the legitimacy of the UN Charter and in the wide range of contributing countries that participate and provide precious resources. UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
- impartiality (they don’t choose sides)
- consent of the parties (the conflicting countries need to be willing to compromise), and
- use of force primarily in self-defense and defense of mandate (no troops unless necessary).
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - purpose?
In 1945, the UN created the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO promotes international co-operation in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. It works to create respect for the value and dignity of all civilizations and culture.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) - purpose?
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was created by the UN in 1945 to provide food, clothing, and healthcare to the children of post-WWII Europe. In 1953, UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations.
