United Nations Charter Flashcards
Facts about the United Nations Charter
- made during the San Francisco conference June 26th in 1945, came into force 1945 in october
- includes 111 articles, 19 chapter
- originally ratified by USA, UK, France, Soviet and China (the original 5)
- original text in english, spanish, french, russian, chinese (later added in arabic)
Preamble of the UN
- practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours
- unite our strength to maintain international peace and security
- armed forces shall not be used
Purpose of the united nations
The purpose of the united nations are established in article 1
maintain peace and security, take collective measures for prevention and removal of threats to the peace.
develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples - create universal peace
achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character whilst promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The principle of prohibition of the use of force in international relations
states shall refrain from resorting to the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state
except in defence (article 51) or by authorization by the SC
This principle seeks to establish the duty of all states to not use force or to threaten the territorial integrity or the political independence of any other state. Which in no way will be viewed as a means to settle international disputes. Involving matters such as a war of aggression, with the use of propaganda, invasion of other states’ boundaries or the use of force to settle disputes of barriers or frontiers, as this is stated as a crime of peace. As well as not to use force to deprive people of their right to self-determination and independence. The principle states that every state should not organize or assist in civil strife or terrorist acts within another state, as it does involve the threat or use of force. Implying that all states should act in good faith and adopt measures that decrease international tensions to maintain peace and security within the international society.
The principle of sovereign equality of states:
This principle of sovereign equality means that all states are equal above the law, with the same legal rights and shall be treated as equals by other actors in the international society.
A state cannot be put before court within a different state or be under the jurisdiction of another state.
States must also respect the personality of other states, regardless of their political, economical and cultural systems. This means that states are also free to develop these political, economical and cultural systems as they please.
The principle that States shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered
The principle refers to states’ use of negotiating, mediation, inquiry, judicial settlements or other arrangements that are conducted in a peaceful manner of their choice. Making states bound to look for peaceful means to settle any international dispute and not turn to actions that aggravate the situation. By means of thereafter endangering the international communities’ peace and security.
The principle of equal rights and self-determination of people
Referring to individuals’ right to freely determine without external interference of the state or other. Containing the ability to freely pursue social, cultural or economic development, which must be respected by the state according to the charter.
Mentioning the responsibility of the state to promote these freedoms and promote universal respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights. Among others bringing an end to colonialism and the effects of alienation and inferiorization of human rights. Refraining om any forcible action summoned upon a group of people or individuals that prohibits them of their right to self-determination. Individuals or people subjected to interference or withdrawal of their fundamental freedoms are entitled to seek or receive support within this principle of the charter.
ex. case of Kosovo’’
The duty of states to cooperate with one another in accordance with the Charter of the UN
The principle regarding the duty of states to cooperate within the boundaries of the UN charter indicates to states differences within political, economic and social systems. Referring to the ability of states to cooperate free from discrimination and to uphold peace and security, by containing universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. States containing a duty to cooperate in accordance with the relevant provisions provided by the charter.
The principle concerning the duty not to intervene within matters of domestic jurisdiction of any state:
According to article 2.7 in the UN Charter, as well as stated in resolution 2625 - a state cannot intervene in another state’s domestic issues as this would be a violation of their sovereignty. They cannot intervene directly or indirectly. Violation of these terms would be a violation of a state’s sovereignty and an infringement on their right to self-determination of a political, economical and social system. States have the right to freely choose their political, economic and social systems. The act of depriving people from their national identity is also a violation of this principle.
The principle that states shall act in good faith with the obligations assumed and in accordance with the Charter
The principle of acting in good faith in accordance with the charter is found in Resolution 2625. This principle concludes that all states must fulfil their obligation in regards to the UN charter itself as well as international law in matters of respect and good-wellness. The states must fulfil their obligations in such a matter that there are no damages to third parties, and their means of fulfilling obligations must comply with international law.
United nations membership
Article 3 and 4
the Original members of the UN must have participated in the UN conference in san fransisco or having previously signed the Declaration by United Nations
membership in the UN is open to all peace.loving states which accept the obligations in the charter and are willing to carry out said charters
the admission of membership of any such state in the UN is decided by the GA upon the recommendation of the security council
193 member states, 2 observer states
UN membership suspension and expulsion
explained in article 5 and 6
a member of the UN ..
a member who persistently violates the principles of the charter may be expelled from the organization by the GA upon recommendation of the SC
