General Assembly
Established in the Charter of the UN, the General Assembly (GA) aims to...
- Make recommendations on implementation of cooperation, peace, and security
- Discuss and make resolutions on disarmament
- Discuss questions relating to international peace and security and make recommendations on it; provided that the situation is not currently being discussed by the Security Council
- Discuss and make recommendations on questions arising from the Charter or affecting the functions of any UN organ; provided discussion is not currently in progress in the Security Council
- Study and make recommendations on international cooperation, development of international law, and realization of human rights related to economy, social issues, humanity, culture, education, and health
- Make recommendations for peacefully settling any situation that might affect member nations
- Receive and discuss reports from the Security Council and other UN organs
- Approve the UN budget and assess the financial situations of member states
- Elect non-permanent members of the Security Council and other UN organs and appoint the Secretary-General, considering the recommendation of the Security Council.
Security Council
The Security Council is the main organ in charge of maintaining international peace and security. The council has 15 members, five of which are permanent and ten of which are elected every two years by the General Assembly. Each member state gets one vote. However, the five permanent states- the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom.
The Security Council determines whether a situation threatening peace has developed. It calls upon the states in dispute to settle the argument peacefully. The Security Council may recommend a means of settlement, or in some cases, may impose sanctions or authorize use of force to maintain peace and security.
The Security Council recommends a Secretary-General to the General Assembly, and elects, with the General Assembly, new judges for the International Court of Justice.
The Security Council determines whether a situation threatening peace has developed. It calls upon the states in dispute to settle the argument peacefully. The Security Council may recommend a means of settlement, or in some cases, may impose sanctions or authorize use of force to maintain peace and security.
The Security Council recommends a Secretary-General to the General Assembly, and elects, with the General Assembly, new judges for the International Court of Justice.
International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (World Court) oversees disputes between countries. It is the main judicial organ established by the UN Charter, and has fifteen judges. Judges are elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council. States must voluntarily agree to participate in a ICJ trial. If a state agrees to participate, it must obey the Court's decision.
Economic and Social Council
The Economic and Social Council coordinates UN activities. This organ is subordinate to the General Assembly, but is the main forum for the discussion of economic and social issues involving the international community. This organ has a central role in international cooperation and development. The ESC has 54 members serving three-year terms, each elected by the General Assembly. It meets at various points throughout the year, including a large session in July, in which high-level Ministers meet to discuss major issues.
The Council has subordinate organs that meet regularly and make reports. The bodies specialize on issues such as social development, the status of women, crime, drugs, and sustainable development.
The Council has subordinate organs that meet regularly and make reports. The bodies specialize on issues such as social development, the status of women, crime, drugs, and sustainable development.
Trusteeship Council
The Trusteeship Council is in charge of providing support for territories maintained by member states. The Council insures the protection of these territories, and oversees preparation for these territories to gain independence or autonomy.
By 1944, all territories had gained autonomy or independence. They either became independent states or joined independent states. The Trusteeship Council has accomplished its task, but remains an organ and will meet whenever an occasion may require. It is composed of the five permanent members (the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK)
By 1944, all territories had gained autonomy or independence. They either became independent states or joined independent states. The Trusteeship Council has accomplished its task, but remains an organ and will meet whenever an occasion may require. It is composed of the five permanent members (the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK)