UN

UN secretariat

UN's 'civil service' or bureaucracy led by the UN secretary general

UN Secretary-General

acts as UN's public spokesperson, leads the Secretariat, and sets the UN agenda to be approved by the UNGA, expected to represent interests of UN

UN Security Council

UN's Executive Committee, responsible only for matters concerning peace and security. 5 permanent members have veto powers and has 10 non-permanent members who serve 2 year terms.

UN General Assembly

UNGA = UN Parliament, every member state can participate in debates and every state has one vote

International Court of Justice

ICJ mainly judges territorial disputes - not a criminal court so does not handle human rights matters. Can only hear cases brought by states and by UN organs + agencies.

UN Economic and Social Council

ECOSOC responsible for economic security and development, and human rights

UN Trusteeship Council

Includes UNSC states to oversee decolonisation process with goal of ensuring all territories gain secure independence with stable governments

number of UN member states

193

non-member observer states

When a state's sovereignty is not internationally recognised, it may be given non-member observer states by the GA.

UNGA functions + powers

- Electing UNSC non-permanent members and members of ECOSOC
- Appointing the secretary-general based on the UNSC's recommendation
- Considering and debating reports from ECOSOC and the ICJ
- Approving the UN's budget
Election judges to the ICJ
- UNGA has committees as a means of streamlining work into specific, focused committees

UNSC functions + powers

- Issue binding resolutions in international law by which all member states must abide
- Issue economic sanctions + call upon member states to adopt them
- Authorise military action, from humanitarian assistance to no-fly zones
- Decide whether new member states should be recognised by the UNGA