United Nations Charter Overview

UN Charter

An international treaty that serves as the foundation for international law and the United Nations.

Pacta sunt servanda

A principle in international law meaning that agreements must be kept.

Sovereign equality

The principle that all states are equal under international law.

Non-intervention

The principle that states should not interfere in the internal affairs of other sovereign states.

Security Council

A key organ of the UN responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Veto power

The power of the five permanent members of the Security Council to block any substantive resolution.

Article 103

States that obligations under the UN Charter prevail over obligations under other international agreements.

Self-defense

The inherent right of a state to defend itself against armed attack.

Human Rights

The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world.

International cooperation

Working collectively across nations to solve global issues and promote human rights.

United Nations Charter

The founding treaty of the United Nations, signed on June 26, 1945.

Preamble

The introductory statement of the Charter expressing determination to save future generations from war and promote human rights.

Collective Measures

Actions taken by the UN to prevent threats to peace, suppress acts of aggression, and settle disputes.

General Assembly

The main deliberative body of the UN where all member states are represented equally.

Security Council

The UN organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security, consisting of 15 members.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

The UN body tasked with promoting international economic, social, and cultural cooperation.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The principal judicial organ of the UN, which settles disputes between states.

Trusteeship Council

Created to supervise trust territories and ensure their advancement toward self-government.

Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

The process required by the Charter for resolving conflicts through non-violent means.

Chapter VII

The section of the Charter that empowers the Security Council to take coercive action when peaceful means fail.

Regional Organizations

Entities like NATO recognized by the Charter to manage local disputes in alignment with UN principles.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A foundational document adopted in 1948 that outlines fundamental human rights.

Treaty Registration

The requirement that all treaties between states must be registered with the UN to be legally recognized.

Amendment Procedures

The process outlined in the Charter for making changes, requiring a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly.

State Sovereignty

The principle that states have authority and independence over their territory and governance.

Human Dignity

The inherent worth of individuals that the UN aims to protect and promote through its governance.