Basic Facts about the United Nations

Flashcards covering basic facts about the United Nations, its structure, principal organs, and key functions based on lecture notes.

What does the Charter of the United Nations define?

The rights and obligations of member states, and its principal organs and procedures.

When was the Charter of the United Nations signed?

June 26, 1945.

When did the United Nations officially come into existence?

October 24, 1945, with the ratification of the Charter.

What is celebrated on October 24 each year?

United Nations Day.

What are the four main purposes of the United Nations as set forth in the Charter?

Maintain international peace and security; develop friendly relations among nations; cooperate in solving international problems and promoting human rights; be a center for harmonizing actions of nations.

What are the six principal organs of the United Nations?

The General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.

What is the General Assembly's role in the UN?

It is the chief deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ.

How are decisions on important questions made in the General Assembly?

By a two-thirds majority vote.

When does the General Assembly's regular session begin each year?

On Tuesday in the third week of September.

What are the five permanent members of the Security Council?

China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

How many members does the Security Council have?

15 members: 5 permanent and 10 elected for two-year terms.

What does a decision on a substantive matter in the Security Council require?

Nine votes and the absence of a negative vote (veto) by any of the five permanent members.

What is the primary responsibility of the Security Council under the Charter?

The maintenance of international peace and security.

What is the role of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)?

To prosecute persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Rwanda during 1994.

What is the role of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT)?

To continue the jurisdiction, rights, obligations, and essential functions of the ICTR and ICTY after their mandates are completed.

What is the primary function of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?

To coordinate the economic, social, and related work of the United Nations and specialized agencies.

What are the five regional commissions that report to ECOSOC?

Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP), and Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

What is the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in relation to the UN?

The UN regards them as important partners and valuable links to civil society, consulting them on matters of mutual concern.

What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ) primarily known as?

The principal judicial organ of the United Nations, also known as the 'World Court'.

What are the two main roles of the International Court of Justice?

To settle legal disputes submitted to it by states in accordance with international law, and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and agencies.