Overview of the United Nations Assemblies and their Functions

Assemblies of the United Nations

  • The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. It was established after WWII to prevent further conflicts among major powers.
Main Bodies of the UN

  1. General Assembly

    • Represents all member nations; each has one vote.
    • Makes major decisions regarding:
      • Peace and Security
      • Admission of new members
      • UN budget
    • Decisions require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

  2. Security Council

    • Addresses issues brought to it by the General Assembly.
    • Can authorize military force against nations violating UN principles.
    • Composed of 15 members:
      • 5 permanent members:
        • United States
        • France
        • Great Britain
        • Russia
        • China
      • 10 non-permanent members elected on a rotating basis.
    • Veto Power:
      • Each permanent member can prevent any resolution, leading to controversy over power distribution and often hindering actionable resolutions due to conflicts among these nations.

  3. Secretariat

    • Acts as the UN's administrative body.
    • Led by the Secretary General, who influences the organization.
      • Typically chosen from a neutral country to avoid overpowering influence.
    • Requires a loyalty oath from staff, prohibiting direct instructions from home governments.

  4. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

    • Settles legal disputes submitted by countries concerning international law.
    • Lacks enforcement power but can be backed by the Security Council's recommendations.
    • Generally, countries comply with the Court's rulings.

  5. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

    • The largest and most complex UN body addressing:
      • Economic activities
      • Social issues
      • Humanitarian assistance
      • Cultural initiatives
    • In recent years, promoted initiatives like green energy and improving wages in poorer countries.

  6. Trusteeship Council

    • Oversaw trust territories aiming for self-governance, examples include:
      • Israel
      • Papua New Guinea
      • Nauru
    • Last territory, Palau, gained independence in 1994, leading to the council's suspension of operations.
    • Proposed future role could include stewardship of the seafloor or outer space.