Std-10thSubject-history

UN facts 192 member states Un headquarters is situated in New York The US has always been by far the largest single

contributor to the UN budget. In June 2004 the US owed the UN just over $1 billion –

almost half the total $2.5 billion owed to the UN by its members.

The budget for the UN's main operations is $2.5 billion a year.

In theory, any member state that owes more than its two previous years’ assessments cannot vote in the General Assembly.

The UN Secretariat worldwide employs some 15,000 people from 170 different countries

Six official languages are used at the UN: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.

The current secretary general is Ban Ki-moon of South Korea.

Aims /Objectives of the UN To keep peace throughout the world. To develop friendly relations between nations. To work together to help people live better lives, to

eliminate poverty, disease and illiteracy in the world, to stop environmental destruction and to encourage respect for each other's rights and freedoms.

To be a centre for helping nations achieve these aims.

Principles of the UN All Member States have sovereign equality. All Member States must obey the Charter. Countries must try to settle their differences by

peaceful means. Countries must avoid using force or threatening to

use force. The UN may not interfere in the domestic affairs of

any country. Countries should try to assist the United Nations.

Activity: Structure of the UN Identify the purpose,

membership structure, and powers of the following branches:

General Assembly Security Council Secretariat Economic and Social Council Court of Justice Ban Ki-moon: S. Korea

General Assembly Purpose: Open, deliberative forum

Membership: All member nations (193) 1 vote per delegation 2/3rd vote to pass resolutions/mandates

Function/Powers: Elect members of other organs Debate issues and make (non-binding) recommendations Approve budget and spending Suspend or revoke membership

Security Council Purpose: Maintain peace and security

Membership: 5 permanent members (China, France, Britain, US, Russia), 10 non-perm members (elected 2 yr terms by GA) 9/15 votes to take action, including all 5 perm

Function/Powers: Investigate and mediate disputes (binding decisions) Apply political and economic sanctions Take military action when necessary

Secretariat Purpose: Carry out daily operations

Membership: Secretary General (Ban Ki-moon) – 5 yr~50K+ workers in various agencies and offices (NYC

main)

Function/Powers:Administer programs and policiesCreate press releases

Econ and Social Council Purpose: Promote higher standard of living, econ and

social progress

Membership: 54 members- regional representation 3 year terms 1 vote per nation

Function/Powers: Formulate policy Discuss & Initiate studies concerning econ/soc issues Call international summits (mtgs)

Internatl Court of Justice

Purpose: Settle disputes of internatl law

Membership: 15 Justices (independent once elected) 9 year terms Peace Palace (The Hague, Amsterdam)

Function/Powers: Nations submitting disputes agree to decisions Advise organs on legal questions

Trusteeship Council Purpose: Oversee “trust territories” (11

nations w/out govt following WW2)

Membership: 5 Perm Security Nations

Function: None, all territories est self-govt eventually