United Nations: Charter, History & Principal Organs
The United Nations (UN) was established on October 24, 1945, following the ratification of the UN Charter signed at the San Francisco Conference by 51 founding member states. Headquartered in New York City, the UN is dedicated to maintaining international peace and security, fostering friendly relations, and promoting human rights. The UN operates through six principal organs: the General Assembly (UNGA, universal deliberative body), the Security Council (UNSC, 15 members including the 5 permanent veto-wielding members: US, UK, France, Russia, China), the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ, located in The Hague), the Secretariat (led by the Secretary-General), and the Trusteeship Council (suspended operations in 1994).
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The United Nations was officially established on October 24, 1945, following the adoption and ratification of the UN Charter in San Francisco.
- The UN Security Council consists of 15 members: 5 permanent members (P5: US, UK, France, Russia, China) with veto power, and 10 non-permanent members elected for 2-year terms.
- The UN General Assembly is the only UN organ in which all 193 member states have equal representation with one vote each.
- United Nations Peacekeeping forces ('Blue Helmets') operate under Security Council mandates, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.