5.1 The United Nations System: Structure and Functions
3 min read•august 9, 2024
The United Nations System is a complex network of organizations working to maintain global peace and promote . At its core are six principal organs, including the and , which make crucial decisions on global issues.
The UN's structure enables it to address a wide range of challenges, from to economic development. like WHO and FAO tackle specific global problems, while the settles legal disputes between nations.
UN Principal Organs
General Assembly and Security Council
Top images from around the web for General Assembly and Security Council
File:UN General Assembly hall.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
United Nations System - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
United Nations Security Council - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:UN General Assembly hall.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
United Nations System - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for General Assembly and Security Council
File:UN General Assembly hall.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
United Nations System - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
United Nations Security Council - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:UN General Assembly hall.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
United Nations System - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- General Assembly functions as main deliberative organ of UN
- Comprises all 193 member states
- Meets annually in regular sessions from September to December
- Votes on important issues require two-thirds majority (budgetary matters, peace and security)
- Security Council holds primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security
- Consists of 15 members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent)
- Can impose sanctions or authorize use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security
- Recommendations require 9 affirmative votes, including concurring votes of
Secretariat and Secretary-General
- Secretariat carries out day-to-day work of UN
- Headed by , appointed by General Assembly on recommendation of Security Council
- Administers peacekeeping operations, mediates international disputes, and organizes international conferences
- Secretary-General serves as UN's top diplomat and chief administrative officer
- Brings matters threatening international peace and security to attention of Security Council
- Term lasts 5 years, can be renewed
- Notable Secretary-Generals include Kofi Annan and António Guterres
Economic and Social Council and UN Charter
- (ECOSOC) coordinates economic and social work of UN and specialized agencies
- Consists of 54 members elected by General Assembly for three-year terms
- Promotes international economic and social cooperation and development
- serves as foundational treaty of United Nations
- Signed on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco
- Outlines purposes, principles, and organizational structure of UN
- Establishes four main purposes: maintaining peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, achieving international cooperation, and harmonizing actions of nations
Security Council Composition
Permanent Members and Veto Power
- Permanent Members consist of five countries: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States
- Known as P5, reflecting their important role in founding UN after World War II
- Hold over substantive resolutions
- Veto Power allows any permanent member to block adoption of a resolution
- Can be exercised on all substantive matters, but not on procedural issues
- Has been used over 200 times since UN's founding
- Criticized for potentially paralyzing Security Council action (Syrian Civil War)
Non-Permanent Members and Election Process
- include 10 countries elected for two-year terms
- Cannot be immediately re-elected after serving a term
- Elected by General Assembly with two-thirds majority required
- Election process aims to ensure equitable geographical distribution
- Five seats for African and Asian States
- One seat for Eastern European States
- Two seats for Latin American and Caribbean States
- Two seats for Western European and other States
- Non-permanent members rotate presidency of Security Council monthly in alphabetical order
Other UN Bodies and Functions
International Court of Justice and Trusteeship Council
- International Court of Justice (ICJ) serves as principal judicial organ of UN
- Located in The Hague, Netherlands
- Settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions to UN organs and specialized agencies
- Consists of 15 judges elected by General Assembly and Security Council for nine-year terms
- suspended operations in 1994
- Originally established to supervise administration of trust territories
- Played crucial role in decolonization process (Palau gaining independence)
- Remains available to be convened if needed in the future
Peacekeeping Operations and Specialized Agencies
- Peacekeeping operations deploy to conflict areas to maintain peace and security
- First deployed in 1948 to monitor Arab-Israeli ceasefire
- Involve military personnel, police officers, and civilian staff
- Notable missions include in Kosovo and in Democratic Republic of Congo
- Specialized Agencies work in coordination with UN on specific fields
- (WHO) directs international health efforts and responds to health emergencies
- International Labour Organization (ILO) promotes workers' rights and decent working conditions
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) leads international efforts to combat hunger and improve nutrition
Key Terms to Review (22)
Cold War Impact on the UN: The Cold War Impact on the UN refers to the profound influence that the ideological and geopolitical struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union had on the functioning, structure, and effectiveness of the United Nations from its founding in 1945 until the early 1990s. This rivalry often paralyzed the UN's ability to act decisively in international crises, affecting peacekeeping missions and political resolutions while also shaping the organization's membership and agenda.
Collective security: Collective security is a system in which a group of nations agrees to act together to respond to aggression against any member, ensuring that an attack on one is considered an attack on all. This approach is rooted in the belief that collective action can deter potential aggressors and maintain peace, linking it closely to concepts of international cooperation and stability.
Economic and Social Council: The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations responsible for coordinating economic, social, and related work among the 15 UN specialized agencies, their functional commissions, and five regional commissions. ECOSOC plays a crucial role in promoting international economic and social cooperation and development, addressing issues such as poverty, education, health, and human rights.
Founding of the UN: The founding of the United Nations (UN) refers to the establishment of this intergovernmental organization on October 24, 1945, aimed at promoting international cooperation and preventing future conflicts after the devastation of World War II. The UN was created to foster peace, security, and human rights while providing a platform for dialogue among its member states, thereby shaping the structure and functions of international relations.
Funding issues: Funding issues refer to the challenges and complexities surrounding the financial resources necessary for the operation and effectiveness of international organizations, particularly the United Nations. These issues encompass the variability in contributions from member states, the dependency on voluntary donations, and the impact of economic downturns on funding levels. Understanding these challenges is crucial to grasp how they affect the UN's capacity to fulfill its missions and responsibilities.
General Assembly: The General Assembly is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, where all member states have equal representation and can discuss international issues, debate policies, and make recommendations. It serves as a unique platform for global dialogue and cooperation, allowing nations to come together to address pressing global challenges such as peace and security, development, and human rights.
Global conflicts: Global conflicts refer to disputes and confrontations that occur between states or groups on an international scale, often involving issues like territory, resources, ideology, or power dynamics. These conflicts can have far-reaching implications, affecting not just the directly involved parties but also the global community through economic, political, and social repercussions. They can escalate into wars or lead to significant humanitarian crises, necessitating international responses and interventions.
Humanitarian assistance: Humanitarian assistance refers to the aid and support provided to individuals and communities affected by crises, such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, or epidemics. This form of aid is designed to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity during emergencies. It is often coordinated through international organizations, governments, and non-governmental organizations, ensuring a timely and effective response to urgent needs.
International cooperation: International cooperation refers to the collaborative efforts of countries, organizations, and other actors to address shared challenges and achieve common goals in the global arena. This cooperation often involves diplomatic negotiations, treaties, and joint initiatives that foster collaboration on issues such as security, trade, environmental sustainability, and human rights.
International Court of Justice: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, established to settle legal disputes between states and provide advisory opinions on international legal issues. It plays a crucial role in promoting peace and justice by interpreting international law and resolving conflicts that arise between nations.
MONUSCO: MONUSCO, or the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations in 2010. It aims to protect civilians, support the Congolese government in stabilizing the country, and assist in the implementation of peace agreements following years of conflict. MONUSCO's role is critical in both peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that the fragile state of the Democratic Republic of the Congo can move towards sustainable peace and development.
Non-permanent members: Non-permanent members are elected representatives on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that serve for a limited term, typically two years, without the power of veto. They play a crucial role in the decision-making process of the UNSC, allowing for broader representation and participation of member states while ensuring that their voices contribute to international peace and security efforts.
Peacekeeping: Peacekeeping refers to the deployment of international forces, typically under the auspices of the United Nations, to help maintain peace and security in areas affected by conflict. These operations aim to create a stable environment, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support the political process to resolve underlying tensions. Peacekeeping missions often involve monitoring ceasefires, protecting civilians, and assisting in disarmament efforts.
Permanent Members: Permanent members refer to the five countries that hold a fixed position on the United Nations Security Council and have special privileges, particularly the power to veto any substantive resolution. These countries—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—play a significant role in international peace and security discussions, influencing global decision-making processes.
Secretary-general: The secretary-general is the chief administrative officer of the United Nations, responsible for carrying out the day-to-day work of the organization and representing it at various international forums. This role involves overseeing the UN's operations, facilitating discussions among member states, and ensuring that the organization's goals are met through effective leadership and management.
Security Council: The Security Council is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has the authority to impose sanctions, authorize military action, and establish peacekeeping operations, making it a key player in global governance and conflict resolution.
Specialized agencies: Specialized agencies are autonomous organizations associated with the United Nations (UN) that focus on specific areas of international concern, such as health, education, or agriculture. They work independently but coordinate with the UN to implement programs and policies that address global challenges, contributing to the overall mission of fostering international cooperation and development.
Trusteeship Council: The Trusteeship Council is a principal organ of the United Nations responsible for overseeing the administration of trust territories and ensuring their progress toward self-governance. It was established to manage territories that were not yet fully self-governing and to provide a framework for their political, social, and economic development.
UN Charter: The UN Charter is the foundational treaty of the United Nations, established in 1945, which outlines the principles, purposes, and structure of the organization. It serves as a legal framework for international relations and guides the actions of the UN, focusing on the maintenance of international peace and security, promoting human rights, and fostering social and economic development among member states.
UNMIK: UNMIK, or the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, was established in 1999 to oversee the administration of Kosovo following the conflict in the region. It plays a crucial role in maintaining peace, supporting the development of democratic institutions, and facilitating economic reconstruction in Kosovo as part of the broader framework of United Nations peacekeeping efforts.
Veto power: Veto power is the authority granted to certain members of an organization, particularly in the context of the United Nations Security Council, to block or reject decisions made by the majority. This power is crucial as it ensures that significant actions and resolutions cannot be adopted without the consent of the most influential member states, thereby reflecting the balance of power and interests among nations within the international system.
World Health Organization: The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, established in 1948. It aims to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations by coordinating global responses to health emergencies, setting health standards, and guiding health research. The WHO plays a crucial role in addressing various levels of health challenges and is pivotal in global governance systems focused on health issues.