UNO AND ITS ORGANS – COMPLETE NOTES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS
By Home Academy
INTRODUCTION
The United Nations Organization (UNO) is the largest international organization in the world established to maintain international peace and security, promote cooperation among nations, protect human rights, support development, and solve international disputes.
The United Nations emerged after the devastating effects of World War II (1939–1945). Before the UN, there existed the League of Nations, established after World War I to maintain world peace. However, the League failed to prevent aggression and could not stop World War II.
To avoid future global conflicts and establish a stronger international peace system, countries decided to create a new organization known as the United Nations.
HISTORY OF FORMATION OF UNO
1. Atlantic Charter (1941)
Britain and the United States discussed principles for maintaining international peace and cooperation.
2. Declaration by United Nations (1 January 1942)
The term United Nations was officially used for the first time.
3. Moscow Conference (1943)
Major Allied nations agreed on establishing a global peace organization.
4. Dumbarton Oaks Conference (1944)
Basic structure and framework of the UN were prepared.
5. San Francisco Conference (1945)
Representatives of 50 countries signed the United Nations Charter.
6. Official Establishment
United Nations officially came into existence on:
24 October 1945
This day is celebrated every year as:
United Nations Day
BASIC FACTS ABOUT UNO
| Particular | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | United Nations Organization |
| Established | 24 October 1945 |
| Founding Members | 51 |
| Present Members | 193 |
| Headquarters | New York, USA |
| Official Languages | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish |
| Current Secretary-General | António Guterres |
| Deputy Secretary-General | Amina J. Mohammed |
| Founding Document | UN Charter |
OBJECTIVES OF UNO
Maintain international peace and security
Develop friendly relations among nations
Promote international cooperation
Protect human rights
Solve economic and social problems
Promote sustainable development
PRINCIPAL ORGANS OF UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations works through six principal organs.
1. GENERAL ASSEMBLY (UNGA)
“Parliament of Nations”
Headquarters:
New York, USA
Current President:
Annalena Baerbock
Composition:
All 193 member countries
One country = One vote
Functions:
Legislative and Discussion Platform
Countries discuss:
International peace
Climate issues
Human rights
Global development
Budget Approval
Approves UN budget.
Election Functions
Elects:
ECOSOC members
Non-permanent Security Council members
ICJ judges jointly with Security Council
Appointment Role
Appoints Secretary-General upon recommendation.
Important Fact:
General Assembly resolutions are generally not legally binding.
2. SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC)
“Executive Organ”
Headquarters:
New York, USA
Composition:
Total = 15 Members
Permanent Members (P5):
United States
United Kingdom
France
Russia
China
Non-Permanent Members:
10 elected members for 2 years.
Presidency:
Rotates monthly.
Main Function:
Maintain international peace and security.
Powers:
Peacekeeping
Deploys UN missions.
Sanctions
Imposes:
Economic sanctions
Diplomatic sanctions
Military Authorization
Authorizes military operations.
Conflict Resolution
Acts against threats to peace.
Special Power:
VETO POWER
Available only to permanent members.
Meaning:
One negative vote by P5 can block important decisions.
Important Fact:
Security Council decisions can become legally binding.
3. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC)
“Development Organ”
Headquarters:
New York, USA
Current President:
Bob Rae
Composition:
54 elected countries.
Main Function:
Promote international economic and social cooperation.
Functions:
Economic Development
Employment
Trade
Poverty reduction
Social Welfare
Education
Healthcare
Gender equality
Coordination
Coordinates agencies such as:
WHO
UNESCO
UNICEF
ILO
Sustainable Development
Monitors SDGs.
Important Fact:
ECOSOC connects the UN with specialized agencies.
4. INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ)
“Judicial Organ”
Headquarters:
The Hague, Netherlands
Current President:
Yuji Iwasawa (Japan)
Composition:
15 Judges
Term = 9 Years
Election:
Judges elected jointly by:
General Assembly
Security Council
Functions:
Settlement of Disputes
Handles:
Border disputes
Treaty disputes
Maritime issues
Advisory Role
Provides legal opinions.
International Law
Interprets international legal principles.
Important Fact:
Only countries can bring cases before ICJ.
5. SECRETARIAT
“Administrative Organ”
Headquarters:
New York, USA
Head:
Secretary-General
Current Secretary-General:
António Guterres
Deputy:
Amina J. Mohammed
Functions:
Administration
Manages day-to-day UN operations.
Meetings
Organizes conferences and summits.
Reports
Prepares global reports.
Implementation
Executes UN decisions.
Diplomacy
Secretary-General acts as mediator.
Important Fact:
Secretary-General is called:
Chief Administrative Officer of UNO
6. TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL
“Supervisory Organ”
Headquarters:
New York, USA
Current Status:
Inactive (operations suspended since 1994)
Why Created?
To supervise trust territories and prepare them for independence.
Functions:
Political Development
Prepared territories for self-government.
Social Development
Improved living conditions.
Monitoring
Ensured proper administration.
Final Achievement:
Completed work after independence of Palau.
SPECIALIZED AGENCIES OF UN
| Agency | Function | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| UNESCO | Education & Culture | Paris |
| WHO | Health | Geneva |
| UNICEF | Child Welfare | New York |
| FAO | Agriculture | Rome |
| ILO | Labour | Geneva |
| IMF | Finance | Washington DC |
| World Bank | Development | Washington DC |
INDIA AND UNITED NATIONS
India became a founding member in 1945.
India contributes to UN peacekeeping.
India supports Security Council reforms.
India seeks permanent membership in UNSC.
CRITICISM OF UNO
Veto power creates inequality.
Slow decision making.
Dependence on member countries.
Representation concerns in Security Council.
MOST IMPORTANT MCQs
1. UNO was established on?
A. 15 August 1947
B. 24 October 1945 ✅
C. 26 January 1950
D. 1 January 1946
2. Headquarters of UNO?
A. Geneva
B. Paris
C. New York ✅
D. London
3. Number of principal organs?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6 ✅
D. 7
4. Which organ has Veto Power?
A. ICJ
B. Security Council ✅
C. ECOSOC
D. Secretariat
5. Headquarters of ICJ?
A. Geneva
B. Hague ✅
C. Paris
D. London
6. Current Secretary-General?
A. Ban Ki-moon
B. António Guterres ✅
C. Kofi Annan
D. Dag Hammarskjöld
ONE-LINE REVISION
UNO → 24 October 1945
Members → 193
Languages → 6
Organs → 6
ICJ → Hague
P5 → USA, UK, France, Russia, China
Secretary-General → António Guterres
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