United Nations

United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization established on October 24, 1945, after World War II, with the aim of preventing future wars, promoting peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.

History

The United Nations was established in 1945 by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. The Charter of the United Nations was signed on 26 June 1945, in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, and came into force on 24 October 1945.

Structure

The United Nations is made up of six main organs: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. All were established in 1945 when the UN was founded.

Membership

As of 2021, the UN has 193 member states. Each member state is a member of the United Nations General Assembly. Non-member states can also become members of the UN through a process of admission based on a recommendation from the Security Council and approval by the General Assembly.

Functions

The United Nations has multiple functions, including maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, protecting human rights, upholding international law, and delivering humanitarian aid in cases of famine, natural disaster, and armed conflict.

Criticism and Controversies

The United Nations has been the subject of numerous criticisms and controversies throughout its history, including allegations of bureaucratic inefficiency, accusations of being overly influenced by the major powers, and criticisms of its responses to genocides and humanitarian crises.

See also

• List of United Nations member states
• United Nations Security Council
• United Nations General Assembly
• United Nations Secretariat
• International Court of Justice