The United Nations (UN) is a multinational organization. It was established in San Francisco in California on 24th October 1945. It was established after WWII. The League of Nations was also created in a similar way after WWI. The United Nations was founded in 1945 with 51 members. There are now 193 countries that belong to the UN. The UN is a global organization that has several purposes. These include maintaining international peace, promoting international cooperation, and solving international problems in the areas of economics, culture, humanitarianism, and society. The United Nations like all other organizations has goals and aims. Each of these organs has a unique role that helps to achieve the goals set by the organization. The General Assembly is the UN’s policy-making body and its representative. It provides a forum for global discussions. The Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and safety; it determines if a peace operation will be needed. Third, it is the responsibility of the Economic and Social council to promote sophisticated living values, full employment and financial and social development. It also looks for solutions for universal economic, health and social problems and encourages total respect for human right. The role of the trusteeship is to assist the foreign lands in gaining independence. But this council dissolved itself later on, after 1994. All 11 trust territory gained self-government. Fifth, the UN’s most important judicial institution is the International Court of Justice. The court’s two main functions are to settle legal disputes proposed by countries and to recommend judgments on legal issues authorized by UN bodies. Sixth, UN’s secretariat is its executive branch. It administers and synchronizes policies and programs laid out by other UN organs.
There are many advantages to the United Nations. They have been able to restore peace in countless nations by restoring 69 peacekeeping duties over the last sixty years. Second, IAEA professionals ensure that nuclear material used for peaceful uses by signing agreements with over 180 nations. Third, fighting the hunger through the creation of an organization called Food and Agriculture Organization. This particular organization also helps developing countries improve agriculture and fishery in order to preserve natural resources. Fourth, improving education and literacy where programs were designed to promote teaching and progression of illiterate woman. Fifth, promoting rights of human beings. UN takes note of cases where torture, dentition or disappearance are reported by individuals. Sixth, the UN promotes democracy by encouraging democratic institutions and practices worldwide; by helping people to participate in fair and open elections. Seventh, UN is committed to promoting the rights of women; to help them develop and become more empowered. Strengthening the international legal system by signing over 560 conventions on refugee issues, trade, crimes against humanity, and human right. Assisting refugees through aid and support; over 41 millions refugees receive food, shelter, medical assistance, and education.
The United Nations is a great organization with many supporters, but it also has its critics and drawbacks. So, let’s look at the disadvantages and drawbacks of the UN. The International Court of Justice does not have a mechanism that authorizes judges. Thirdly, the UN can only be effective if its members agree. Fourth, the UN is ineffective because many people have been affected by some failed programs. The support provided does not eliminate poverty, women trafficking, or security concerns. Fifth, its veto is a veto that only concerns the major countries. Sixthly, there was corruption and mismanagement by certain UN officials. Also, the rules and procedures were not followed. And the older members would not allow any new members to join. Sexual abuse was also on the rise after NATO peacekeepers intervened in cases of sexual abuse.
It is possible to make the United Nations more powerful by putting people before governments and state. By varying the number of vetos, the United Nations can balance its power. Also, continue with reforms in peacekeeping. Achieving sustainable development for the UN in various areas including urban design, renewable energy, technological innovation and ocean health. Bringing in more members and dissolving VETO powers.
The United Nations is a 70-year-old organization with many successes, but also disappointments.
