UN-Structure , Funtion and Relevance

The United Nations was born out of the ashes of World War II, with the aim of preventing such
global conflicts from ever happening again. The catastrophic consequences of the war made it
clear that a new international order was needed. The precursor to the UN, the League of Nations,
had failed in its mission to prevent the outbreak of World War II. Thus, the need for a more
effective and robust international organization was widely recognized.

The UN Charter was drafted during the United Nations Conference on International
Organization, which took place from April to June 1945 in San Francisco. On June 26, 1945,
representatives of 50 countries signed the Charter, and it came into force on October 24, 1945,
after being ratified by the five permanent members of the Security Council (China, France, the
Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and a majority of other signatories.

Structure:

The United Nations is a complex organization composed of six main organs, each with its own
functions and responsibilities:

General Assembly: The General Assembly is the main deliberative and policy-making organ of
the UN. It is the most representative body within the organization, with each of the 193 member
states having one vote. The General Assembly discusses and votes on a wide range of issues,
including peace and security, development, human rights, and international law.

Security Council: The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and
security. It consists of 15 members, including five permanent members (China, France, Russia,
the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-
year terms. The Security Council has the power to impose sanctions, deploy peacekeeping
forces, and authorize military action to maintain or restore peace.

Secretariat: The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the

General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The Secretary-General
serves as the chief administrative officer of the UN and is responsible for carrying out the day-to-
day work of the organization. The Secretariat is headquartered in New York City and has offices
and agencies around the world.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ): ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN. It
settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it
by the General Assembly, Security Council, or other UN organs. The ICJ is composed of 15
judges elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): ECOSOC is responsible for coordinating the
economic, social, and related work of 15 UN specialized agencies, their functional commissions,
and five regional commissions. It promotes international cooperation on economic, social, and
environmental issues and works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted
by the General Assembly in 2015.

Trusteeship Council: The Trusteeship Council was established to oversee the administration of
trust territories and ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare them for self-government or
independence. With the independence of all trust territories, the Trusteeship Council suspended
its operations in 1994 but remains in existence should its services be needed again in the future.

Functions of UN

The United Nations performs a wide range of functions as outlined in its charter. Some of the
main functions of the UN include:

Maintaining International Peace and Security: The primary purpose of the UN is to prevent
conflicts and maintain international peace and security. The Security Council plays a central role
in this regard, with the power to deploy peacekeeping forces, impose sanctions, and authorize
military action to address threats to peace and security.

Promoting Human Rights: The UN is committed to upholding and protecting human rights
globally. It has various mechanisms in place, including the Human Rights Council and the Office
of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to monitor and address human rights violations
and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Providing Humanitarian Assistance: The UN coordinates humanitarian relief efforts in
response to natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies. Agencies such as the World Food
Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) play a vital role in providing life-saving
assistance to millions of people affected by crises around the world.

Promoting Sustainable Development: The UN works to promote sustainable development and

eradicate poverty worldwide. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the
General Assembly in 2015, provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global
challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN and its specialized agencies
work together to implement the SDGs and achieve a more sustainable and equitable world for
all.

Relevance of UN in Present Century

Despite facing numerous challenges, the United Nations remains highly relevant in today's
world:

Conflict Resolution: The UN continues to play a crucial role in mediating conflicts and
maintaining peace in various parts of the world. From peacekeeping missions in countries like
Mali and the Central African Republic to political mediation efforts in Syria and Yemen, the UN
is actively engaged in resolving conflicts and preventing violence.

Humanitarian Assistance: The UN provides vital humanitarian assistance to millions of people

affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies each year. Whether providing
food, shelter, clean water, or medical care, UN agencies and humanitarian partners are on the
front lines, saving lives and alleviating suffering around the world.

Promotion of Human Rights: The UN is at the forefront of efforts to promote and protect
human rights globally. Through mechanisms such as the Human Rights Council, the Office of
the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and special rapporteurs and experts, the UN monitors
human rights situations, investigates abuses, and advocates for the rights of vulnerable and
marginalized groups.
Sustainable Development: The UN is leading global efforts to address climate change, promote
sustainable development, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. From
supporting renewable energy projects to promoting sustainable agriculture and conservation
efforts, the UN and its partners are working to build a more sustainable and resilient future for
all.

In conclusion, the United Nations Organization has evolved into a complex and multifaceted
international body since its establishment in 1945. With its diverse structure, wide-ranging
functions, and continued relevance in addressing global challenges, the UN remains an
indispensable forum for international cooperation and collective action. Despite facing numerous
challenges, including geopolitical tensions, funding shortages, and the increasingly complex
nature of global problems, the UN continues to play a vital role in promoting peace, security,
human rights, and sustainable development worldwide.