The United Nations. It’s the global organization that works to promote peace, justice and human rights across the world. But more than 70 years after it was first founded, what does the United Nations actually do? Its mission is a broad one, from tackling climate change and responding to natural disasters to monitoring elections and fighting terrorism. In this article, we’ll explore the many roles of the United Nations today.
What Is the United Nations?
The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945 after the end of WWII. It is composed of 193 member countries, and its main aims are to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights and economic growth, as well as to provide a forum for dialogue between countries. Its headquarters are located in New York City, USA.
The Goals and Objectives of the United Nations
The United Nations works to carry out a range of goals and objectives. These fall under the 6 main categories outlined in the UN Charter:
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To maintain international peace and security – The UN works hard to avoid armed conflict and to end existing ones, including attempting to repress acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace.
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To develop friendly relations among nations – The UN encourages cooperation between nations in order to promote a better understanding of universal problems.
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To achieve cooperation in solving international problems – The UN endeavors to make international law, provide humanitarian aid, establish socio-economic progress and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations – The UN serves as a platform for discussing international issues and encourages settlements of international disputes.
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To promote social progress – The UN seeks to improve living conditions around the world, promote economic and social development and secure human rights for all.
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To establish the conditions for justice and international law – The UN works to organize and codify international law, ensure justice is dispensed properly, and ensure fundamental freedoms for all.
What Does the United Nations Do Today?
The United Nations is active in a number of roles today, including:
Peacekeeping
The UN is dedicated to promoting lasting peace and security on the global stage. To achieve this, it uses a range of tools, such as resolving conflicts through diplomacy, monitoring ceasefires and facilitating peace negotiations. The UN deploys UN Peacekeeping Forces to conflict zones, positioning military and civilian personnel between warring parties in order to reduce violence and encourage a lasting peace.
Humanitarian Action
The UN works to provide humanitarian support to those in need. This includes providing emergency relief, such as food and medical supplies, in times of crisis; supporting refugees and internally displaced people; promoting health and education; as well as seeking to eradicate poverty.
Environmental Responsibility and Conservation
The UN is committed to fighting global warming and other environmental issues. The UN is a primary source of global climate policies and works with governments, civil society and private sector partners to initiate clean energy solutions. It also works to protect threatened species and preserve forests, oceans and other natural resources for future generations.
Fighting Terrorism
The UN is committed to tackling the threat of terrorism by working to prevent and counter violent extremist ideologies and activities. It implements a range of initiatives and programs, including developing strategies to reduce terrorism financing, providing technical assistance and support, and increasing collaboration between countries.
Advocating Human Rights
The UN seeks to protect and promote the respect for human rights around the world. It works to ensure all people are treated with dignity and respect, and that their basic rights and freedoms are upheld. The UN does this through supporting economic, social and cultural rights and pushing for governments to adhere to international human rights standards.
Monitoring Elections
The UN monitors elections around the world, ensuring they are conducted freely and fairly and adhere to accepted international standards. It supports countries who request assistance and helps to tackle issues such as fraud and bribery. The UN also provides training and technical advice to election officials, observers, and civil society organizations.
The Impact of the United Nations
Since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations has had an immense impact on global peace, security, human rights and development. It has helped to resolve major international conflicts and provided humanitarian aid to people in need. The United Nations is an integral part of the international system and its ongoing efforts are essential in addressing the global challenges we face today.
The United Nations is an organization dedicated to promoting international peace and security, fighting terrorism, advocating for human rights and development, and encouraging friendly relations among nations. The UN is actively involved in many activities, ranging from peacekeeping to monitoring elections, and is an important part of the international system. By continuing to carry out its activities, the United Nations is helping to move the world closer to a more peaceful, just and equitable future.
