Understanding the United Nations Structure and Functions

The United Nations Structure and Its Key Functions

The United Nations (UN) is structured into several key organs, each with specific functions and responsibilities. Here's an overview:

1. General Assembly (GA)

The General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the UN. It comprises representatives from all Member States, each with one vote. Its functions include discussing any matter within the scope of the Charter. While it primarily issues recommendations that are not mandatory, decisions on important matters require a 2/3 majority vote, while other issues require a simple majority.

2. Security Council

The Security Council consists of 15 members, including 5 permanent members (China, Russia, USA, UK, and France) and 10 members elected by the General Assembly. Each member has one vote. UN members agree to accept and implement the Security Council's decisions (Art. 25 of the UN Charter). The permanent members have veto power, meaning a negative vote from any of them can block a proposal.

3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) coordinates the economic and social work of the UN and its specialized agencies (e.g., WHO, ILO). It comprises 54 UN members, with 18 elected annually by the General Assembly for 3-year terms. Each member has one vote. Decisions are taken by a simple majority and sent as recommendations to the General Assembly. ECOSOC operates through subsidiary bodies, such as the Economic Commission for Africa and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

4. Trusteeship Council

The Trusteeship Council was made up of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council. It was established to supervise the administration of trust territories, promoting development and self-government or independence. Its objectives have been met, with all 11 trust territories having achieved independence, self-government, or annexation to neighboring countries.

5. International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice is the UN's judicial body, headquartered in The Hague. It is the only universal court of general jurisdiction and is governed by the Statute of the Court, which is part of the UN Charter. It resolves legal issues between nations (not private cases) and provides consultative opinions (non-binding) on legal matters when requested by the General Assembly, Security Council, or other UN bodies. It consists of 15 judges, each elected by an absolute majority vote in the Security Council and General Assembly for 9-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment. No two judges can be from the same State.

6. Secretariat

The Secretariat is responsible for the daily work of the UN, providing services to other organs and managing programs and policies. Headquartered in New York, it consists of a Secretary-General and necessary staff. The post of Deputy Secretary-General was established in 1998.

The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer of the UN, appointed by the General Assembly (on the recommendation of the Security Council) for a 5-year term, with the possibility of reelection. Their functions are very important:

• Representing the UN to the world.
• Calling the Security Council's attention to matters threatening international peace and security.
• Being responsible for other functions entrusted by the Security Council, the General Assembly, or other UN organs.

The Secretary-General must submit an annual report to the General Assembly on the activities of the UN.