United Nations: Structure, Principles, and Key Provisions
Classified in Law & Jurisprudence
Written on in 
English with a size of 2.3 KB
United Nations
Key Principles
Members should:
- Respect the sovereign equality of member states
- Refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state
- Settle international disputes by peaceful means
- Support enforcement actions
- Fulfill in good faith all obligations assumed under the Charter
Key UN Charter Provisions
- Chapter I: Purposes and Principles (Art. 2(3), Art. 2(4), Art. 2(7))
- Chapter VI: Pacific Settlement of Disputes (Art. 33(1))
- Chapter VII: Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, Acts of Aggression (Art. 39, Art. 41, Art. 42, Art. 51)
- Chapter VIII: Regional Arrangements (Art. 52, Art. 53)
6 Principle Bodies
Security Council
Primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Authority to act on behalf of all members. 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members. Not fully representative of UN membership.
General Assembly
Embodies the international community. Primary organ for dealing with threats to international peace and security. Makes only non-binding recommendations. One state, one vote. Decisions are made by a majority (2/3). Plays a key role in international law.
Economic and Social Council
UN's central forum for addressing international economic and social issues. 54 members. Acts through non-binding decisions and resolutions.
Trusteeship Council
Established to oversee the administration of non-self-governing trust territories. 11 UN trust territories.
International Court of Justice
Ensures that the principles of the Charter are followed. Impartial body for settling legal disputes. 15 judges serve for 9 years. Has no executive power to enforce decisions.
Secretariat
Has 8,900 professionals, based in Nairobi, NYC, Vienna, and Geneva. Its members are meant to pursue collective interests. Involved in field operations in 140 countries.
Secretary-General: Manager of the organ. Provides leadership. Elected for 5 years. Key factor in the emergence of the UN as an autonomous actor in world politics.