Scarica Nazioni Unite , ONU e più Appunti in PDF di Inglese solo su Docsity! THE UNITED NATIONS (UN) The United Nations (UN) is an organization between countries established on 24 October 1945 to promote international cooperation. It was founded to replace the League of Nations following World War II and to prevent another conflict. When it was founded, the UN had 51 Member States; there are now 193. Most nations are members of the UN and send diplomats to the headquarters to hold meetings and make decisions about global issues. In 1945, the UN opened with 51 Member States. Currently, 193 countries are UN Members; the latest state to join was South Sudan in July 2011. Though sometimes described as a “parliament of nations,” the United Nations is not a world government. The UN is the forum where countries meet to discuss important issues such as human rights, social and economic development, and the fight against terrorism, among others. It plays a central role in reducing international tensions, preventing conflicts and putting an end to fighting already under way. The United Nations provides the means to help maintain international peace and security, to help those most in need to lead better lives, and to formulate policies on matters affecting all of humanity. All actions of the United Nations are made based on decisions of the Member States. The UN does not have an army nor imposes taxes. Any course of action, whether it concerns sending peacekeeping troops to conflict areas or helping a country rebuild after a war or a natural disaster, must be decided by the Member States. The United Nations also addresses issues relating to our environment, outer space and the planet’s sea-bed. It has helped wipe out many diseases and expand literacy. It cares for and protects refugees, responds to natural disasters, and has increased food security and production. It also protects and promotes rights of individuals by setting a global standard for human rights. The latest addition to the UN family of organizations is UN Women, an entity for gender equality and empowerment of women, created in 2010. Empowering women propels progress in education, health, economic growth and productivity, and helps to improve a country’s level of development. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES There are six official languages of the UN. These are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. The correct interpretation and translation of these six languages, in both spoken and written form, is very important to the work of the Organization, because this enables clear and concise communication on issues of global importance. LOGO AND FLAG The logo and flag of the UN have become its symbols as it carries out its work on the world stage. They have the practical effect of identifying the United Nations in areas of trouble and conflict to any and all parties concerned. They are also aspirational symbols, for they speak to the hopes and dreams of people the world over, for peace and unity. THE SIX MAIN UN ORGANS The work of the United Nations is carried out almost all over the world and is done by its six principal organs: - the General Assembly: which is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. All 193 Member States of the UN are represented in the General Assembly, making it the only UN body with universal representation. Decisions on important questions, such as those on peace and security, admission of new members and budgetary matters, require a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly. - the Security Council:which has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members). Each Member has one vote. Under the Charter, all
