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Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the United Nations
FOR STUDENTS AT INTERMEDIATE AND SECONDARY LEVELS

United Nations Department of Public Information New York, 2010
An introduction to the United Nations i

Material contained in this book is not subject to copyright. It may be freely reproduced, provided acknowledgement is given to the UnIted natIons. For further informationplease contact: Visitors services, department of Public Information, United nations, new York, nY 10017 Fax 212-963-0071; e-mail: inquiries@un.org all photos by Un Photo, unless otherwise noted Published by the United nations department of Public Information Printed by the United nations Publishing section, new York

Table of contents

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Introduction to the United Nations

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The UN family � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 The UN works for international peace and security

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The Millennium Development Goals � � � � � � 39 Human Rights � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 51 Frequently asked questions
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An introduction to the United Nations
•he United Nations has four purposes: to maintain international T peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights; and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations� Cooperating in this effort are more than 30 affiliated organizations, known together as the UN system� •he United Nations is not a world government, and it does not T make laws� It does, however, provide the means to help resolve international conflicts and formulate policies on matters affecting all of us� • t the UN, all the Member States — large and small, rich and poor, A with differing political views and social systems — have a voice and a vote in this process� TheUnited Nations gives the opportunity for countries to balance global interdependence and national interests when addressing international problems� • he UN system works to promote respect for human rights, reduce T poverty, fight disease and protect the environment� The United Nations leads international campaigns against drug trafficking and terrorism� • hroughout the world, the UN and itsagencies help expand food T production, assist refugees, lead the fight against AIDS and set up programmes to clear landmines, among others�

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Everything About the United Nations

An introduction to the United Nations
What is the United Nations?
The United Nations is a unique organization of independent countries that have come together to work for world peace and social progress. TheOrganization formally came into existence on 24 October 1945, with 51 countries considered founding Members. By the end of 2008, the membership of the UN had grown to 192 countries. Since its inception, no country has ever been expelled from membership. Indonesia temporarily quit the UN in 1965 over a dispute with neighbouring Malaysia, but returned the following year.
the United nations buildingin new York City

So, the United Nations is like a world government?
Wrong. Governments represent countries and peoples. The United Nations represents neither a particular government nor any one nation. It represents all its Members and does only what the Member States decide that it should do.

Is there a set of rules or principles that guides the United Nations in its work?
Yes, theCharter of the United Nations. It is a set of guidelines that explains the rights and duties of each Member country, and what needs to be done to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. When a nation becomes a Member of the UN, it accepts the aims and rules of the Charter.

The UN has four main purposes:
To keep peace throughout the world; To develop friendly relations among nations; To...