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Monday 4/15 - Intro to the UN

• Objective: Examine the purpose and function of the United Nations.

• Discussion Question: – In your opinion, what is the best way to

solve conflict? Explain what method you would use and why it would be successful!

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Unit 6

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I. Purpose

• The purpose of the United Nations is to – (a) bring all nations of the world

together to work for peace and development,

– (b) based on the principles of justice, human dignity and the well-being of all people.

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I. Purpose

• It allows countries the – (c) opportunity to balance global

interdependence (interests of the world) and national interests when addressing international problems.

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II. Basic Facts

• (a) Started on October 24, 1945 with 51 members.

• (b) Today there are 192 members.• The (c) United Nations Headquarters

are in New York City – on international territory.

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II. Basic Facts

• Six official languages are used– (d) Arabic, Chinese, English, French,

Russian and Spanish.• (e) Created after Holocaust/World War

II as a way for countries to settle disputes peacefully.

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III. The Charter of the United Nations

• Charter: Describes the goals and principles of an organization.

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III. The Charter of the United Nations

• The United Nation’s constitution includes:

a. Purposeb. Functions and dutiesc. Describes constituentsd. How a state can become a membere. The rights and obligations of member

statesf. How to make changes to the charterg. Statement of principles

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The Structure of the UN• The UN meets regularly in sessions to

consider the world’s most pressing problems.

• Each country gets one vote.• Most decisions are decided by a

simple majority.• They cannot force action on any

country, but their recommendations are important for the indication of the world’s opinion on issues.

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IV. The Structure of the UN

There are six parts:a. The Secretariat/Secretary-General

b. The Security Council

c. The General Assembly

d. Economic and Social Council

e. Trusteeship Council

f. International Court of Justice

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(a) The Secretariat/Secretary-General – Mr. Aney

• Runs UN programs from peacekeeping to economic development.

• Seen as the head of the United Nations.• Works as a research organization which

compiles reports.• Operates a media and information center

which is responsible for educating people globally about the UN’s projects.

• Translates languages to ensure communication among member states.

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(b) The Security Council - Members

• A group of member states (usually the most powerful ones) who are given the right to make decisions for the entire organization.

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The Security Council - Members

• There are five permanent members–France–The People’s Republic of China–The Russian Federation–The United Kingdom–The United States

• There are 10 nonpermanent members– They serve 2 year terms

• Veto power – these countries can stop any proposals.

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(c) The General Assembly

• A president is elected to preside over the General Assembly.

• This is where all member states deliberate and debate.

• Often, the UN sends issues on the agenda to committees to be discussed.

– They then draft and vote on proposals.

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(c) The General Assembly

• States tend to vote in groups.– Geographic ties – Common political, ideological, or

religious beliefs– Developmental status

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(d) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

• Interested in the promotion of human rights.

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(e) Trusteeship Council

• Helps colonies become independent countries.

– They have not met since 1994.

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(f) International Court of Justice (ICJ)

• Peacefully mediates disputes and interprets treaties.

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Lets Watch a Video on the history of the UN:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbQTYHAN2c8

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UN Countries• Afghanistan• Argentina• Armenia• Australia• Brazil• Canada• China• Cuba• France• Germany• Greece• India• Indonesia• Iran• Iraq• Israel• Italy• Japan

• Egypt• Mexico• North Korea• Pakistan• Panama• Phillipines• Poland• Russia• Saudi Arabia• South Africa• South Korea• Spain• Thailand• Turkey• United Kingdom• Unites States of America

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Homework

• Read through the United Nations Charter & answer the discussion questions– Due Tomorrow!