INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

TERMS TO KNOW NGO: A global non-government

organization. Usually includes humanitarian, medical, scientific, and sporting organizations

What are some examples?

Collective Security: The concept that member states within an organization will provide military support and cooperation in the event of an attack on any other member state

EARLY INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Arose in the early 19th century Made possible by new technologies for travel and

communication League of Nations:

- Founded in 1919 as apart of the Treaty of Versailles.- Used the idea of collective security. At one point, the league had 57 members. -Based in Switzerland. The league was meant to keep world peace. - It would vote on decisions and the votes needed to be unanimous in order to be processed. -The United States was not part of the league, and Russia and Germany were originally forbidden to join. - This League failed to prevent WWII.

WHY? With the information you have, discuss

some of the reasons the League of Nations might have failed?

THE UNITED NATIONS Commonly referred to as the U.N Came into existence October 24, 1945 51 Original members had all met in San Francisco to draft

the Charter of the United NationsIts purpose is to:

Maintain international peace and security Develop friendly relations among nations Solve international problems Promote respect for human rights

And the Fundamental Norm…

All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations

THE UN’S 6 MAIN ORGANS The General Assembly The Security council The Secretariat The Economic and Social council The Trustee council The International court of Justice

The UN headquarters is based in New York, however the International court of Justice can be found in The Hague, Neatherlands.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY The central body in which each member

state is represented and has one vote “Town Hall Meeting of the World” Can only adopt resolutions It is the closest thing to a world

parliament It is a norm generating institution Six official languages are spoken at the

UN: Arabic, English, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish

THE SECURITY COUNCIL The council is meant to maintain international peace and

security, and is thus the most powerful organ of the UN. The security council has the power to make decisions that are

legally binding under the UN Charter. Council decisions are supported by a system of sanctions for enforcing compliance

The security council has 15 members. The victors of WWII are the five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the U.S.A)

10 non-permanent members are elected every 2 years by the General Assembly

Substantive matters, such as the use of force, must include votes by the five permanent members – these members may also VETO, even if there is a majority of affirmative votes

E.G, In 1990, the UN took action after Iraq invaded Kuwait in the first Gulf-War

The UN does have control of its own “army,” Blue Beret which is actually peacekeepers; made up of member states

THE SECRETARIAT Carries out the diverse day-to-day work of the UN

and administers its programs and policies Headed by the Secretary General, who is

appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five year, renewable term.

Work includes administration of peace keeping duties, surveys of economic and social trends and problems, preparation of studies on human rights and sustainable development, etc.

Has a staff of about 8,900 drawn from some 170 countries.

Must take an oath not to receive of seek instructions from any government or authority

THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL ECOSOC Coordinates economic and social work Consults with any NGO on many issues UNICEF reports to the UN 54 members elected by the General

Assembly for 3 year terms. Seats allocated based on geography

THE TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL When the UN was establish, 1/3 of the worlds

population lived in non-self-governing territories Established to administer colonial trust

territories that had been under the mandate of the League of Nations

Promote advancements in these territories and move towards independence and self government

Was suspended in 1994, when all of the territories had gained independence

The future? Perhaps space, oceans, atmosphere (recommended by secretary-general)

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE 15 judges, elected to a 9 year term by GA

and SC. May not include more than one judge of any

nationality Settles legal disputes and gives opinion on

legal questions referred to by other international agencies

Jurisdiction based on consent of parties in dispute, and if they fail to comply, opposing party may call on UN to take action

Cases from territorial sovereignty t maritime boundaries, human rights to nuclear weapons

UN CRITICISMS Reactive and not proactive So much political manoeuvring Permanent membership in Security

Council reflects post WWII era and not modern society

Should Security council have Veto’s? Too much power?

What do you think?