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After the First World War, to save the nations from the scourge of future wars, League of Nations was
established. But it failed. It was for the same purpose, after the Second World War, United Nations
Organization was established. The leaders who took interest to establish this world organization were the
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Stalin of Russia, and the President of U.S.A., F.D. Roosewelt.
These leaders had assembled in a conference at Yalta during 1945 and decided to start the U.N.O.
Accordingly, on the 24th day of October 1945, the U.N.O. was
inaugurated with its headquarters in New York city. There were only 51 states who enrolled themselves as
members of U.N.O., when it was started. India was one of them. Today there are about 191 nations who
are the members of U.N.O. Any nation can enroll as a member of this world organization. India being a
member has upheld the goals of the organization.
AIMS OF THE U.N.O. :
(1) To promote International peace and security.
(2) To promote friendly relations on the basis of equality among all the nations of world.
(3) To promote International co-operation among the people of the world to develop economic, social and
cultural matters and finding solution to various international problems. To encourage securing of Human
and Fundamental rights.
The main agencies of the U.N.O. are : (1) General Assembly, (2) Security
Council, (3) Economic and Social Council, (4) Trusteeship Council, (5) Secretariat, and (6) International
Court of Justice.
1. GENERAL ASSEMBLY : The General Assembly is the general body of the U.N.O. consisting of all the
members of U.N.O. Every member nation can send five representatives but each nation has a single
vote. One can call the General Assembly as the parliament of the U.N.O. It is an important organization of
the U.N.O. The general body meeting is called in the month of September every year. Emergency
meetings of the Assembly may be summoned depending on the needs of the situation. This assembly has
power to discuss all matters coming under its purview
and deliver its decisions. All decisions of importance are passed by 2/3 majority of members present at
voting. Attendance of members depends on the subject discussed. The Assembly prepares the Annual
Budget and approves it. It also decides the rate of contribution of each member state. The General
Assembly carries out its function with the help of various committees. During last September 2000, the
Millennium Conference of the Assembly was convened in New York City. One hundred and fifty nations of
the world had taken part. Our Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajapey had participated in this summit. This
summit gave call to fight against Terrorism in a concerted manner. We are proud to remember that
Vijayalakshmi Pandit, sister of Jawaharlal Nehru, was elected as the President of the general assembly.
She was the first woman president of the General Assembly of the U.N.O.
2. SECURITY COUNCIL : Security Council is the most important organ of the U.N.O. as its role is wide
and it is expected to protect peace and security in the world. The Council consists of 15 members of
which five are permanent members and the remaining ten are temporary members, who are elected by
the General Assembly for a term of two years. Every member of the Council has a right to vote but
permanent members have a right to veto, and when such veto is exercised, such a matter will not become
a decision. England, America, Russia, France and China are the permanent members of the Security
Council. Security Council has the power to admit or reject the membership of a new member to the
General Assembly. The Council has power to suggest the name of the Secretary-General of the U.N.O.
But the Secretary-General is elected by the General Assembly. Even in the election of the Judges of the
International Court of Justice, it has its own role to play. In the recent past, there is a proposal to expand
the permanent membership of the Council. Some nations of the world wanted to bring about some
reforms in the U.N.O. In this direction, during the month of April 2000, U.S.A. brought certain proposals
before the Council to raise the membership of the Security Council from 15 to 21 and to abolish the Veto
by providing equal votes to all the members of the Security Council. This was taken up for discussion in
the General Assembly which was called during November 2000. Hundred and eight members had
participated and it was suggested that India being a biggest democracy be made a member of the
Council. India, as a non alienment nation had played an important
role as a member of U.N.O. It is because of this that a number of nations have suggested its name for the
membership of the Security Council.
3. THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL : Creation of conducive conditions for the progress through
change in economic and social environment is the purpose of the Council. A Committee of 54 members of
the U.N.O. is constituted for this purpose. These members are elected by the General Assembly. The
term of a member is three years. Every year 1/3 members, i.e. 18 will retire. However a retired member is
eligible for re-election. The Committee meets twice in a year. The aims of the Council are: (1) To assure
better standard of life, employment opportunities to improve the economic and social standards of the
society among the people of its member nations.
(2) To provide solutions to various international problems relating to health and social and economic
matters.
(3) To encourage co-operation in the fields of culture and education.
(4) To promote respect for Human Rights throughout the world and create awareness about these rights.
(5) To provide fundamental rights to all the citizens irrespective of sex, race, religion and language. The
Council can render advice on the above issues and organize programmes to promote them.
4. THE TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL : After the Second World War, a dispute arose about the distribution of
imperial possessions belonging to the vanquished nations. In order to settle such disputes this Council
was created. The objective of this Council is to help securing independence to such territories which were
under foreign rule. To carry on the administration of such territories, a committee was constituted, after
entering into a trusteeship pact on following lines:
1. The number of such nations who were selected to be in charge to look
after the administration of such territories.
2. The permanent members of the Security Council.
3. Three elected members from the General Assembly for a term of three
years.
Most of such territories which were under trusteeship have now attained
independence.
5. THE SECRETARIAT AND THE SECRETARY GENERAL : The main administrativeoffice of the
secretariat is at Lake success near New York. The Secretary-General is the chief of the Secretariat and
his term of office is five years. He carries the administration on the instruction issued by the Permanent
Members of the Security Council.
6. INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE : The International Court of Justice is one of the principal
organs of the U.N.O. It was created by an international treaty. All members of the U.N.O. are parties to the
statute of the court. The court settles disputes among its member nations. It also gives advice to the
different bodies of the United Nations. There are 15 judges and their term of office is nine years. The
Security Council and the General Assembly elect these judges. Every year five judges retire and they are
eligible for re-election. Such elected judges are prohibited from taking up any job or participate in any
political activities. The judges of the International Court of Justice are prohibited from appearing before
any court in the world and they are prohibited to represent any country. The judges of this court enjoy a
number of privileges. We are proud of the fact that Nagendra Singh and Benagal Shiva Rao of India were
the judges of the International Court of Justice.
The headquarters of this court is located in the city, the Hague of Holland.
5. U.N.I.C.E.F. :
The United Nations Childrens Emergency Fund is an unique organ
of United Nations, as it is striving to improve the living conditions of women and children in the developing
nations. It was established in 1946. It came into existence to help the displaced children after the Second
World War. Later, its functions were extended to the welfare of children of developing nations during the
1950s. However, it became a permanent organisation in 1957 and is carrying on its functions. It consists
of 30 members, appointed by the UNESCO. The administrative office is in New York. It has provided aid
for more than 116 nations and won Nobel Prize for peace in 1965 for its good work. UNICEF greeting
cards are sold and the money so collected is used for the welfare of children. Hence the card must be
purchased by every one to help the cause of childrens welfare. This organisation helps to provide milk
and mid-day meal to the children of developing nations. It provides help to ladies during their pregnancy
period. Prevention of immoral trafficking of children is also its aim. As it is carrying humanitarian service it
has become very popular in the world.
6. THE I.M.F. :
International Monetary Fund was established in 1945. However, it
started functioning only in 1947. Its headquarters is in Washington D.C. Its aims are as follows:
(1) To advise on matters of International Economic problems.
(2) Maintain balance in World Trade so that employment opportunities are provided in all the nations.
(3) To maintain stability in exchange rate in various currencies.
(4) To promote world Trade so that all nations of the world may progress by increasing the income, and
(5) To promote the economic stability of all nations through economic
co-operation.
7. THE I.B.R.D. :
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the World Bank came into existence in
1947. More than 175 nations are its members. Its headquarters is in Washington D.C. The IBRD was
mainly established to reconstruct the countries subjected to damages during the Second World War. But,
today it is helping all the nations in the field of agriculture, transport, etc., by providing loans.
Its aims are:
(1) To promote progress and development through economic reconstruction.
(2) To maintain a balance in international trade by providing capital.
(3) To provide financial help to various development projects of nations. (4) To provide guarantee to
certain private industries in a selected manner for the loans they borrow, and
5) To provide long-term loans to its member states for their larger development. This organisation has
become a ray of hope to the developing nations.
8.THE U.N.C.T.A.D. :
The United Nations Trade and Commerce Development works for the economic development of
developing nations. It promotes trade and commerce. Its other programmes are:
(1) To review the policies of commerce.
(2) To discuss various inter-state problems between the governments of the world.
(3) To reach consensus among nations through discussions and conferences.
(4) To provide technological cooperation.
(5) To supervise the management of the existing programmes of development.
The meeting of the UNCTAD is convinced twice a year. It is instrumental in promoting social and
economic reconstruction.
9. THE W.T.O. :
World Trade Organisation, a conference to study the Trade and Commerce in the world was held in
Urugay on 15 December 1993 and it supported the idea of constituting World Trade Organisation. On the
basis of its recommendation W.T.O. was established on 1st January 1995. This is a statutory body and
about 140 nations are members. They have signed an agreement GATT (General Agreement of Trade
and Tariff) in Geneva. So this is an international body which helps to settle any dispute concerning trade
and commerce between the various nations of the world. The main aim of this is to cooperate with the
World Bank, in shaping an economic policy. Through such policies, it is aimed to achieve progress in the
field of trade and commerce. But the decision for free trade among nations has caused distress to
developing nations.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS
The major objectives of the U.N.O. is to maintain peace in the world. The
United Nations was helpful in avoiding several wars. It has successfully reduced tension in nearly 300
critical situations. It prevented large scale war in the following cases:
1. War between Iran and Soviet Russia during 1946.
2. In 1947, it helped to solve a problem arising in Indonesia and also
prevented the chances of Civil war in Greece.
3. The Arab invasion on Israel in 1948 was prevented by ordering of ceasefire. However the conflict is still
alive.
4. It solved Korean problems by giving independence to South Korea.
5. In 1956, it solved the Suez Canal Crisis.
6. It is only because of U.N.O. that the Vietnam crisis came to an end.
7. The Congo problem was solved during 1960.
8. Though a cease-fire was ordered in the case of Kashmir in 1948, the
conflict is still alive.
9. It freed Kuwait from Iraqi invasion during 1991.
10. Namibia and Angola got independence by the efforts of the UNO.
However, U.N.O. has also met with failures in certain cases. E.g.: The problem between Hungary and
Poland in 1956. Similar is the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The possibility of the Third World War
was prevented by the efforts of the U.N.O. It is a most notable achievement. Through its organs like
I.L.O., W.H.O., UNICEF it has rendered yeoman service in international co-operation and development.
INDIA AND THE UNITED NATIONS
India is wedded to the principles of the U.N.O. as it is a member from the day of its inception. India has
always looked upon the U.N.O. as a leading light in matters of establishing peace in the world. India
always played a leading role in the U.N.O. in opposing the colonial rule and supporting the cause of newly
born nations. India played a significant role in many of the peace keeping operations of the U.N.O. India
has always demonstrated her faith in solving the problems through peaceful means. It has always
believed in coexistence, which is the foundation stone of Indias foreign policy. It has always strongly
urged the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
Educating
Children in
Need
(India)
The implementing organization, The Indian Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations
(INFUCA) has since its creation adopted 45 village schools and created 140 learning centres for
illiterate adults and some 8000 adults have been educated, which demonstrated its competence in
the promoting literacy.
INFUCA has already received some US$ 17,000 for this and it is currently in the process of
implementing the first part of the project. Further funds are needed to complete the project.
The UNESCO Club movement was started in India in 1972 and INFUCA (The national federation of
UNESCO Clubs and Associations) was formed in 1985 and is a member of the World Federation of
UNESCO Clubs.
Facts
Only 27per cent of children in India were enrolled in the first grade of primary school in the school
year 1993/94. (UNESCO's Statistical Yearbook 1996)
The Human poverty index value for India is 35,9 per cent. (I.e. over one third of the population are
affected by three key deprivations in their lives: longevity, educational attainment and ability to buy
basic goods and services) India's rank is 132 of 174 countries ranked by UNDP.
The number of primary schools increased almost threefold - from 210,000 in 1951 to 590,000 in
1995. As a result, literacy nearly tripled during 1951-91. Yet almost half the population - some 450
million people are still illiterate. For females seven years and older, the proportion is 61%. ("Poverty
and Human Development in India: Getting Priorities Right" UNDP, by A K Shiva Kumar)
53% of children under four in India - some 60 million - are estimated malnourished in 1996. ("Poverty
and Human Development in India: Getting Priorities Right" UNDP, by A K Shiva Kumar)
India has been polio free since January 2011. Before the launch of polio
immunisation campaigns in 1995, an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 polio
cases were being reported annually, so that's quite an achievement. The
near-eradication of polio in India was made possible by the strong
ownership of theGovernment of India, and by the efforts of a number of
actors in the health sector, including World Health Organisation (WHO),
Abbreviation
Formation
7 April 1948
Type
Headquarters
Geneva, Switzerland
Head
Principles of UNICEF
UNICEF works for the underprivileged children of the world. Children welfare
is key motive of the organization. It protects and supports children in every
possible way against common child related crimes. UNICEF ensures special
protection for the childrens right so that they can enjoy their fundamental right
and avail every opportunity. It tries to prevent children from falling victim of
malnourishment. It tries to improve the quality of life of the children. In addition
to these, it undertakes programs for family welfare and mother welfare. It works
for the equal rights of girls and women also.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child treaty (CRC) was adopted by UNICEF
in 1989 and the work of UNICEF was conducted by this treaty. This treaty has
occupied its position as the most widely authorized human rights treaty in
history.
UNICEF raises its voice against the inhuman child labor. In order to prevent child
labor, UNICEF advocates the universal education system. Through this system it
tries to provide education for those children who never go to school only for
their work. UNICEF wants to give opportunity of getting education to those
needy children. This organization advocates for the establishment of justice
systems only for the children.
In their mission UNICEF gets support from governments, other UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), communities, families and children
themselves. It assists programmes in 162 countries, areas and territories
through 8 regional offices and 126 country offices.
UNICEF obtains its income from charitable contributions. Two central sources of
this contribution are governmental and intergovernmental organizations and
non-governmental/private sector groups and individuals.
UNICEF in India
The government of India works closely with UNICEF in carrying out its
programmes related to child development. The organization has been working
actively in India since 1949. Its programmes include development of child
health, nutrition, water Environment & Sanitation, protection against HIV/AIDS,
child education and child Protection. It tries to improve the condition of the most
underprivileged children from every nook and corner of India. There are 13 state
offices of UNICEF in India. These offices collect information about the neglected
and the poor children of those communities which hail from underdeveloped
places of the country. In this mission celebrities of India from games, music, and
film industry, has supported the organization for the welfare of deprived
children. Participation of celebrities has helped in creating awareness about
international rights relating to children and women among the public. Their
contributions in creating awareness among the common citizens are
noteworthy. Amitabh Bachchan and Sharmila Tagore, Amir Khan, the well
known celebrities from Indian film industry, are some of the brand ambassadors
of India working for UNICEF. Addition to them other renown celebrities Priyanka
Chopra, Sachin Tendulkar, Raveena Tandon and Nandana Sen have been keenly
girl Child as they are more likely to lag behind as compared to the boys because
of traditions such as early marriage and indulgence of household activities.
Programmes named Deep Sikha which is very active in eastern part of
Maharashtra helps in educating girl child about being learning and being
independent and also making the parents aware about the social evils such as
early marriage of girl Childs. UNICEF is an active partner with government for
success of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan which aims at ensuring education to all
children above five years. UNICEFs activities are interwoven with the
governments strategy of providing equal opportunities to everyone irrespective
class and creeds.