What is the United Nations?

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization that focuses on peace, human rights, humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and international law. The founding of the United Nations in 1945 reflects the post-World War II desire to create a better world for future generations.

Peace and Security

The UN strives to prevent the eruption of conflict in the first place. The organization works to improve people’s daily lives so that local conditions are more favorable to peace. When conflict does arise, the UN tries to help people find nonviolent solutions. With the consent of the people in conflict, the organization can also deploy impartial peacekeepers to that area.

Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the UN Charter highlight the specific rights people have according to international law, and how important these rights are. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) educates people around the world about human rights. Look at some of the UN’s human rights issues.

Humanitarian Aid

Humanitarian relief is necessary when natural or man-made disasters become unmanageable for one group of people alone. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), and World Health Organization (WHO) all focus on the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Sustainable Development and Climate Action

As of 2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals serve as a call to action for all UN Member States. The Goals seek to foster the good health and well-being of people and the planet. The Paris Agreement, the international treaty on climate change, challenges countries to work together to limit global warming.

International Law

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) can settle legal disputes and give advisory opinions on legal questions. The UN also assists with some criminal cases, through special courts and tribunals. Other legal work that the UN does pertains to international trade, and rules regarding the world’s oceans and their resources, for example.