At the UN Charter’s 80th anniversary event, Secretary-General António Guterres criticized member states for selectively following the Charter, likening their approach to treating it as an “à la carte menu.”
UN Charter
- The UN Charter, signed on 26 June 1945 and in force since 24 October 1945, is the founding treaty of the United Nations.
- As an international treaty, the Charter is legally binding on all UN Member States and sets out core principles like state sovereignty and prohibition of force.
- The Charter has guided the UN’s mission and actions since 1945 and has been amended three times (1963, 1965, 1973).
- The International Court of Justice operates under a statute annexed to and forming part of the Charter (Article 92, Chapter XIV).
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United Nations
The UN is an intergovernmental organization founded to promote global cooperation, and to maintain peace and security among nations.
Membership
- Members: 193 countries are UN members, including all undisputed independent states except Vatican City. South Sudan is the newest member (joined in 2011).
- Observer States: The Holy See (Vatican City) and the State of Palestine hold non-member observer status.
- Admission Criteria: Open to peace-loving states that accept and can fulfill the obligations of the UN Charter. Admission requires General Assembly approval based on a Security Council recommendation.
- India is a charter member of the United Nations and participates in all of its specialised agencies and organizations.
UN Organs
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
- Membership: Comprises all 193 UN Member States, each with one vote. Sessions occur annually in September, with special sessions for urgent issues.
- Presidency: The presidency rotates annually among five geographic groups: African, Asian, Eastern European, Latin American & Caribbean, and Western European & others.
- Observers: The Holy See, Palestine, and other international organizations can participate but cannot vote.
- Seating: Member states are seated alphabetically, with heads of state or government in the front rows.
- Decision-Making: Each member has one vote. Key issues (peace, security, UNSC and ECOSOC elections, and budget) require a two-thirds majority; others need a simple majority.
Functions & Powers of UNGA
- Global Issues: Discusses peace, security, human rights, and global challenges, making recommendations.
- Budget Approval: Approves the UN budget and assesses financial contributions from member states.
- Appointments: Elects non-permanent UNSC members, appoints the Secretary-General, and elects members to other bodies like the Human Rights Council and ICJ.
- Peace Measures: Under the “Uniting for Peace” resolution (1950), can take action when the UNSC is blocked by a veto, recommending collective peace measures.
UN Secretary-General: Appointment Process
- Selection: Appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.
- Term: Eligible for a second term with sufficient member state support.
- Reformed Process: António Guterres was selected through reformed selection process that included public informal dialogues with civil society in the General Assembly.
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Additional Reading: United Nations, UN Reforms
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