Chapter 4
International Organization
International Organization
- In present times, international organizations have become very important. They play an important role in economic , political , cultural and social development at the global level. Their objectives are broad.
- At the international level, it creates a platform where developed and underdeveloped countries come together and talk about a just society
- International organizations increase mutual interaction so that a harmonious environment can be created.
- International organizations provide an option to find solutions to problems together at the global level and to help each other.
united nations
- This is an international organization.
- The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 .
- India became its member on 30 October 1945 .
- The current membership of the United Nations is 193 countries.
1. Establishment of the United Nations
- 50 countries signed the United Nations Charter; Poland was the 51st country.
- Thus, the United Nations has 51 original founding members.
2. Why was there a need to form the United Nations ?
- The First World War (1914-1918) awakened the world to the need for an international organisation to settle disputes.
- After this the League of Nations was born; initially this organization was successful but it could not stop the Second World War 1939-45 .
- In such a situation, once again there was a need that there should be a strong international organization which could resolve the disputes between different countries of the world and bring different countries together on one platform.
- In such a situation, the United Nations was established as the successor of the League of Nations.
3. Objectives of the United Nations
- Preventing international conflicts.
- To show the way for cooperation among nations.
- To reduce hostility if a war breaks out between different countries.
- Socioeconomic development.
- Helping different countries.
4. Structure / Organs of the United Nations
Names of organs | member number | Headquarters |
Security Council | 5 permanent 10 temporary | new york |
International Court of Justice | 15 Judges | Haig |
Secretariat | General secretaries and other staff | new york |
General Assembly | 193 | new york |
Economic and Social Council | 57 | new york |
Trusteeship Council | 14 | new york |
1. Security Council
- There are total 15 members, 5 members are permanent and 10 members are temporary.
- 5 permanent members have veto power : America , France , Britain , China , Russia.
- 10 members are temporary , these temporary 10 members are replaced after every 2 years.
- These members are elected by the general assembly
Objective
1. Maintaining peace and security.
2. Power to declare a binding decision.
2. International Court of Justice
- Located in The Hague, The Netherlands.
- It was used very little until 1980, after which developing countries started using it.
- International disputes are resolved.
- In this, 15 judges are elected for 9 years.
- This is done by an absolute majority in both the General Assembly and the Security Council.
3. Secretariat
- Preparing international staff for the work of key organisations.
- The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, currently Antonio Guterres (from Portugal).
- The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the advice of the Security Council for a term of five years.
4. General Meeting
- Representatives from 193 countries participate.
- The only organization in which each member has one vote.
- Everyone has equality.
- The conference is held every year.
- The General Assembly considers all matters mentioned in the charter of the United Nations.
- forum for controversy.
5. Economic and Social Council
- Member - 54
- The General Assembly elects member countries for a term of 3 years.
- All geographic areas are represented.
6. Trusteeship Council
- Its objective was to return the property of the defeated countries during the Second World War.
- To try to improve the economy of these countries.
- 11 countries were included in it.
- It was abolished after 1994.
Agencies of the United Nations
1. UNESCO
United Nations educational scientific and cultural org.
United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization
- Established on - 4 November 1946
- Members - 193
- Headquarters- Paris (France)
Objective -
- To advance education, science, society and human sciences, culture, communication.
- Spread of literacy among member countries by UNESCO.
- Efforts have been made to provide technical and educational training and to promote independent media.
- UNESCO declares some places in the world as World Heritage Sites.
- Amazing and unique beauty, historical importance etc.
- About 38 sites in India have been declared World Heritage Sites.
Example -
- Agra Fort , Ajanta Caves , Sun Temple etc.
2. UNICEF
United Nations children fund.
United Nations Children's Fund
- Members - 193
- Established – 1946
- Headquarters ( New York ) USA
Purpose or function
- It is engaged in welfare work for children all over the world.
- Works for the development of children.
- Works to ensure the health and good life of children.
3. LABOR
International labour org.
International Labour Organisation
- Members - 187
- Founded – 1919
- Main-Geneva (Switzerland)
Purpose or function
- Helping Workers Working for workers globally through international standards.
- To create conditions of security, equality, and self-respect at work level.
- To encourage male and female workers to participate in production work.
- Protecting workers from forced labour and discrimination.
4. WHO
World health org.
World Health Organization.
- Established on - 7 April 1948
- Members - 194
- Main-Geneva (Switzerland)
- India joined it since 1948 .
Purpose or function
- This organization works in the field of health across the world.
- Providing access to healthcare worldwide.
- Countries around the world contribute to it.
- To raise the health standards of the world's people.
- It has 6 regional offices.
- Out of these, the picture office of South East Asian countries is in New Delhi.
- WHO has contributed in making available various types of vaccines and medicines for smallpox, polio, infectious diseases in India.
Security Council and the need for its expansion
1. Changes in the Security Council
- The United Nations and the Security Council were formed after the Second World War.
- There has been no change in the number of members in the Security Council till date.
- But at present, many changes are being seen in the world.
- In such a situation, the demand to increase the permanent and temporary members of the Security Council has been raised many times.
- There has been talk of giving membership to more countries from Asia, Africa and South America in the Security Council.
- Everyone agrees that reforms should be made.
- But could not find a solution as to how to improve it.
2. The shortcomings of the Security Council
In 1992 , the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution that mentioned three main complaints.
1. The Security Council no longer represents political reality.
2. The decisions of the Security Council are influenced by Western values and interests; a few countries have control over its decisions.
3. There is no equal representation in the Security Council.
3. Proposal for reform in the United Nations
- In 1997 , United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan launched an investigation into how to make reforms.
- If new members are to be elected to the Security Council, how should they be elected?
After this, in a few years , new criteria were suggested for permanent and temporary membership of the Security Council, which are as follows
- Big economic power.
- Large military power.
- Contribution to the budget of the United Nations.
- A big nation in terms of population.
- A country that respects democracy and human rights.
- A country that represents the diversity of the world in terms of its geography, economy and culture.
The United Nations and India
1. India's stand on reform of the United Nations
- India agrees to changes in the structure of the United Nations and is in favour of increasing the number of temporary and permanent members in the Security Council.
- India considers the United Nations important for maintaining international peace and security.
- India believes that the number of members in the General Assembly of the United Nations has increased over time and hence increasing the number in the Security Council is the need of the hour.
- Expansion of the Security Council would make it more representative and increase support from the world community.
- India believes that the majority of developing member countries should have their say in major decisions of the United Nations General Assembly.
2. India and the Security Council
- India wants to become a permanent member of the reformed Security Council of the United Nations.
- It has special importance as a permanent member in the international affairs of the United Nations.
- Eligibility of India as a permanent member:-
1. India is the most populous country in the world.
2. India is the largest democracy in the world.
3. Participates in all the programmes and policy making of the United Nations.
4. Has been a participant in the peaceful efforts of the United Nations.
5. Rapidly growing economic power at the international level.
6. Regular contribution to the United Nations budget.
The United Nations in a Unipolar World
1. America and the United Nations
- After the Cold War, America is the most powerful country and it has no rival. America dominates the whole world.
- America has dominance and its power cannot be easily curbed
- Due to its military and economic power, it can ignore the United Nations or any international organization.
- The United Nations is located on US territory and many of its bureaucrats are citizens.
- America can stop any proposal in the Security Council using its 'veto' power in the Security Council for the interests of itself and its allied nations.
- America also has a say in the selection of the Secretary General of the United Nations.
2. The role of the United Nations for America
- The United Nations cannot curb America's power but can facilitate negotiations on various issues between America and the rest of the world.
- Although American leaders often seem to disagree with the United Nations, they believe that the United Nations is necessary for socio-economic development and to resolve conflicts.
- The United Nations provides a forum for 190 nations to voice their criticism of US attitudes and policies and to discuss whether some restrictions or concessions could be imposed on them.
3. Relevance of the United Nations
- The United Nations has some shortcomings but without it the world would be surrounded by more problems
- has increased the interdependence of different societies and issues
- The interests of the world community have been reduced on a large scale and its importance has also been constantly increasing
Some more important international and NGOs
1. International Monetary Fund ( IMF)
- Founded: January 1, 1995, in Washington, D.C. , United States
- Members:- 189
Work
- overseeing financial systems on a global scale
- Providing financial and technical assistance.
2. World Bank
- Founded:- July 1944, in Hampshire , United States
- Members:- 189
Work
- Human Development (Education, Health) Agriculture and Rural Development
- Environmental Safety
- Work for infrastructure and good governance
3. International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA)
- Founded:- 29 July 1957, in Vienna , Austria
- Members:- 177
Work
- promoting the peaceful uses of atomic energy
- Attempts to prevent the use of nuclear energy for military purposes
4. Amnesty International
- Founded :- 28 May 1961, in London , United Kingdom
- Members :- More than 7 million members and supporters
Work
- This is a voluntary organization.
- Campaigning to defend human rights around the world
5. Human Rights Watch
- Founded :- 1978, New York , United States
Work
- This is a voluntary organization.
- Advocacy for human rights and research
- Campaigning to defend human rights around the world
6. International Red Cross Society
- Founded:- 1863 in Geneva , Switzerland
- Membership: - Movement of 97 million volunteers , members and employees
Work
- Assistance to all victims of war and internal violence
- Attempts to enforce rules prohibiting armed violence
7. Greenpeace
- Founded :- 1971, in Canada
- Members :- in 26 countries
Work
- Sensitising the global community towards environment
- To press for enacting laws for environmental protection
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