ORIGIN & HISTORY
The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt was first used in the Declaration by United Nations of 1 January 1942, during Second World War.
DOCUMENTS
- UN Charter- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- The Statute of the International Court of Justice
WHAT WE DO
Maintain International Peace and Security
The United Nations came into being in 1945, following the devastation of the Second World War, with one central mission: the maintenance of international peace and security. The UN does this by working to prevent conflict; helping parties in conflict make peace; peacekeeping; and creating the conditions to allow peace to hold and flourish. These activities often overlap and should reinforce one another, to be effective.
Protect Human Rights
The term “human rights” was mentioned seven times in the UN's founding Charter, making the promotion and protection of human rights a key purpose and guiding principle of the Organization. In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights brought human rights into the realm of international law. Since then, the Organization has diligently protected human rights through legal instruments and on-the-ground activities.
Deliver Humanitarian Aid
One of the purposes of the United Nations, as stated in its Charter, is "to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character." The UN first did this in the aftermath of the Second World War on the devastated continent of Europe, which it helped to rebuild. The Organization is now relied upon by the international community to coordinate humanitarian relief operations.
WHERE WE WORK
Africa
The two main centres of UN activity in Africa are Nairobi, Kenya and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There are also, in Africa, many regional and country offices of UN system entities, UN political offices, and nine UN peacekeeping missions.
Americas
The centre of UN activity in North America is New York City, USA, host of the United Nations Headquarters. The centre of UN activity in South America is Santiago, Chile, home to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Asia and The Pacific
The main centre of United Nations activity in Asia and the Pacific is Bangkok, Thailand, home to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. There are also many regional and country offices of UN system entities. relief operations.
Europe and Central Asia
The main centres of United Nations activity in Europe and Central Asia are Geneva, Switzerland, Vienna, Austria and The Hague in the Netherlands. Geneva is home to the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG) and the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). Vienna is home to the UN Office in Vienna (UNOV). The Hague is the seat of the International Court of Justice.
Middle East
The centre of UN activity in the Middle East is Beirut, Lebanon, home to the Economic and Social Commision for Western Asia. In addition to ESCWA, there are also UN political offices in the Middle East, and many regional and country offices of UN system entities in the Middle East and North Africa region. relief operations.
Observances
The United Nations observes designated days, weeks, years, and decades, each with a theme, or topic. By creating special observances, the United Nations promotes international awareness and action on these issues. The majority of observances have been established by resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, although some have been designated by UN specialized agencies. The United Nations also observes anniversaries of key events in its history.
Archives
Nelson Mandela, Deputy President of the African National Congress of South Africa, addresses the Special Committee Against Apartheid in the General Assembly Hall in 1990, four years before being elected President of South Africa.
Media
The AV Library has over 6,330 hours of historical content in 35,16 and 8mm film and 49,400 hours of video stored in its off-site archives.
About Us
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter.
