The United Nations, (UN) was originally established in 1945 for the purpose to “maintain international peace and security…to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems…and to be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in attaining these ends.” In assessing whether or not the UN is an effective organisation, it is essential to acknowledge several important features of the establishment. The UN and its organs, to what extent it has failed or succeeded, how heavily the organisation relies upon funding and cooperation of member states, the importance of the Security Council, and constraints that all these factors put on the establishment.
The United Nations is made up of 5 separate organs that each have different responsibilities. These include the Security Council, General Assembly, the Economical and Social Council, International Court of Justice and the Secretariat. The Security Council has the primary responsibility under the Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security. Made up of five permanent members (US, Russia, China, UK and France) who each have veto-power over any resolution and ten temporary members, this council makes decisions on whether or not the UN will intervene in a conflict. The General Assembly occupies a central position as the chief deliberatator, policy-making and representative organ of the UN. Comprising of all 192 members, the General Assembly acts as the discussion forum for any issues, having the ability to make comments or suggestions on any concerns in maintaining international peace and security. The Economc and Social Council acts as the centre for all discussions relating to the international economy or social issues. Its focuses on issues involving education, employment, international culture, living standards and health care. The International Court of Justice is the primary judicary organ