ICSE Solutions and Questions Answers for United Nations (Origin and Purpose) Class 10 History

We are going to learn the ICSE Solutions of fourteen chapter of the History textbook of Class 10. The name of the chapter is  United Nations (Origin and Purpose). All types of questions including very short answer type, short answer type, structured questions and questions based on picture perception has been provided. This ICSE solutions for United Nations (Origin and Purpose) will help the students in learning the chapter outcome.


Name of the chapterUnited Nations (Origin and Purpose)
Subject History and Civics
Topics covered
  • Formation of United Nation
  • Purpose of United Nations
  • Atlantic Charter
  • Questions Answers from Ch 14 United Nations (Origin and Purpose)
Related Readings

Very Short Questions


1. Which organisation was the predecessor of the UNO?

Answer

The League of Nations set-up in the year 1920 after the First World War was the predecessor of the UNO.


2. State one reason behind the establishment of the United Nations.

Answer

Realisation of the fact that another war of a greater scale would possibly bring about complete destruction of the world and wipe out human civilization. It became a matter of concern all over the world. The establishment of the UNO was the answer for such a hope to preserve world peace.


3. When was the term 'United Nations' used for the first time?

Answer

1st January 1942.


4. Name the first international organisation, which was set-up with an objective to put an end to wars. When was such an organisation established?

Answer

United Nations was the first organization which was set up to put an end. To wars on, 24th October 1945.


5. When is the UN day celebrated?

Answer

On 24th October UN day is celebrated.


6. What do you understand by the abbreviation UNO? When was it formed and where?

Answer

UNO stands for United Nations Organisation. It was formed on 24th October 1945 at San Francisco.


7. When was the United Nations formed? On which date the 'UN Day' is celebrated?

Answer

United Nations was formed on the 24th October 1945. The "UN Day" is celebrated on the 24th October.


8. When did the United Nations officially come into existence?

Answer

24th October 1945.


9. Where was the European office of the UNO located?

Answer

The United Nations Organisation has its European office in Geneva, Switzerland.


10. Where is the headquarter of United Nations located?

Answer

The headquarter of united Nations is located in New York City (USA).


11. Where does the Security Council have its headquarters?

Answer

The Security Council has its headquarters at New York, USA.


12. Name the official languages of the United Nations.

Answer

English, French, Russian, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese.


13. When was the UN Flag adopted?

Answer

The United Nations Flag was adopted on 20 October 1947.


14. Name the document that brought the United Nations into being.

Answer

United Nations Charter brought the United Nations into being.


15. When was the UN Charter signed? How many countries signed that 'Charter'?

Answer

UN Charter was signed on 26 June 1954, 50 countries signed that charter.


16. Where is the UN Charter preserved?

Answer

According to Article 3 of the Charter 'The Charter shall remain deposited in the United States National Achieves.'


17. Does the Charter provide for withdrawal of membership from the UNO?

Answer

No, the UN charter is silent on that point.


18. Which languages are permitted to be used as official languages of the International Court of Justice?

Answer

The official languages of the International Court of Justice are English and French.


19. Who are the members of the General Assembly?

Answer

The membership is open to all peace loving nations which agree to abide by the principles of the U.N.


20. Name the five major countries who signed the UN Charter.

Answer

The five major countries who ratified the UN Charter were China, France, USSR, Britain and the USA among a total of fifty nations.


21. Name the judicial organ of the United Nations. Where is it located?

Answer

International Court of Justice is judicial organ of the United Nations. It is located at Hague (Netherlands).


22. What is the advisory role of the International Court of Justice?

Answer

It gives an advisory opinion in the legal matters to the Security Council and the General Assembly on their request.


Short Answer Questions


1. How does economic and social co-operation lead to the elimination of war?

Answer

International economic and social co-operation is based on the theory that war has economic causes. Their elimination creates stability and well being which is a precondition for peace. Thus, if there will be social and economic co-operation, war could be eliminated.


2. Briefly point out the purpose of setting up the United Nations Organisation.

Answer

United Nations Organisation was formed with its purpose to maintain peace and security, develop friendly relations and achieve international cooperation. It was to be center for harmonizing the actions of nations for achievement of common ends.


3. Mention any two main aims of the United Nations.

OR

State the most important reason for the formation of U.N.O.

Answer

Aims of United Nations:

  • To maintain International Peace and Security.
  • To develop friendly relations among Nations.


4. What factors led to the formation of the United Nations Organisation?

Answer

Devastation caused by the first and the Second World War made it imperative to seek lasting peace. An international organisation to deal with world wide economic depression and imbalance, mutual distrust and arms race among nations, reconstruction after the war was the need of the hour. Thus, the United Nations Organisation was formed in 1945.


5. State two reasons for the formation of the United Nations.

Answer

  1. The league of nations was established in 1919 after the First World War with the objective of fostering peace among the nations of the world.
  2. With the invention and deployment of sophisticated nuclear weapons, the threat to the survival of Modern Civilisation had intensified more than ever.


6. Where and when the first draft of United Nations Charter was drawn by whom?

Answer

In the Dumbarton Oaks Conference held during September-October, 1944 representatives of China, Great Britain, USSR and USA met to draw the first draft of United Nations Charter at Washington. Thus, a blue print for the future world organisation was prepared, a major step towards the formation of U.N.O. was taken in this conference.


7. What are the six official languages chosen for U.N.?

Answer

There are six official languages of the United Nations namely, English, Chinese, Arabic, French, Spanish and Russian. When a speech is made in any of these languages, it is simultaneously translated into the other five official languages but documents are written only in the working languages i.e., English and French.


8. How can a member be admitted in the UN?

Answer

The membership is open to all peace loving States. A new State is admitted by a decision of the General Assembly by two third of majority upon the recommendation of the Security Council.


9. What is the eligibility criterion for UN membership?

Answer

The membership of United Nations Organisation is open to all peace loving Nations who believe in the principles of UN and accept obligations of the UN charter, as stated in Article 4 of the UN Charter.


10. Who exercises the power of veto?

Answer 

The 'Big five' i.e., the permanent members UK, USA, Russia , China and France have the right to exercise their power of 'veto' for any motion in the General Assembly.


11. What do you understand by 'Power to Veto'? Name the permanent member countries of the Security Council.

Answer

A negative vote of a permanent member is called Veto. It is exercised by the five permanent members of the Security Council. It is essential that on any issue China, France, USA, UK and Russia must be unanimous in their support. In case, any one member does not support the issue then the motion cannot be passed. However, absence from voting is not considered as veto.


12. What is the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice?

Answer

The Court possesses compulsory jurisdiction over all matters provided in the United Nations Charter or in treaties and conventions in force. A State may declare under the 'optional clause' that it recognizes as compulsory for another State to accept a particular obligation under the Court's jurisdiction. This can be only in case the States have already made an arrangement to this effect.


13. What do you understand by International Court of Justice's Advisory Jurisdiction?

Answer

The International Court of Justice is empowered to give advisory opinion on any legal question referred to it by any organ of United Nations or its agencies. The advisory opinion is not binding.


14. Is the Judgment of the International Court of Justice final? What recourse does it have for non-compliance?

Answer

The Judgement of the Court is final and there is no scope for an appeal against it. The parties involved in the case are obliged to abide by it. If one of the party State fails in abiding by it, the other can refer the matter to the Security Council which decides the measure to be taken against it and enforce the Judgement.


15. What is the Secretariat? Who does have it as its head?

Answer

The Secretariat is the administrative body of the United Nations with the Secretary General as its head. It has a staff of more than 1400 men and women coming from all the member countries of the UNO. Its headquarters is at New York.


16. What do you think is the more powerful organ of the United Nations Organisation—the General Assembly or the Security Council?

Answer

The General Assembly and the Security Council both are very important organs of the UNO. The former deals with the legislative functions and the latter is responsible for their execution. Thus, the powers and functions of each make it complementary for the other.


17. What are the guiding principles for the International Court of Justice?

Answer

The International Court of Justice bases its decisions on international laws. Sometimes the parties involved are agreeable on decisions, which are made on general principles of natural justice and fairness.


18. Give in brief about the functions of the Economic Social Council.

Answer

The Economic Social Council co-ordinates the economic and social functions leading to peace building all over the world. It works with the help of a number of specialized agencies to bring about economic and social co-operation and cultural interaction for establishment of human rights and freedoms.


19. What is the Trusteeship Council? How is it formed?

Answer

The Trusteeship Council performs the task of supervision of the administration of the trust territories under its care. It is made up of the five permanent members of the Security Council i.e., USSR, USA, UK, France and China with its headquarters at New York, in the USA.


20. Name the functions that are distributed to the Trusteeship Council and the Secretariat.

Answer

  • The Trusteeship Council: It supervises administration of the trust territories placed under it.
  • The Secretariat: It is the administrative wing with a staff of more than 1,400 and headed by the Secretary General.


21. What is the significance of London declaration?

Answer

In June 1941, For the first time the representatives of Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and south Africa met in London and proposed to establish an effective organization to maintain international peace and security. This announcement came to be known as the London declaration.


22. What were the principles of Atlantic Charter?

Answer

In August 1941, declaration of the Atlantic Charter made. The signatories to the charter were required to observe the following principles:

  • To respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • To settle all disputes peacefully without resorting to war.
  • To encourage cooperation among nations with a view to ensure economic progress and social security.


23. What is the significance of the Washington Declaration?

Answer

The Washington Declaration was signed on 1st January 1942 by the representatives of 26 nations. It was called the 'United Nations Declaration'. The name 'United Nations' was devised by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The signatories to this declaration promised to continue war against the enemy collectively and not to make separately any settlement with the enemy.


24. What do you understand by Moscow Declaration? Name the countries who signed it.

Answer

UK, USA, Soviet Union and China signed the Moscow declaration after a meeting held at Moscow from 19th to 30th October, 1943. The Moscow Declaration was released on 1st November, 1943 stating 'We recognise the necessity of establishing at the earliest practicable date, a central international organisation based on the principle of sovereign equality of all peace loving states, large and small.' This was certainly a move to bring about maintenance of peace and security and laid down the foundation stone of the United Nations.


25. Write short notes on:

(i) The Washington Declaration

(ii) Dumbarton Oaks Conference

(iii) Yalta Conference

Answer

(i) The Washington Declaration: On January 1, 1942 the representatives of 26 states met at Washington. The signatories to this Declaration promised to continue war against the enemy collectively and not to make separately any settlement with the enemy.

(ii) Dumbarton Oaks Conference: It was the Conference where the blueprint for U.N.O. was formulated. The blueprint contained draft of the U.N.O. Charter and the proposals as to how the United Nations were expected to work.

(iii) Yalta Conference: The Conference held at Yalta in the former Soviet Union between 4th-11th February, 1945.

Main aims:

  • The Yalta Conference took the decision to set up a new organisation to replace the League of Nations.
  • Yalta Conference also took the decision how to deal with Germany and non-German territories which had been liberated from Germany.


26. When and where was the London Declaration held? Which Nations participated in bringing it about and with what objective?

Answer

In June, 1941 while the Second World War was being fought in full swing the representatives of Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South America met in London at St. James's Palace on 12th June, 1941. They approved for a declaration which resolved to create a world free from war and aggression, and for the purpose proposed for the first time formation of a world organisation more effective than the League of Nations. The Declaration came to be known as London Declaration.


27. What is the importance of the San Francisco Conference? When was it held?

Answer

The San Francisco Conference was held during April-June 1945. It is important as it was the first UN Conference opened on 20th April at San Francisco, attended by 50 nations, it drew the final draft of the UN Charter which was unanimously adopted and signed on 26th June, 1945. The Charter was finally ratified by the Parliaments of China, France, USSR, Britain, the USA and majority of the 51 original members on 24th October, 1945 marking the foundation of United Nations Organisation.


28. When and where the United Nations Organization was established?
Answer
To maintain world peace and to secure the cooperation of the nations across the world for maintaining peace, the United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945 at San Francisco.

29. Who can become the member of U.N.O.?

Answer

The headquarters of this organization are located in New York City. Its European office is in Geneva. Its membership is open to all peace loving nations which agree with the objectives of the U.N. and are ready to abide by its principles. The admission, suspension and expulsion of members is decided by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security council by a 2/3rd majority of votes. Almost all countries of the world are its members now.


30. What is Veto?

Answer

A negative vote by a permanent member is called veto. Each member of the Security Council has one vote. A Veto by any of the permanent member makes the council powerless to act.


31. On what grounds, can a member be suspended or expelled from the UNO?

Answer

A member of the United Nations, against whom enforcement action has been taken by the Security Council, can be suspended from exercising the rights and privileges of the United Nations by General Assembly on recommendation of the Security Council. This is provided in the Article 5 of the Charter. According to Article 6 of the Charter a member persistently violating the principles of the Charter can be expelled from the United Nations by the General Assembly on recommendation of the Security Council.


32. Write notes on: compulsory jurisdiction and voluntary jurisdiction.

Answer

Compulsory jurisdiction: This is one of the powers and functions of international court of justice. Court possesses compulsory jurisdiction in two ways. First, a large number of treatises provide that disputes arising under them would be submitted to the court. Second, the jurisdiction extends to disputes pertaining to the interpretation on international law and to reparation or compensation to be made for the breach of an international obligation.

Voluntary jurisdiction: Its jurisdiction covers all cases which the parties refer to it.


33. Explain the composition of the International Court of Justice.

Answer

Composition of the International Court of Justice:

  • The International Court of Justice consists of 15 Judges for nine year term.
  • The Judges are elected both by the General Assembly and the Security Council.
  • Each Judge should be from a different country. If 2 people from one country are nominated, the elder one is selected.
  • They elect their President and Vice-President for a three year term. The decisions of the Court are made by majority of the judges present.


34. Discuss about the role of the International Court of Justice.

OR

Mention any three functions of the International Court of Justice.

Answer

The International Court of Justice deals with dispute referred to it by Party States voluntarily by mutual consent. This is called voluntary jurisdiction. Then the Court has compulsory jurisdiction in maintaining and enforcing treaties, conventions and international obligations among States. All matters of the UN Charter are under the jurisdiction of this Court. Advisory jurisdiction empowers it to give advisory opinion on legal questions referred to it by any organ of the UN or its agencies, which is not binding.


35. Name the principal judicial organ of U. N. O. and explain its composition.

Answer

The principal judicial organ of the U.N.O. is the International Court of Justice. It consists of 15 judges elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council voting separately. The judges work for a term of 9 years and may be re-elected. Its quorum is fixed at 9 and all decisions are taken by the majority vote of present judges. The chief justice is elected for 3 years and has got a casting vote. Only one judge is elected from a country. The headquarters of the ICJ is The Hague.


36. Mention in brief the function of ICJ?

Answer

(i) If the treaties provide, then it can hear cases of dispute between two or more nations and decide it.

(ii) Disputes between Nations relating to reparation or interpretation of International law are heard by it.

(iii) The other U.N. Organs and Agencies may ask the ICJ to give its advice within the scope of their activities.

(iv) It codifies the International law by thoroughly examining International conventions, customs, judicial decisions and general principles of law.

(v) It evolves the procedure of peaceful settlement of disputes.


37. Describe the term and composition of judges in International Court of Justice?

Answer

The Court is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council sitting independently of each other. It may not include more than one judge from any nationality. Elections are held every three years for one-third of the seats, and retiring judges may be re-elected.


38. How are the judges of the International Court of Justice appointed?

Answer

The Judges of the International Court of Justice are elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council voting independently.


39. When can judicial matter be taken to Security Council?

Answer

The decision of the Court is made by the majority of the judges present. A member of the United Nations is obliged to comply with the decision of the Court in any case to which it is party. If any party fails to comply and fulfill its obligation, the other party may take up the matter in the Security Council.


40. If one of the permanent members is absent and all others have voted in favour of a decision, can the decision be implemented in Security Council? Justify your answer.

Answer

Each member of the Security Council has one vote. Decisions on procedural matters are made by an affirmative vote of nine members, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members. The negative vote of a permanent member is called a veto. The Council is powerless to act if any of the five permanent members uses the veto power. However abstinence from voting does not amount to a negative vote or veto.


41. How does the General Assembly ensure equitable representation through presidency?

Answer

To ensure equitable geographical representation, the presidency of the Assembly rotates each year among five groups of States: Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Caribbean, and Western Europe and other States.


42. How does the Security Council maintain international peace and security?

Answer

To discharge its foremost responsibility to maintain international peace and security, the Security Council can do the following:

  • It can investigate disputes among nations and recommend ways and means for peaceful settlement.
  • It can impose an embargo (i.e., stoppage of trade) on nations that do not act according to its directions.
  • It can order military action against an aggressive nation. It can also recommend to the General Assembly to expel a state from the membership of the U.N.O.
  • If fighting has actually started, the Security Council may call for ceasefire or for cutting off communication links with the aggressor nation, or breaking diplomatic relations with it.


43. When did the United Nations Organisation officially come into existence? Where are the headquarters of the UN located?

Answer

United Nations Organisation officially came into existence on 24th October, 1945. Headquarters of the UN are located at New York, in the U.S.A.


44. Name the official languages of the United Nations.

Answer

Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and English are the official languages of the United Nations. For documentation French and English are used.


45. Mention the colour and design of the UN flag. When was the flag of the UN adopted?

Answer

The flag is light blue in colour and consists of UN emblem in white and in its centre is the polar map of the world embraced by twin olive branches. The flag of the UN was adopted on 20th October, 1947.


46. Name organs of the UNO.

Answer

  1. The General Assembly.
  2. The Security Council.
  3. The International Court of Justice.
  4. The Secretariat.
  5. The Trusteeship Council
  6. The Economic and Social Council


47. Name the organisation associated with the emblem. Name the five permanent members of the organisation.

Answer

United Nations is the organisation associated with the emblem.

  1. China
  2. France
  3. Russia
  4. Great Britain
  5. United States of America.


48. How are new nations admitted in the United Nations?

Answer

Countries are admitted in United Nations by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council by a 2/3 majority of votes.


49. What is the composition of General Assembly?

Answer

The General Assembly may be called the World Parliament. Each member shall have not more than five representatives in General Assembly. However each state has one vote.


50. Give two electoral functions of the UN General Assembly.

Answer

Electoral functions of General Assembly:

  • It elects ten non-permanent members of the Security Council.
  • It elects members of the Economic and Social Council and Trusteeship Council. It also participates in the election of ICJ judges.
  • It elects a President, 21 Vice Presidents and Chairmen of six major committees for itself.


51. How does the General Assembly conduct its session?

Answer

  • The regular session of the General Assembly begins each year on the third Tuesday in September and continue usually until the third week of December.
  • Special sessions are convened by the Secretary-General at the request of the Security Council or by a special request by a majority of members.


52. State briefly functions of General Assembly?

Answer

(i) It holds discussions and makes recommendations on principles of cooperation, peace and security.

(ii) It considers and passes the annual budget of the U.N.O.

(iii) Receive and consider reports from Security Council and other organs.

(iv) General Assembly appoints the Secretary General on recommendation of Security Council.


53. Under which circumstances General Assembly is empowered to take military action?

Answer

Under the "Uniting for Peace" resolution adopted by the General Assembly in November 1950, the Assembly may take action if the Security Council, because of a lack of unanimity of its permanent members, fails to act in a case where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression. The Assembly is empowered to consider the matter immediately with a view to making recommendations to members for collective measures, including the use of armed force.


Structured Questions


1. With reference to the formation of the UN explain:

(i) Reasons for establishment of UN.
(ii) Objectives of UN.
(iii) Guiding principles of the UN

Answer

(i) Disastrous World Wars:

  • Two World Wars left a legacy of misery and depression in nearly every country. Millions lost their lives and many people became disabled, homeless and unemployed.
  • Therefore, they stated thinking international organisation to maintain peace in the world.

Failure of the League of Nations:

  • The League of Nations (1920-1939) was born after the First World War with a promise of peace but it failed to prevent another World War.
  • Many leaders of the world felt the need for an orgainsation which would be more powerful than the League of Nations.

Fear of Third World War:

  • The peace treaties signed after First World War sowed the seeds of bitterness and conflict leading to the Second World War.
  • All the countries feared that the Second World War could be the cause of a Third World War which might lead to the end of the world.

Division of the World into Two Blocs:

  • At the end of the Second World War, the world was divided into two power blocs, one led by the USA and the other by the erstwhile USSR.
  • Both of them had opposite ideologies and, therefore, had no faith in each other. A transparent and impartial organisation was required so that they would be able to resolve their differences amicably rather than resorting to war.

Destructive Weapons:

  • The destructive weapons, like atom bombs, were invented and used during the Second World War. These could bring the end of the whole world in no time. They also led to an armament race for more destructive weapons.
  • Different countries of the world felt that they could meet and discuss methods by which they could save themselves and mankind from destruction.

(ii) The purpose of the United Nations was defined in Article I of the Charter as:

  • To maintain international peace and security; to take collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace, to suppress acts of aggression or other breaches of peace.
  • To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of people.
  • To achieve international cooperation in solving international economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian problems and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms.
  • To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends.

(iii) In order to fulfill the purposes for which UNO was established, the members shall act in accordance with the following principles:

  • To respect the sovereign equality of all its members.
  • All members should fulfill in good faith the obligations assumed by them.
  • They should settle their international disputes by peaceful means.
  • They would refrain from the threat or use of force against any State.
  • They should give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes.


2. The General Assembly is considered as the Parliament of the UN. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) Financial Functions
(b) Electoral Functions
(c) Supervisory Functions
(d) Recommendary Functions

Answer

(a) Financial Functions: The general Assembly considers and approves the budget of the UNO and also determines the amount of funds to be contributed by the different members in accordance with their capacities.

(b) Electoral Functions: It elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of Trusteeship, Economic and Social Council. It also elects the judges of International Court of Justice. On the recommendations of the Security Council, the Secretary General of the United Nations is appointed by General Assembly.

(c) Supervisory Functions: The General Assembly regulates the working of other organs and agencies of the UN. It can bring changes in the working of any of its agencies, if required.

(d) Recommendatory Functions:

  • To consider and make recommendations on the principles of cooperation, in the maintenance of international peace and security;
  • To discuss any question relating to international peace and security and (except where a dispute or situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council) to make recommendations on it;
  • To discuss and make recommendations on any question within the scope of the Charter or affecting the powers and functions of any organ of the United Nations.
  • To initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political, social, and economic cooperation.
  • To make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of disputes.


3. State briefly the terms of Atlantic Charter of dated 14-8-41.

Answer

The terms agreed upon by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill were:

  • No territorial expansion and territorial changes against the wishes of the people.
  • Recognition of the right of each State to draft its Constitution and form Government.
  • Recognition of sovereignty and equality of all States big and small. They will have equal access to the trade and raw materials of the world.
  • Full economic cooperation.
  • Restoration of peace, giving up the use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, without resorting to war.


4. Regarding the origin of the United Nations make a brief description of the following Declarations:
(i) The London Declaration
(ii) The Atlantic Charter

Answer 

(i) In 1941 the representatives of Canada, Britain, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa met in London to establish a world organisation which would be more powerful than the League of Nations, in order to maintain international peace and security.

(ii) In 1941, the U.S. President D. Roosevelt and the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued a declaration known as the Atlantic Charter.

The main objectives of the Charter were:

  • to respect each others sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • to maintain international peace and security.
  • to encourage disarmament.
  • to promote economic, cultural and social cooperation.
  • to recognise the fundamental rights and status of all people.


5. What is the Economic and Social Council? What are its functions?

Answer

The Economic and Social Council consists of 54 members elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term. The council meets at least twice a year and is mainly concerned with the management of the UN's social, economic, and cultural activities. It is also engaged in human welfare activities and promotion of human rights.

Its main functions are as follows:

  • To promote economic and social progress.
  • To solve problems relating to health, illiteracy, unemployment, etc.
  • To coordinate the functions of the agencies of the UN like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations International Children's emergency Fund (UNICEF), etc.

6. What factors made it imperative to form a worldwide organisation, the United Nations Organisation in 1945?

Answer

Factors responsible for the formation of United Nations Organisation.

(i) International peace: This is one of the most important purposes of establishing UNO. It should take effective measures for the removal of threats of the peace.

(ii) Friendly relations: Its second most important purpose is to develop friendly relations among nations, based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self determination of people.

(iii) International cooperation: Its third most important purpose is to promote international cooperation in solving international problems on economic, social, cultural or humanitarian charter.

(iv) Social Equality: To promote international cooperation, respect for human rights and fundamental freedom for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.


7. Mention the Guiding principles of TJNO.

Answer

Guiding Principles of UNO:

  1. The UNO is based on the sovereign equality of all its members.
  2. All members should settle their international disputes by peaceful means without putting in danger the international peace and security.
  3. All members should provide full cooperation to UNO in its working.
  4. No country should assist states against which UNO is taking some action.
  5. The Organisation should ensure that the states which are not members of UNO should also act in accordance with these principles.
  6. It should not intervene in the domestic affairs of any country.
  7. All member are to fulfill in good faith the obligations as laid down in the Charter.


8. Discuss the role of Security Council in maintaining peace.

Answer

The functions of the Security Council related to maintaining world peace are:

(i) At the time of war: The Security Council may call for cease fire to stop aggression or for cutting off communication links with the aggressor nation or severing diplomatic relations with it.

(ii) Investigatory role: They may investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction. They can also recommend methods for adjusting such disputes.

(iii) Military action: Security Council may resort to military action. Such action may include operations by air, sea or land forces supplied by Member-Nations.

(iv) Admission of new members: New-members are admitted by a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.


9. How does the Security Council enforce its recommendations?

Answer

The Security Council enforces its decisions through the following means:

(i) Imposition of sanctions through Member-States of the UN against the aggressor.

(ii) The 'Unanimity Rule' popularly known as Veto. A 'No' of any particular Permanent Member, even though all other members might be in favour of the decision, can make the resolution inoperative. This 'Veto' actually makes the Security Council stronger as it prevents the parties in dispute from manipulating the situation at international level in their favour. Kashmir problem is a case in point.

(iii) Armed intervention, as the UN did with Iraq, when there is majority decision.

(iv) Force the parties to come to negotiating table through various other means.


10. Mention three functions of the International Court of Justice.

Answer

Functions of the International Court of Justice are:

(i) Voluntary jurisdiction: Its jurisdiction covers all cases which the parties at dispute refer to it by mutual consent. One party alone may refer the dispute to the Court. If the other party undertakes to defend itself in a case brought before it, the Court interprets it as consent to the reference.

(ii) Evolving procedures for peaceful Settlement of Disputes: At any stage of the disputes the Court may recommend appropriate procedures or methods of settlement. It may also recommend terms of settlement.

(iii) Advisory Opinion: The International Court of Justice gives advisory opinion on any matter of international law as and when requested by the General Assembly and the Security Council.


11. What were the underlying principles upheld by the aims of the United Nations Organisation as stated in the preamble of the UN Charter?

Answer

The ideals and principles embodied in the UN Charter are as under:

  1. Fundamental human rights.
  2. Dignity and worth of human person.
  3. Equal rights for men and women.
  4. Equal rights of nations large and small.
  5. Respect for treaty obligation.
  6. Promotion of social progress and better standard of life.
  7. Unity for maintenance of international peace and security.


12. What is the Secretariat?

Answer

The Secretariat is the administrative arm of the organization. It is headed by a Secretary-General appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year, renewable term. He organizes conferences, oversees peace-keeping operations, drafts reports on economic and social trends, prepares studies on human rights, mediates in international disputes and prepares budget estimates. The current Secretary General is Antonio Guterres of Portugal. The staff of the Secretariat is appointed by the Secretary-General. They are chosen from among the 192 member countries.


Picture Based Questions


1. Answer the following:

(i) Where did the incident take place as depicted in the picture?

(ii) What was the historical importance of this incident?

Answer

(i) This incident took place on the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii. 

(ii) The historical importance of this incidence is that after this attack, the US declared war on Japan and the other Axis Powers (Germany and Italy).


2. Study the picture shown and answer the questions that follow:

(i) Identify the organization associated with the given emblem.

(ii) Where is the headquarters of this organization located? Name the principal organs of this organization.

Answer

(i) The organization associated with the above emblem is the United Nations Organizations.

(ii) The headquarter of this organization is located in the New York city.

The six principal organs of U. N. are:

  1. The General Assembly
  2. The Security Council
  3. The International Court of Justice
  4. The Economic and Social Council
  5. Trusteeship Council
  6. The Secretariat


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