The UNO came into existence when the Atlantic Charter was signed by the US President and the British Prime Minister. Formally it was started on 24th October 1945. It is the practical expression of the movement of internationalism and described as an ‘International Organization’.
The UN composed of six principle organs and the organizational structure may be described as follows:
(a) The General Assembly: It is the paramount and main organ of the UN. It is composed of all the members of the UN. Although each country can send five representatives with single vote, important matters are decided by 2/3rd a majority by this world legislative body. It performs deliberative, supervisory, financial elective and constituent functions through its several committees. Annual session is usually convened in September and further sessions are held as per requirement. There is also provision for special sessions and emergency sessions.
(b) Security Council: It is often described as the world executive body. It is the most powerful organ of the UNO. -It consists of 15 members. 5 of them are permanent members while the other 10 are non-permanent members for a term of 2 years. Permanent members have ’Veto Power’. It is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. It also recommends the person to be appointed as Secretary General to the General Assembly.
(c) The International Court of Justice: It is the judicial organ of the UN. It was set up to settle the International disputes in accordance with International law. Its headquarters is situated in ‘The Hague’. It consists of 15 judges belongs to different member countries. Their term of office is 9 years and enjoy diplomatic privileges.
(d) The UN Secretariat: The Secretariat was established to carry on the administrative functions of the UN. It consists of international staff headed by the Secretary General. He is the Chief Administrative Officer of the UN and appointed by the General assembly on the recommendations of Security Council for a term of 5 years. The Secretariat performs all those functions which are entrusted to it by the various organs of the UN.
(e) The Economic and Social Council: It was established to achieve coopeation in solving international issues of economic, social, cultural and humanitarian character. It consists 54 members elected by the General Assembly for a period of 3 years. It meets at least thrice a year.
(f) Trusteeship Council: It was set up to handle and administer ‘Trust territories’. But this Council was suspended on 1st November 1994.
