As World War II raged, representatives meeting at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC prepared a blueprint for an international organization to end conflict and promote peace, justice and better living. Eventually 50 countries signed the Charter of the United Nations in 1945, establishing an institution that has since grown to include a vast array of programs and offices around the globe.
The charter gives the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council is composed of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Decisions require the affirmative votes of nine members, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members — known as the “veto” power.
In the course of its duties, the Security Council may recommend to the Members any measures not involving the use of force which are considered necessary for the implementation of its decisions. Such measures may include complete or partial interruption of economic relations, and of rail, sea, air and postal, telegraphic, radio and other communications, and the severance of diplomatic relations.
The UN has six main organs: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the Secretariat, all of which have their headquarters in New York City. In addition, the Secretariat maintains offices and operations throughout the world. Staff, including the Secretary-General, answer only to the United Nations and take an oath not to seek instructions from any government or external authority in carrying out their responsibilities.
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