Describe the aims and functions of the United Nations Organisation (UNO).

Ans. 

Introduction:

The world is a community of nations, and after the First World War, the humane minds of civilization wished to establish a world organization to protect this community. This gave concrete form to the League of Nations. This world institution was the first of its kind. Although it could not prevent the Second World War, there were still many occasions where this institution proved its usefulness. 

The results of the Second World War were enormous loss of wealth and lives, and obstruction in the development of art and culture. Some such weapons were used in this war that created a terror of war in the human mind. As a result, some thinkers strongly wished that efforts should be made again to stop wars. This led to deliberations through conferences. Important among these conferences and deliberative meetings are the Moscow Conference, the Yalta Conference, the Tehran Conference etc. The form of the present world institution, the United Nations, was conceptualized in these conferences.

Once again in 1945 at the San Francisco Conference history came alive and the establishment of the United Nations was decided. After this April conference, it was decided to implement the UN Charter from 24th October 1945. The first historic meeting of the United Nations was held in London in January 1949. New York was chosen as its permanent headquarters. Thus, the world got a new institution again in the form of the United Nations, which rekindled the possibility of re-establishing world peace.

Aims:

The preamble of the UN Charter itself clarified the aims for which it was established. The main points of its preamble are presented here - The United Nations is determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war which has brought untold sorrow to mankind twice in our lifetime. We reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of the human person, equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small. To establish conditions under which justice and respect for treaty obligations and international law can be maintained. To promote social progress and better standards of life by practicing tolerance and living together in peace as good neighbors. And to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security. On this basis, we hereby establish an international organization to be known as the United Nations.

Even through the preamble of the UN, we can understand its aims of establishment. To properly understand them, they are being presented separately here:

• 1. The primary aim of establishing the UN is to make efforts to end wars. 

• 2. The second aim implies that the security of future generations will be ensured by ending wars.

• 3. International law and treaties will be used to resolve disputes between nations instead of war.

• 4. All nations will be given equal rights. 

• 5. The social, economic, political and cultural development of the entire human race will be done through cooperation.

• 6. All will be given equal rights and opportunities without discrimination based on religion, language or gender.

Principles: 

Seven 'fundamental principles' have been outlined in Article 2 of the UN Charter:

• 1. As per the first fundamental principle, all big and small states of the world have been given the right to equality. This means that the sovereignty of every state has been equally accepted. However, the five permanent members of the Security Council have been given some special privileges in the organization, but in other matters, all states have the right to one vote each, which will be of equal value.

• 2. The second fundamental principle points towards the duties of nations. It expresses the hope that all member states of the organization will fulfill their duties and responsibilities in a manner that maintains the spirit of the preamble. 

• 3. In the third fundamental principle, the world nations have hoped that members will resolve their disputes only through peaceful means to establish world peace, security and justice. 

• 4. In the fourth fundamental principle, the UN and member nations have hoped that while conducting international relations, they will ensure not to act in a manner that destroys the sovereignty and independence of any other state or threaten war.

• 5. In the fifth fundamental principle, the UN has hoped from all member nations that they will cooperate in its workings. No state will support those acting against the UN charter. 

• 6. In the sixth principle, it is said that efforts will be made to establish international peace and security even in nations that are not yet members of the UN.

• 7. The seventh principle clarifies that the UN will not interfere in the internal affairs of any state. 

Membership of the United Nations:

The original UN Charter was first signed by 10 nations who thus became initial members. 

Provisions for admission of new members have been made in Article 4 of the Charter. New members will be admitted based on the recommendation of the Security Council and two-thirds majority in the General Assembly. To qualify for UN membership, the nation should desire to become a member. It should accept the rules outlined in the Charter and be capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the Charter.