UNITED NATION’S ORGANIZATION
After the First World War, to save the nations from the scourge of future wars, League of Nations was established. But it failed. It was for the same purpose, after the Second World War, United Nations Organization was established. The leaders who took interest to establish this world organization were the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Stalin of Russia, and the President of U.S.A., F.D. Roosewelt. These leaders had assembled in a conference at Yalta during 1945 and decided to start the U.N.O. Accordingly, on the 24th day of October 1945, the U.N.O. was
inaugurated with its headquarters in New York city. There were only 51 states who enrolled themselves as members of U.N.O., when it was started. India was one of them. Today there are about 191 nations who are the members of U.N.O. Any nation can enroll as a member of this world organization. India being a member has upheld the goals of the organization.
AIMS OF THE U.N.O. :
(1) To promote International peace and security.
(2) To promote friendly relations on the basis of equality among all the nations of world.
(3) To promote International co-operation among the people of the world to develop economic, social and cultural matters and finding solution to various international problems. To encourage securing of Human and Fundamental rights.
The main agencies of the U.N.O. are : (1) General Assembly, (2) Security
Council, (3) Economic and Social Council, (4) Trusteeship Council, (5) Secretariat, and (6) International Court of Justice.
1. GENERAL ASSEMBLY : The General Assembly is the general body of the U.N.O. consisting of all the members of U.N.O. Every member nation can send five representatives but each nation has a single vote. One can call the General Assembly as the parliament of the U.N.O. It is an important organization of the U.N.O. The general body meeting is called in the month of September every year. Emergency meetings of the Assembly may be summoned depending on the needs of the situation. This assembly has power to discuss all matters coming under its purview
and deliver its decisions. All decisions of importance are passed by 2/3 majority of members present at voting. Attendance of members depends on the subject discussed. The Assembly prepares the Annual Budget and approves it. It also decides the rate of contribution of each member state. The General Assembly carries out its function with the help of various committees. During last September 2000, the Millennium Conference of the Assembly was convened in New York City. One hundred and fifty nations of the world had taken part. Our Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajapey had participated in this summit. This summit gave call to fight against Terrorism in a concerted manner. We are proud to remember that Vijayalakshmi Pandit, sister of Jawaharlal Nehru, was elected as the President of the general assembly. She was the first woman president of the General Assembly of the U.N.O.
2. SECURITY COUNCIL : Security Council is the most important organ of the U.N.O. as its role is wide and it is expected to protect peace and security in the world. The Council consists of 15 members of which five are permanent members and the remaining ten are temporary members, who are elected by the General Assembly for a term of two years. Every member of the Council has a right to vote but permanent members have a right to veto, and when such veto is exercised, such a matter will not become a decision. England, America, Russia, France and China are the permanent members of the Security Council. Security Council has the power to admit or reject the membership of a new member to the General Assembly. The Council has power to suggest the name of the Secretary-General of the U.N.O. But the Secretary-General is elected by the General Assembly. Even in the election of the Judges of the International Court of Justice, it has its own role to play. In the recent past, there is a proposal to expand the permanent membership of the Council. Some nations of the world wanted to bring about some reforms in the U.N.O. In this direction, during the month of April 2000, U.S.A. brought certain proposals before the Council to raise the membership of the Security Council from 15 to 21 and to abolish the ‘Veto’ by providing equal votes to all the members of the Security Council. This was taken up for discussion in the General Assembly which was called during November 2000. Hundred and eight members had participated and it was suggested that India being a biggest democracy be made a member of the Council. India, as a non alienment nation had played an important
role as a member of U.N.O. It is because of this that a number of nations have suggested its name for the membership of the Security Council.
3. THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL : Creation of conducive conditions for the progress through change in economic and social environment is the purpose of the Council. A Committee of 54 members of the U.N.O. is constituted for this purpose. These members are elected by the General Assembly. The term of a member is three years. Every year 1/3 members, i.e. 18 will retire. However a retired member is eligible for re-election. The Committee meets twice in a year. The aims of the Council are: (1) To assure better standard of life, employment opportunities to improve the economic and social standards of the society among the people of its member nations.
(2) To provide solutions to various international problems relating to health and social and economic matters.
(3) To encourage co-operation in the fields of culture and education.
(4) To promote respect for Human Rights throughout the world and create awareness about these rights.
(5) To provide fundamental rights to all the citizens irrespective of sex, race, religion and language. The Council can render advice on the above issues and organize programmes to promote them.
4. THE TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL : After the Second World War, a dispute arose about the distribution of imperial possessions belonging to the vanquished nations. In order to settle such disputes this Council was created. The objective of this Council is to help securing independence to such territories which were under foreign rule. To carry on the administration of such territories, a committee was constituted, after entering into a ‘trusteeship pact’ on following lines:
1. The number of such nations who were selected to be in charge to look
after the administration of such territories.
2. The permanent members of the Security Council.
3. Three elected members from the General Assembly for a term of three
years.
Most of such territories which were under trusteeship have now attained
independence.
5. THE SECRETARIAT AND THE SECRETARY GENERAL : The main administrativeoffice of the secretariat is at Lake success near New York. The Secretary-General is the chief of the Secretariat and his term of office is five years. He carries the administration on the instruction issued by the Permanent Members of the Security Council.
6. INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE : The International Court of Justice is one of the principal organs of the U.N.O. It was created by an international treaty. All members of the U.N.O. are parties to the statute of the court. The court settles disputes among its member nations. It also gives advice to the different bodies of the United Nations. There are 15 judges and their term of office is nine years. The Security Council and the General Assembly elect these judges. Every year five judges retire and they are eligible for re-election. Such elected judges are prohibited from taking up any job or participate in any political activities. The judges of the International Court of Justice are prohibited from appearing before any court in the world and they are prohibited to represent any country. The judges of this court enjoy a number of privileges. We are proud of the fact that Nagendra Singh and Benagal Shiva Rao of India were the judges of the International Court of Justice.
The headquarters of this court is located in the city, the Hague of Holland.
VARIOUS AGENCIES OF THE U.N.O.1. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (F.A.O.) :
It was set up in 1945. The purpose of F.A.O. is to fight against poverty, malnutrition and hunger in the world. The Administrative office is in Rome. The main functions of this organization are :
1.To encourage the food production by promoting improved conditions of
cultivation in the world.
2.Encourage the consumption of nutritious food among the peoples.
3.To protect the natural resources and provide agricultural facilities.
4.Improving living conditions of the rural people.
2. THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (W.H.O.) :
It was set up in 1948 with the purpose of improving the physical and mental health of all. In this direction a number of programmes are taken under by this organisation. In the first place, mention may be made of the steps taken to fight against AIDS throughout the world. The fight against the epidemics like cholera, plague, malaria, small pox etc. was
spearheaded by it. Further it has taken up the programme of combating diseases by providing nutritious food. It also spreads knowledge on hygiene. The greatest achievement of this organisation is the total elimination of small pox from the world. The organisation has started a battle against population explosion and protection of environment and maintenance of ecological balance.
3. THE UNESCO : The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation is one of the important organs of the U.N.O. Its purpose is to promote collaboration among nations in the field of education, science and culture. Its headquarters is located in Paris. This organisation was established on 4th November 1946.
Its aims are :
(1) Establishment of peace,
(2) Promotion of human rights,
(3)Man is the center of development,
(4) Utilization of science and technology only for the improvement of human life,
(5) Promotion of education,
(6) Trying to strike a balance between human beings and environment, (7) Educating the masses against growth of population,
(8) Promotion of information technology,
(9) Encouraging creative mental and cultural environment to promote peace and prosperity of the world.
In 2001, there were 158 nations as its members. It is also striving to protect sites and centres of historical and cultural importance. India, is also a founder member of this organisation. India has hosted a number of its conference and extended its full support by observing the International Year of Education, International Year of Children, International Year of Women etc. India, with the cooperation
of the UNESCO has undertaken a number of projects like N.C.E.R.T.,
N.H.E.E.S (aimed at providing nutritious food, promoting health, education, environment and sanitation), DACEV meant for promoting pre-primary education etc. The UNESCO thus is trying its best to promote science and technology and culture.
4. I.L.O. : The International Labour Organisation was established with an aim to promote the welfare of working classes. Its headquarters is at Geneva in Switzerland. The administration is carried by an administrative council constituting representatives of workers and employers. Every nation sends two representatives one from the workers and the other from the management. The important work of this organisation is
* to provide social security to the workers and to improve their living standard.
* To assure minimum wages to workers, maternity benefits to female workers, nutritious food, shelter and entertainment to all the working classes. It provides opportunity to the workers to participate in the management. However, all these decisions are only advisory in nature and not binding on member nations.
5. U.N.I.C.E.F. :
The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund is an unique organ
of United Nations, as it is striving to improve the living conditions of women and children in the developing nations. It was established in 1946. It came into existence to help the displaced children after the Second World War. Later, its functions were extended to the welfare of children of developing nations during the 1950s. However, it became a permanent organisation in 1957 and is carrying on its functions. It consists of 30 members, appointed by the UNESCO. The administrative office is in New York. It has provided aid for more than 116 nations and won Nobel Prize for peace in 1965 for its good work. UNICEF greeting cards are sold and the money so collected is used for the welfare of children. Hence the card must be purchased by every one to help the cause of children’s welfare. This organisation helps to provide milk and mid-day meal to the children of developing nations. It provides help to ladies during their pregnancy period. Prevention of immoral trafficking of children is also its aim. As it is carrying humanitarian service it has become very popular in the world.
6. THE I.M.F. :
International Monetary Fund was established in 1945. However, it
started functioning only in 1947. Its headquarters is in Washington D.C. Its aims are as follows:
(1) To advise on matters of International Economic problems.
(2) Maintain balance in World Trade so that employment opportunities are provided in all the nations.
(3) To maintain stability in exchange rate in various currencies.
(4) To promote world Trade so that all nations of the world may progress by increasing the income, and
(5) To promote the economic stability of all nations through economic
co-operation.
7. THE I.B.R.D. :
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the World Bank came into existence in 1947. More than 175 nations are its members. Its headquarters is in Washington D.C. The IBRD was mainly established to reconstruct the countries subjected to damages during the Second World War. But, today it is helping all the nations in the field of agriculture, transport, etc., by providing loans.
Its aims are:
(1) To promote progress and development through economic reconstruction.
(2) To maintain a balance in international trade by providing capital.
(3) To provide financial help to various development projects of nations. (4) To provide guarantee to certain private industries in a selected manner for the loans they borrow, and
5) To provide long-term loans to its member states for their larger development. This organisation has become a ray of hope to the developing nations.
8.THE U.N.C.T.A.D. :
The United Nations Trade and Commerce Development works for the economic development of developing nations. It promotes trade and commerce. Its other programmes are:
(1) To review the policies of commerce.
(2) To discuss various inter-state problems between the governments of the world.
(3) To reach consensus among nations through discussions and conferences.
(4) To provide technological cooperation.
(5) To supervise the management of the existing programmes of development.
The meeting of the UNCTAD is convinced twice a year. It is instrumental in promoting social and economic reconstruction.
9. THE W.T.O. :
World Trade Organisation, a conference to study the Trade and Commerce in the world was held in Urugay on 15 December 1993 and it supported the idea of constituting World Trade Organisation. On the basis of its recommendation W.T.O. was established on 1st January 1995. This is a statutory body and about 140 nations are members. They have signed an agreement GATT (General Agreement of Trade and Tariff) in Geneva. So this is an international body which helps to settle any dispute concerning trade and commerce between the various nations of the world. The main aim of this is to cooperate with the World Bank, in shaping an economic policy. Through such policies, it is aimed to achieve progress in the field of trade and commerce. But the decision for free trade among nations has caused distress to developing nations.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS
The major objectives of the U.N.O. is to maintain peace in the world. The
United Nations was helpful in avoiding several wars. It has successfully reduced tension in nearly 300 critical situations. It prevented large scale war in the following cases:
1. War between Iran and Soviet Russia during 1946.
2. In 1947, it helped to solve a problem arising in Indonesia and also
prevented the chances of Civil war in Greece.
3. The Arab invasion on Israel in 1948 was prevented by ordering of ceasefire. However the conflict is still alive.
4. It solved Korean problems by giving independence to South Korea.
5. In 1956, it solved the Suez Canal Crisis.
6. It is only because of U.N.O. that the Vietnam crisis came to an end.
7. The Congo problem was solved during 1960.
8. Though a cease-fire was ordered in the case of Kashmir in 1948, the
conflict is still alive.
9. It freed Kuwait from Iraqi invasion during 1991.
10. Namibia and Angola got independence by the efforts of the UNO.
However, U.N.O. has also met with failures in certain cases. E.g.: The problem between Hungary and Poland in 1956. Similar is the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The possibility of the Third World War was prevented by the efforts of the U.N.O. It is a most notable achievement. Through its organs like I.L.O., W.H.O., UNICEF it has rendered yeoman service in international co-operation and development.
INDIA AND THE UNITED NATIONS
India is wedded to the principles of the U.N.O. as it is a member from the day of its inception. India has always looked upon the U.N.O. as a leading light in matters of establishing peace in the world. India always played a leading role in the U.N.O. in opposing the colonial rule and supporting the cause of newly born nations. India played a significant role in many of the peace keeping operations of the U.N.O. India has always demonstrated her faith in solving the problems through peaceful means. It has always believed in coexistence, which is the foundation stone of India’s foreign policy. It has always strongly urged the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
After the Second World War, India attained independence in 1947. After the World War the world was divided into two opposite power blocs headed by the former Soviet Union and the United States of America. The rivalry among these nations created an atmosphere of tension, fear and mutual distrust and suspicion. Therefore, India decided to adopt the policy of non-alignment. By this India was not a party to any political and military bloc and to take an independent stand on world issues.
The architect of this foreign policy of India was the late Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. He was a Gandhian and a humanitarian. He based the foreign policy of cooperation through which peace could be established in the entire war-torn world. e decided to maintain friendly relationship with all the nations of the world. Nehru was of the opinion that to reduce tension and conflict in the world peaceful coexistence was an alternative. Five principles, known as ‘Panchasheela’ were formulated on April 29, 1954 as part of India-China agreement. They are:
(1) Mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty. (2) Mutual non-aggression.
(3) Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
(4) Belief in equality and working for mutual benefit, and
(5) Peaceful co-existence.
INDIA’S RELATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIESIndia has a rich heritage of peace, friendship and co-operation. We have
numerous examples to show this from our past history. On no occasions India has sent her troops to conquer other countries but it has sent messengers to spread ethics and culture. After independence, India has adopted friendly relations with her neighbours, it is a member of the Commonwealth, the SAARC and the ASEAN. INDIA AND U.S.A.: The United States and India are the two major democratic nations in the world. Further, America had pleaded for the cause of independence
of India during her struggle. It was the then president of America, Franklin Roosevelt who supported the cause of Indian independence. When there was a clash between China and India, America had helped India. The United States of America has extended economic help to India for her development. But when America entered a defence alliance with Pakistan, the relationship was somewhat strained. Apart from this there are a number of reasons which led to differences of opinion which led to troubled relationship between the two big democracies of the world. However, during the regime of President Kennedy, matters improved. But this trend was not continued by the future Presidents. Later in 1978, during Jimmy Carter’s regime the relationship improved; but even that did not last long. In recent past, that too after the visit of Clinton, the economic sanctions against India were removed.
INDIA AND RUSSIA :
The relationship between the Soviet Union and India has a long history. No doubt after attaining independence in 1947, India had opposed policies of colonialism and imperialism. This attitude of India welded the bond of friendship between the former Soviet Union and India, which is continuing even today. After the Second World War, India followed the policy of non-alignment, which was not liked by the United States; however Russia continued her alliance with India. More than this the Soviet Union supported India on all international issues including on Kashmir. During the Liberation of Goa in 1961 and the war against China during 1962, Soviet Union supported India. The Soviet Union, mediated Tashkent Agreement in 1966 between India and Pakistan. Twenty year pact was concluded between India and Soviet Union in 1971. The Soviet Union aided the establishment of Steel Plants in Bhilai and Bokaro and Aunge Power Plant in Haridwar. In 1985, Rajiv Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, paid a visit to Russia and signed a treaty of economic and technological co-operation. Under this treaty India received a long term loan of Rs. 2,883 crores in 1986. Through all these,
Indo-Russian friendship and cultural relations have strengthened. One happy feature is that even after the break-up of the former USSR, the friendship between Russia and India is continuing. Besides, Kashmir, Russia is supporting India for securing a permanent membership in the Security Council.
INDIA AND CHINA :
Over centuries China and India have lived as friendly neighbours. This relationship is quite long, belonging back to the days of Lord Buddha. But India’s policy towards Tibet changed Chinese attitude towards India.
During 1950, Chinese attacked Tibet and forced the Tibetan King to sign a treaty. However, India opposed this as it has always supported the autonomy of Tibet. Further, a treaty was concluded between India and China in 1955. Taking undue advantage of this treaty, China occupied Tibet in 1989. After the Chinese aggression of Tibet, Tibetan religious head Dalai Lama took shelter in India. This enraged China and it attacked India which led to India-China war in 1962. Illegally China has
occupied nearly 12,000 square miles of territory belonging to India.
India, has expressed her friendship even after such brutal attack on her
territories. China has occupied the Akashichin area belonging to Kashmir. It was due to India’s pleading that China had secured its place in U.N.O. However, in recent past i.e. from 1976, relationships are improving. China has reappointed its ambassador to India.
INDIA AND BANGLADESH:
Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan. In 1971, the struggle ended and Bangladesh became independent country. India had helped the people of Bangladesh in their struggle for freedom against Pakistan. Since 1971, there have been political, economic and cultural co-operation between India and Pakistan. During 1974, both the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and India met in Dhaka and concluded a treaty for twenty years of peace, cooperation and friendly relations. It was because of this treaty the long pending problems of Farakka Barrage was solved. However, the problem of migrants from the Chittagong Hilly area, smuggling along the borders etc. are yet to be solved. Lakhs of Bangladeshi citizens have illegally entered and settled down in India. Bangladesh is also sheltering many anti-India terrorist outfits.
INDIA AND NEPAL :
Nepal is a Kingdom in the ranges of the Himalayas. India has traditional and friendly relations with Nepal. The border between these two countries are always open to trade. Commerce and transport take place without any restrictions. Nepal, being a land locked country, depends on India for her trade with other countries. According to the treaty of 1971, the products of Nepal are exempted from tariff. Though India has given all help, Nepal ill-treated Indians in Nepal. The recent terrorist activities in Nepal have caused concern for India. SAARC headquarters is located in Nepal’s capital city of Khatmandu. The recent killings of the members of the Royal family and Moaist movement have created problems in Nepal. However, India has stood by Nepal on all occasions of its national crisis.
INDIA AND SRI LANKA :
India’s links with Sri Lanka are rooted deep in history and mythology from the days of Ramayana. Sri Lanka is predominantly a Buddhist country and cordial relationship between the two countries are continuing. There are two prominent groups in Sri Lanka, one the Sinhalese and the other the Tamils. Both these groups trace their origin to India. However in the recent past, there is a conflict between them. The Sri Lankans are mostly Buddhists. The Tamil-speakers consider themselves as belonging to Dravidian race. The claim of the Tamils of Sri
Lanka for a separate state has led to a civil war. The escalation of violence and large scale killings have caused concern to India. Being our next neighbour, India has helped Sri Lanka in many ways. An accord was signed over an island in the Palk Straight during 1974-76. There is also a treaty over sea trade between the two countries. During 1988, a treaty was concluded between Jayawardhane and Rajiv Gandhi and a Peace Keeping Force was despatched. However, later this had to be withdrawn. India had maintained good relationship with Tamil group called L.T.T.E. But the terrorists belonging to this outfit caused violence in India and ultimately assassinated Rajiv Gandhi.
INDIA AND PAKISTAN :
The division of India is an unfortunate development. Historically, geographically, culturally and economically the two countries have much in common. Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan, has been raising disputes over issues like property, border, distribution of river water etc. Kashmir issue has become a bone of contention between the two countries, which led to wars more than once. There are other reasons like Pakistan’s treaty with other countries like China, military agreements, cross border terrorism, trade, water dispute, continuing problem of minorities in both the coutries. Three wars have been fought becasue of Kashmir. Eventhough Kashmir is an inseperable part of India, Pakistan has continued its wrong claim on Kashmir. Except Kashmir, there are no other serious problems between the two countries. However, India is trying her best to pursue the policy of good neighbourliness with Pakistan. If there are any differences including Kashmir it can be sorted out through negotiations.
EXERCISES
I Fill up the blanks with suitable words:
1. The Security Council of UNO consists of .............. members.
2. The headquarters of UNESCO is in .............................. city.
3. The other name of IRBD is....................................
4. India entered Panchasheela treaty with............................
5. The summit conference between India and Pakistan was arranged in the city of ...................
in Russia.
6. The name of the religious head of Tibet who migrated to India is.................................
7. The Indians who served in the world court were..............................
8. The Chinese occupied area of India is..................................
9. The Tamil terrorist group fighting in Sri Lanka is....................
II Answer in two or three sentences:
1. What is the main aim of the United Nation Organisation?
2. What are the functions of the Security Council.
3. What are the problems that India is facing with her neigbouring countries (i) Pakistan
(ii) Sri Lanka
4. Has the foreign policy of India is successful. Justify.
5. Expand these words : WHO, IMF, ILO
III Activities:
1. Arrange a mock Assembly of the U.N.O. in your school.
2. Arrange a debate on non-alignment policy of India.
3. Discuss: The human rights and communalism.
