Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 4)
The main purposes of the United Nations are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation in solving international problems, and to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these ends.
Article 2 outlines that the Organization is based on the sovereign equality of all its Members, they must fulfill obligations in good faith, settle disputes peacefully, refrain from use or threat of force inconsistent with UN purposes, assist the UN in its actions, and that the UN shall not intervene in domestic jurisdiction matters except as provided under Chapter VII.
Membership is open to all peace-loving states which accept the obligations in the Charter and are judged able and willing to carry out these obligations. Admission is by decision of the General Assembly upon recommendation of the Security Council.
A Member against which preventive or enforcement action has been taken may be suspended from rights and privileges of membership by the General Assembly upon Security Council recommendation. Persistent violation of Charter Principles may lead to expulsion. Rights and privileges can be restored by the Security Council.
The principal organs are the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.
Article 8 states the United Nations shall place no restrictions on eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs.
Decisions on important questions require a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.
The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and acts on behalf of UN Members in carrying out duties under this responsibility.
Decisions require an affirmative vote of nine members including the concurring votes of all permanent members.
It recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a UN Member, until the Security Council takes necessary measures to maintain or restore peace and security, with immediate reporting to the Security Council.