Purposes of the United Nations (Article 1)
- Maintain international peace and security, including prevention and peaceful adjustment of disputes.
- Develop friendly relations respecting equal rights and self-determination.
- Foster international cooperation on economic, social, cultural, humanitarian issues, and human rights.
- Serve as a central agency for harmonizing national actions toward common goals.
Principles Governing UN Members (Article 2)
- Sovereign equality of all members.
- Good faith fulfillment of obligations.
- Peaceful settlement of disputes.
- Refrain from threat or use of force against other states.
- Full assistance to the UN and non-obstruction of its actions.
- Respect non-intervention in domestic jurisdiction, except enforcement under Chapter VII.
Membership Provisions (Chapter II)
- Original members: states participating in the San Francisco Conference or earlier declarations.
- Membership open to peace-loving states accepting Charter obligations.
- Admission requires General Assembly decision upon Security Council recommendation.
- Suspension and expulsion possible for violations of Charter principles.
UN Organs (Chapter III)
- Principal organs: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, Secretariat.
- Subsidiary organs can be established as necessary.
- Equal eligibility for men and women in all organs.
General Assembly (Chapter IV)
- Composed of all UN Members, each allowed up to five representatives.
- Powers include discussing any Charter-related matters, making recommendations, considering maintenance of peace principles, and approving budgets.
- Has authority over trusteeship administration, cooperation promotion, and reporting.
- Voting: one member one vote; important questions require two-thirds majority.
- Procedures allow regular and special sessions, with rules of procedure and election of President.
Security Council (Chapter V)
- Comprises 15 members: 5 permanent (China, France, USSR, UK, USA), 10 non-permanent elected for two years.
- Primary responsibility for maintenance of international peace and security, acting on behalf of members.
- Powers include enforcement measures under Chapters VI, VII, VIII, and XII.
- Decisions require nine affirmative votes, including concurrence of permanent members for substantive issues.
- Procedures ensure continuous function, meetings, rules, and possible participation of non-members under certain conditions.
Pacific Settlement of Disputes (Chapter VI)
- Parties urged to settle disputes peacefully via negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or judicial settlement.
- Security Council empowered to call upon parties and investigate disputes and situations threatening peace.
- May recommend methods for adjustment and facilitate peaceful resolutions.
Measures Against Threats and Aggression (Chapter VII)
- Security Council empowered to determine threats and impose provisional or enforcement measures.
- Non-forceful measures may include sanctions and communication blockades.
- Use of armed forces authorized if other means are inadequate.
- Member states obliged to provide military forces and assistance under agreements.
- Establishes Military Staff Committee to advise on strategic military matters.
- Emphasizes collective action to maintain peace.
Regional Arrangements (Chapter VIII)
- Allows regional agencies to maintain peace and security consistent with UN principles.
- Encourages resolving local disputes regionally before UN referral.
- Security Council oversees and controls enforcement by regional bodies.
International Economic and Social Cooperation (Chapters IX and X)
- UN promotes higher living standards, health, education, human rights, and cultural cooperation.
- Specialized agencies relate to UN for coordination and recommendations.
- The Economic and Social Council manages studies, reports, recommendations, and coordination of agencies.
- Voting in Economic and Social Council is by majority.
Trusteeship System (Chapters XI to XIII)
- Addresses administration of non-self-governing territories for advancement towards self-government or independence.
- Trusteeship agreements specify administration, objectives, and strategic areas.
- Functions exercised primarily by Security Council and General Assembly, with assistance from Trusteeship Council.
- Trusteeship Council monitors progress, receives reports, and manages petitions.
International Court of Justice (Chapter XIV and Statute)
- The principal judicial organ of the UN composed of 15 independent judges.
- Judges elected by General Assembly and Security Council for nine-year terms.
- Functions include settling disputes submitted by states and providing advisory opinions.
- Members must be impartial, refrain from political roles, and enjoy diplomatic immunity.
Secretariat (Chapter XV)
- Comprises Secretary-General and staff appointed by General Assembly on Security Council recommendation.
- The Secretary-General acts as chief administrative officer and oversees operations across all UN organs.
- Emphasizes neutrality and independence of the Secretariat from external influence.
Miscellaneous Provisions (Chapter XVI)
- Requires registration of treaties with the Secretariat.
- UN Charter obligations prevail over conflicting international agreements.
- The Organization and its representatives enjoy necessary legal capacities, privileges, and immunities.
Transitional and Other Provisions (Chapters XVII to XIX)
- Transitional measures involve consultations among certain member states for security pending full implementation.
- Enemy states from WWII are subject to special provisions.
- Charter amendments require two-thirds votes and ratification by major members.
- Ratification process described, including deposit with the US government and notification of all signatories.