United Nations History

Correct answer: A, the International Court of Justice, or ICJ. It is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The ICJ settles legal disputes submitted by states according to international law and may give advisory opinions on legal questions referred by authorized UN organs and agencies. A careful distinction helps: the Court deals with legal matters between states, while it is not a general criminal court for individuals. B, UNICEF, focuses mainly on children and child welfare. C, WHO works on international public health. D, the Secretariat carries out the day-to-day administrative work of the UN. Therefore only A fits legal judgments and advisory opinions. Memory cue: ICJ means International Court of Justice—“justice” signals legal disputes.

The Atlantic Charter strengthened ideas for a future international order. For exams connect it with the ideological background of the UN.

This declaration strengthened the name United Nations and wartime cooperation. For exams connect it with 1942.

At Dumbarton Oaks the framework of the future UN was discussed. For exams treat it as preparation for creating the UN.

At Yalta agreement was reached on the Security Council power system. For exams connect it with the background of the veto system.

Fifty countries signed the Charter at San Francisco. For exams remember 51 original members after including Poland.

The Charter was signed on 26 June and came into force on 24 October. For exams remember both dates separately.

The League of Nations failed to prevent World War II. For exams understand the UN as an improved response to that experience.

This phrase connects the organization with people's peace and welfare. For exams understand the preamble as the spirit of the UN.

Sovereign equality shows the legally equal status of member states. For exams count it among the basic principles of the UN.

The General Assembly is a broad discussion forum and the Security Council is central in security matters. For exams remember their roles separately.

Permanent members reflected the post war balance of power. For exams connect P5 with the power order after World War II.

Veto is a special power of permanent Security Council members. For exams remember it as the power to block a resolution.

Non permanent members are elected for two years. For exams remember the difference between permanent and non permanent membership.

The Security Council has primary responsibility in international peace matters. For exams treat it as a powerful UN organ.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It mainly settles disputes between states under international law and may also give advisory opinions. The Security Council has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, including decisions on sanctions and peacekeeping measures. Option B reverses these roles. Exam tip: associate the ICJ with judicial settlement and the Security Council with peace and security.

ICJ judges are elected by the General Assembly and Security Council. For exams connect this with the judicial organ's status.

After work related to trust territories was completed the Council stopped regular work. For exams remember it as a historical UN organ.

ECOSOC coordinates development and social issues. For exams connect it with the work of specialized agencies.

The UN Secretariat is the United Nations’ main administrative and coordinating body. It supports the work of the organization by preparing reports and documents, organizing meetings, communicating official information, carrying out decisions made by UN bodies, and assisting the Secretary-General. Its staff work on many international issues and help the other principal organs function effectively. It is therefore concerned with the continuing daily work of the UN rather than ruling individual countries.

Option A is correct because it describes handling the UN’s daily work and administration. The Secretariat does not operate courts in every country, create a single world army, or abolish the General Assembly. The Secretary-General leads this part of the organization, but the Secretariat’s work is broader than one person’s office. Thus the supplied answer correctly identifies its principal role.

The Secretary General plays diplomatic and moral roles along with administration. For exams remember both the limits and importance of the post.

Trygve Lie led the early UN administration. For exams connect the first Secretary General with Norway.

Hammarskjold gave the Secretary General's office an active diplomatic role. For exams connect him with peace efforts.

The human rights declaration is counted among major UN achievements. For exams connect it with 1948.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the General Assembly. For exams remember Human Rights Day and 10 December.