What is United Nations Charter?
Historical Background
Key Points
7 points- 1.
Purposes: To maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems; and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
- 2.
Principles: Based on the sovereign equality of all its Members; peaceful settlement of disputes; refraining from the threat or use of force (Article 2(4)); non-interference in the internal affairs of states (Article 2(7)); and collective action for peace.
- 3.
Organs: Establishes six principal organs: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and Secretariat.
- 4.
Membership: Open to all peace-loving states that accept the obligations contained in the Charter.
- 5.
Amendment: Can be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the General Assembly and ratified by two-thirds of the members of the United Nations, including all the permanent members of the Security Council.
- 6.
Binding Nature: Its provisions are considered binding international law for member states.
- 7.
It provides the legal framework for UN peacekeeping operations and humanitarian interventions authorized by the Security Council.
Visual Insights
UN Charter: Foundation of Global Governance
A mind map illustrating the core components, principles, and relevance of the United Nations Charter, linking it to UPSC syllabus concepts.
United Nations Charter (1945)
- ●Purposes (Art. 1)
- ●Principles (Art. 2)
- ●Principal Organs
- ●Challenges & Reforms
Evolution of the UN Charter & Global Governance
A timeline tracing the historical development of the UN Charter from its precursors to its contemporary challenges and debates.
The UN Charter emerged from the failures of the League of Nations and the devastation of World War II, aiming to establish a robust framework for international peace and cooperation. Its evolution has been marked by periods of effectiveness and challenges, particularly during the Cold War and in the face of contemporary conflicts and humanitarian crises, constantly testing its foundational principles.
- 1919Treaty of Versailles & Creation of League of Nations (precursor to UN)
- 1939-1945World War II (highlighting the failure of League of Nations)
- June 1945Signing of UN Charter in San Francisco
- Oct 1945UN Charter comes into force; United Nations officially established
- 1950s-1980sCold War era; UN often deadlocked by P5 veto, but active in decolonization & humanitarian aid.
- 1990sPost-Cold War optimism; increased UN peacekeeping operations (e.g., Somalia, Rwanda, Bosnia) & debates on humanitarian intervention.
- 2005World Summit endorses 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P) doctrine, challenging traditional sovereignty.
- 2014-2025Ongoing conflicts (e.g., Syria, Ukraine) test UN's effectiveness; renewed calls for UNSC reform.
- Jan 2026US Congressional debate on UN Charter adherence in Venezuela & Ukraine actions.
Recent Developments
5 developmentsOngoing debates on UN Security Council reform to reflect current geopolitical realities and enhance its legitimacy.
Challenges to the principle of non-interference in the context of humanitarian interventions and R2P (Responsibility to Protect).
Increased focus on multilateralism and adherence to international law in a multipolar world.
The role of the UN in addressing global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Debates on the effectiveness of the UN in resolving major power conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war.