The United Nations (UN) Charter is the foundational treaty of the United Nations, signed on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco, California, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization. It officially came into effect on October 24, 1945. The Charter outlines the purposes, principles, structure, and functions of the UN and remains one of the most important documents in international law and diplomacy. Here’s a breakdown of its core aspects with a focus on human rights
Purpose of the UN Charter
The primary purpose of the UN Charter was to establish the United Nations as an organization dedicated to maintaining international peace and security. In addition to peacekeeping, the Charter also set goals for improving social and economic development and promoting human rights. The key purposes of the UN Charter are outlined in Article 1.
1. Maintaining International Peace and Security: The UN was created in the aftermath of World War II to prevent further conflicts on a global scale. The Charter mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes and collective security, where member states agree to act together to prevent aggression.
2. Promoting Social Progress and Better Living Standards: The Charter calls for cooperation among nations to solve economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems. The goal is to address the root causes of conflict, such as