Question

Explain the need for an international organisation like the United Nations.

Hint:

List six needs: peace and security, peaceful settlement of disputes, development, human rights, global problems and a common forum for all states.

Answer 1

Step 1: Concept:
The United Nations was set up in 1945, after the Second World War, to keep the world from another such war.
The question asks why the world needs such a body. Six needs can be given.

Step 2: Need 1: Keep peace and security:
Wars between big powers cause huge loss of life. The League of Nations had failed to stop the Second World War.
The UN and its Security Council act to prevent war and to stop conflicts that have begun.

Step 3: Need 2: Settle disputes peacefully:
Countries often have disputes over borders, rivers and resources.
The UN gives them a place to talk, and bodies like the International Court of Justice help settle disputes by law and not by force.

Step 4: Need 3: Promote development and welfare:
Many countries are poor and face hunger and disease.
UN agencies such as UNDP, WHO, UNICEF and UNESCO work on health, education and development.

Step 5: Need 4: Protect human rights:
The UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and watches abuses worldwide, which no single country can do alone.

Step 6: Need 5: Tackle global problems:
Terrorism, climate change, pandemics and refugees cross borders.
Only joint action through an international organisation can deal with them.

Step 7: Need 6: A common forum for all states:
Small and weak countries get an equal voice in the General Assembly, so decisions are not left only to powerful states.

Final Answer:
The UN is needed to maintain peace, settle disputes, promote development, protect human rights, tackle global problems and give all states a common forum.