UN Structure and Security Council Role
Background and Overview
The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945, by 51 countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN. Membership totals 191 countries. When states become UN members, they agree to accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes: To maintain international peace and security. To develop friendly relations among nations. To cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights. To be a…