Charter of United Nations | International Law

The United Nations (UN), established on October 24, 1945, is an international organization founded to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It replaced the League of Nations after World War II and currently has 193 member states. The organization’s primary objectives include maintaining international peace, promoting social and economic development, and ensuring respect for human rights.

The UN Charter, signed in San Francisco on June 26, 1945, is the founding document of the United Nations. It outlines the organization’s purposes, principles, structure, and functioning. The key points include:

Purpose:

• Maintain international peace and security.
• Foster friendly relations among nations.
• Promote human rights and social progress.
• Harmonize actions among nations for common goals.

Principles:

• Sovereign equality of all members.
• Peaceful settlement of disputes.
• Non-intervention in domestic matters of states.

Structure:

Principal Organs: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.

Key Articles:

• Article 1: Purposes of the UN.
• Article 2: Principles guiding member states.
• Articles 3-6: Membership criteria and conditions.
• Articles 7-32: Powers and responsibilities of principal organs.

Amendment and Ratification:

Article 108 describes the amendment process, requiring approval by two-thirds of the General Assembly and ratification by member states, including all permanent Security Council members.

Important MCQs on International Law

1. Q: When was the United Nations established?
   A: October 24, 1945.
2. Q: What is the principal judicial organ of the UN?
   A: International Court of Justice.
3. Q: Which city hosted the conference where the UN Charter was signed?
   A: San Francisco.
4. Q: How many principal organs does the UN have?
   A: Six.
5. Q: What is the main responsibility of the Security Council?
   A: Maintenance of international peace and security.
6. Q: Which article of the UN Charter outlines its purposes?
   A: Article 1.
7. Q: What does Article 2(1) of the Charter emphasize?
   A: Sovereign equality of all members.
8. Q: How many permanent members are there in the Security Council?
   A: Five.
9. Q: Which chapter deals with the peaceful settlement of disputes?
   A: Chapter VI.
10. Q: What does Article 51 of the Charter recognize?
    A: The inherent right of self-defense.
11. Q: Which body approves the UN budget?
    A: General Assembly.
12. Q: What majority is required for amendments to the UN Charter?
    A: Two-thirds majority.
13. Q: Where is the headquarters of the UN?
    A: New York City, USA.
14. Q: What is the role of the Economic and Social Council?
    A: Promote international economic and social cooperation.
15. Q: What is the term for non-permanent members of the Security Council?
    A: Two years.
16. Q: Which chapter of the Charter establishes the Trusteeship System?
    A: Chapter XII.
17. Q: Who appoints the Secretary-General?
    A: General Assembly upon recommendation of the Security Council.
18. Q: What principle does Article 2(4) prohibit?
    A: Threat or use of force against territorial integrity or political independence.
19. Q: How many judges serve on the International Court of Justice?
    A: Fifteen.
20. Q: Under which article are new member states admitted to the UN?
    A: Article 4.
21. Q: What is the term of office for judges of the ICJ?
    A: Nine years.
22. Q: What is the significance of Article 103?
    A: Obligations under the Charter prevail over other international agreements.
23. Q: Which language is NOT an official language of the UN?
    A: German.
24. Q: How often does the General Assembly hold regular sessions?
    A: Annually.
25. Q: What is the purpose of Chapter VII of the Charter?
    A: Action with respect to threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression.
26. Q: What does Article 55 focus on?
    A: Economic and social cooperation.
27. Q: Which country is NOT a founding member of the UN?
    A: Switzerland.
28. Q: How are decisions on procedural matters in the Security Council made?
    A: By an affirmative vote of nine members.
29. Q: What is the primary function of the Secretariat?
    A: Administrative support.
30. Q: What does Article 13 empower the General Assembly to do?
    A: Initiate studies for international cooperation.
31. Q: Who can request advisory opinions from the ICJ?
    A: General Assembly or Security Council.
32. Q: What does Article 94 require of UN members?
    A: Compliance with ICJ decisions.
33. Q: Which article governs the use of force?
    A: Article 42.
34. Q: What does Article 80 protect?
    A: Existing rights and treaties.
35. Q: How are trust territories governed under the UN?
    A: Through trusteeship agreements.
36. Q: What is the role of the Military Staff Committee?
    A: Advise on military requirements.
37. Q: Who supervises the administration of trust territories?
    A: Trusteeship Council.
38. Q: Which chapter outlines the amendment process?
    A: Chapter XVIII.
39. Q: What is the legal capacity of the UN as per Article 104?
    A: To exercise its functions.
40. Q: What does Article 102 require regarding treaties?
    A: Registration with the Secretariat.
41. Q: Who can bring disputes to the attention of the Security Council?
    A: Any member state.
42. Q: Which organ is responsible for disarmament plans?
    A: Security Council.
43. Q: What does Article 105 grant UN officials?
    A: Privileges and immunities.
44. Q: How many regional commissions are established by the UN?
    A: Five.
45. Q: What is Article 73 about?
    A: Non-self-governing territories.
46. Q: How can a member be expelled from the UN?
    A: By the General Assembly upon recommendation of the Security Council.
47. Q: What is the role of the General Assembly in appointing ICJ judges?
    A: Elects them alongside the Security Council.
48. Q: What is the significance of Article 52?
    A: Allows regional arrangements for peacekeeping.
49. Q: What does Article 20 state about General Assembly meetings?
    A: Held annually and as needed.
50. Q: Which article defines the role of the Trusteeship Council?
    A: Article 86.
51. Q: How many chapters does the UN Charter contain?
    A: 19 chapters.
52. Q: In which year did the UN Charter come into force?
    A: 1945.
53. Q: What is the preamble of the UN Charter focused on?
    A: Reaffirming faith in human rights and establishing peace.
54. Q: What does Article 2(7) prohibit?
    A: Intervention in domestic matters of member states.
55. Q: Which article allows suspension of membership rights by the General Assembly?
    A: Article 5.
56. Q: What is the primary responsibility of the General Assembly?
    A: Discuss and make recommendations on international issues.
57. Q: What is the maximum number of representatives a member state can send to the General Assembly?
    A: Five.
58. Q: How is the President of the General Assembly selected?
    A: Elected by the General Assembly.
59. Q: What majority is required for important questions in the General Assembly?
    A: Two-thirds majority.
60. Q: Which article outlines the obligation of members to fulfill Charter agreements?
    A: Article 2(2).
61. Q: How many non-permanent members are there in the Security Council?
    A: Ten.
62. Q: What is the tenure of the UN Secretary-General?
    A: Five years.
63. Q: Under which article does the Security Council investigate disputes?
    A: Article 34.
64. Q: What does Chapter VII authorize the Security Council to do?
    A: Take action on threats to peace.
65. Q: What article emphasizes international cooperation in solving economic issues?
    A: Article 1(3).
66. Q: How does Article 33 suggest disputes be settled?
    A: By peaceful means like negotiation and mediation.
67. Q: Who can bring a dispute to the attention of the Security Council under Article 35?
    A: Member or non-member states.
68. Q: What does Article 41 permit?
    A: Non-military enforcement measures, such as sanctions.
69. Q: What are the main functions of the Trusteeship Council?
    A: Supervise trust territories and promote self-governance.
70. Q: Where is the seat of the International Court of Justice?
    A: The Hague, Netherlands.
71. Q: Which chapter deals with regional arrangements?
    A: Chapter VIII.
72. Q: What does Article 73 focus on?
    A: Responsibilities for non-self-governing territories.
73. Q: What is the role of the Economic and Social Council?
    A: Coordination of economic and social work.
74. Q: Which article governs the responsibility of maintaining peace with minimal armaments?
    A: Article 26.
75. Q: How are ICJ judges elected?
    A: By the General Assembly and Security Council.
76. Q: What does Article 51 recognize?
    A: The right to self-defense until the Security Council acts.
77. Q: How is a treaty enforced according to Article 102?
    A: By registering it with the Secretariat.
78. Q: What is the minimum quorum for ICJ proceedings?
    A: Nine judges.
79. Q: Under which chapter is the Statute of the ICJ annexed?
    A: Chapter XIV.
80. Q: What is the role of Article 76 in the Trusteeship System?
    A: Promote political, economic, and social advancement.
81. Q: What does Article 55 emphasize?
    A: Universal respect for human rights and freedoms.
82. Q: How can the UN Charter be amended?
    A: By a two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly (Article 108).
83. Q: Which chapter establishes the role of the Secretariat?
    A: Chapter XV.
84. Q: What does Article 24 grant to the Security Council?
    A: Primary responsibility for maintaining peace.
85. Q: Which article provides for the advisory jurisdiction of the ICJ?
    A: Article 96.
86. Q: What is Article 52 about?
    A: Encouraging a peaceful settlement through regional arrangements.
87. Q: How are economic sanctions authorized by the UN?
    A: Through Article 41.
88. Q: What is Article 100 focused on?
    A: Independence of the Secretary-General and staff.
89. Q: What does Article 103 prioritize?
    A: Obligations under the UN Charter over other treaties.
90. Q: What chapter outlines transitional security arrangements?
    A: Chapter XVII.
91. Q: Who drafts the rules for ICJ proceedings?
    A: The ICJ itself (Article 30).
92. Q: Which article establishes the Military Staff Committee?
    A: Article 47.
93. Q: What is the purpose of the Trusteeship Council as per Article 87?
    A: Examine reports and visit trust territories.
94. Q: Which article limits voting rights for members in financial arrears?
    A: Article 19.
95. Q: What does Article 110 address?
    A: Ratification of the Charter.
96. Q: What is the key focus of Chapter XI?
    A: Declaration on Non-Self-Governing Territories.
97. Q: Which article protects the domestic jurisdiction of member states?
    A: Article 2(7).
98. Q: What is the primary function of the General Assembly under Article 10?
    A: Make recommendations on international issues.
99. Q: Which chapter governs amendments to the Charter?
    A: Chapter XVIII.
100. Q: What does Article 105 grant to the UN?
     A: Privileges and immunities necessary for its functions.
101. Q: How many official languages does the UN use?
     A: Six.
102. Q: Which article outlines the purposes of the Trusteeship System?
     A: Article 76.
103. Q: Under which article can a member state be expelled from the UN?
     A: Article 6.
104. Q: What does Article 2(5) require of member states?
     A: To assist the UN in its actions and not assist states under enforcement measures.
105. Q: What is the role of the Military Staff Committee under the UN Charter?
     A: To advise the Security Council on military matters.
106. Q: What does Article 8 ensure about participation in UN organs?
     A: Equality for men and women.
107. Q: Which chapter deals with international economic and social cooperation?
     A: Chapter IX.
108. Q: What does Article 43 oblige members to do?
     A: Make armed forces available to the Security Council when required.
109. Q: Which article prohibits the threat or use of force against a state?
     A: Article 2(4).
110. Q: What type of issues are addressed in Chapter XIII?
     A: The Trusteeship Council functions.
111. Q: What does Article 39 empower the Security Council to determine?
     A: Threats to peace, breaches of peace, or acts of aggression.
112. Q: Which article deals with the self-determination of peoples?
     A: Article 1(2).
113. Q: What is the primary focus of Chapter V?
     A: The Security Council.
114. Q: How are non-member states involved in disputes under Article 35?
     A: They can bring disputes to the Security Council if they accept the pacific settlement obligations.
115. Q: Which organ has the authority to approve the UN budget?
     A: General Assembly.
116. Q: What does Article 17 empower the General Assembly to approve?
     A: Financial and budgetary arrangements.
117. Q: How is the President of the International Court of Justice selected?
     A: Elected by the members of the Court.
118. Q: What does Article 12 restrict the General Assembly from doing?
     A: Making recommendations on issues under active consideration by the Security Council.
119. Q: Under which article can the General Assembly call the attention of the Security Council to threats to peace?
     A: Article 11(3).
120. Q: Which article establishes that decisions on substantive Security Council matters require the concurring votes of permanent members?
     A: Article 27(3).
121. Q: What does Article 55(c) emphasize?
     A: Universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
122. Q: How many principal organs are mentioned in Article 7?
     A: Six.
123. Q: What does Article 105(1) ensure for the UN?
     A: Legal capacity and privileges necessary to fulfil its purposes.
124. Q: Which article specifies the procedures for the ICJ to request advisory opinions?
     A: Article 96.
125. Q: What is the quorum for the Security Council as per Article 28(3)?
     A: All members represented.
126. Q: Which organ can establish subsidiary organs under the UN Charter?
     A: General Assembly and Security Council.
127. Q: Which chapter details the settlement of international disputes?
     A: Chapter VI.
128. Q: Which article allows the UN to intervene in domestic matters for enforcement measures?
     A: Article 2(7) (exception under Chapter VII).
129. Q: What is required under Article 47 regarding the Military Staff Committee?
     A: It should consist of the Chiefs of Staff of the permanent members of the Security Council.
130. Q: How often does the General Assembly meet in regular session?
     A: Annually (Article 20).
131. Q: Which article allows for the suspension of voting rights for non-payment of financial contributions?
     A: Article 19.
132. Q: What is the function of Article 99?
     A: The Secretary-General can bring matters threatening peace to the Security Council’s attention.
133. Q: What does Article 13 empower the General Assembly to promote?
     A: Development of international law and human rights.
134. Q: What does Article 25 require from UN members?
     A: Compliance with Security Council decisions.
135. Q: What does Article 73(a) emphasize for non-self-governing territories?
     A: Their political, economic, and educational advancement.
136. Q: Which organ is primarily responsible for disarmament according to the Charter?
     A: Security Council (Article 26).
137. Q: What is addressed in Article 18 regarding General Assembly voting?
     A: Majority requirements for decisions.
138. Q: Which article allows regional agencies to handle disputes locally?
     A: Article 52.
139. Q: How can disputes about ICJ jurisdiction be resolved?
     A: By the Court itself (Article 36).
140. Q: What is the focus of Article 33 in dispute resolution?
     A: Pacific settlement of disputes through negotiation or arbitration.
141. Q: What is the primary responsibility of the Trusteeship Council?
     A: Supervision of trust territories.
142. Q: Which article discusses the regulation of armaments?
     A: Article 26.
143. Q: Which article emphasizes full employment and economic progress?
     A: Article 55(a).
144. Q: What does Article 54 require from regional agencies?
     A: Regular reporting to the Security Council.
145. Q: How is the Statute of the ICJ related to the UN Charter?
     A: It forms an integral part of the Charter (Article 92).
146. Q: What does Article 10 empower the General Assembly to do?
     A: Discuss matters within the scope of the Charter.
147. Q: How are specialized agencies brought into a relationship with the UN?
     A: Through agreements as per Article 57.
148. Q: What is the purpose of Article 109?
     A: To hold a General Conference for Charter review.
149. Q: Which article outlines the principles of international peace and cooperation?
     A: Article 1.
150. Q: What does Article 53(1) authorize regarding enforcement actions?
     A: Security Council use of regional arrangements.