The United Nations was founded after World War II (see Chapter 14, page 388). The Charter of the United Nationswas signed by 50 countries in 1945. The organisation was set up to:
l Promote international peace and security l Develop better relations between countries l Promote better living standards and human rights
In 2018, the UN had 193 countries as members. It operates all over the world.
l The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 to help with all the European refugees (someone who is forced to leave their country because of war, persecution or disaster) afterWorldWar II. It now has over 10,000 staff and works in 130 countries around the world.
l UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO)
was founded in 1945. It seeks to build relationships between countries by promoting education, celebrating different cultures and making the best use of scientific advancements.
l The World Health Organisation (WHO) came into being in 1948. Its main aim is the coordination of international health. It presently has 194 members.
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Fig 17.14 The United Nations flag. The UN was set up in 1945.
Fig 17.15 World leaders gather in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly.
✣ By the way
24 October is the day of the founding of the UN and it is also the annual United Nations Day.