The United Nations

What are the aims of the United Nations (UN)?

• To keep peace throughout the world
• To develop friendly relations between members
• To help solve international problems
• To get countries working together to solve these problems

How does the UN try to stop wars?

• Peacekeeping forces - these are made up of military forces drawn from a number of countries, e.g. in Cyprus and the former Yugoslavia
• Treaties - member countries sign up to treaties (agreements) to e.g. not use chemical weapons or landmines
• Fact finding missions - UN staff visit a conflict area and report back to the UN as to the best course of action
• Weapons inspectors - e.g. in Iraq UN experts were sent to find weapons are supervise in their destruction
• Sanctions - this is stopping countries getting goods through trade. Weapons should be cut off to countries participating in wars

How do UN agencies try to meet the needs of African Countries?

• The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) aims to provide help in training, research and development to local people so that more food can be produced. This should improve nutrition and health
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) aims to promote education and culture by advising governments, colleges and schools
• The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) aims to help children and their mothers. It does this by organising emergency aid, and helping with medical and educational needs
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to help governments look after by the health needs of their populations. It does this by training health workers, organising immunisation campaigns, and helping set up local health centres
• The International Labour Organisation (ILO) aims to improve working conditions by improving health and safety. It also concerns itself with child labour.