EXERCISE

Very short answer questions 

Q1. Why was the UNO formed?
Answer: The United Nations Organization (UNO) was formed on October 24, 1945, to ensure world peace and prevent future wars, especially after the devastating effects of World War II.

Q2. Mention two objectives of the UNO.
Answer: Two objectives of the UNO are:

1. To maintain international peace and security.
2. To establish friendship among all countries based on equal rights and self-determination.

Q3. Write the names of the UN organs.
Answer: The six organs of the UNO are:

1. General Assembly
2. Security Council
3. Economic and Social Council
4. Trusteeship Council
5. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
6. Secretariat

Q4. Write the names of the two Agencies related to the UNO.
Answer: Two agencies related to the UNO are the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Q5. Write the names of two Treaties which were signed on Disarmament.
Answer: Two treaties signed on disarmament are the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963) and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968).

Q6. What is meant by Human Rights?
Answer: Human rights are rights that are essential for every individual to live a dignified life.

Long Answer Questions

Q1. Discuss the aims of the UNO for which it came into existence and also discuss its principles.

Answer: Aims of the UNO are :

1. To maintain international peace and security and take effective collective measures to prevent and remove threats to peace.
2. To foster friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.
3. To achieve international cooperation in solving global problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character and to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
4. To serve as a central hub for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common goals.

Principles of the UNO are : 

1. The organization is founded on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its member states.
2. All member states must fulfill their duties and responsibilities by obeying the rules of the UN Charter.
3. Member states are required to settle international disputes peacefully and without endangering international peace, security, and justice.
4. To maintain cordial international relations, all members must refrain from the threat or use of force against any other state.
5. Member states are to provide assistance to the UNO when it requests and must not assist any state that is facing punitive action by the organization.

Q2. Write a note on the Security Council of the UNO.

Answer: The Security Council is the most important organ of the United Nations Organization (UNO). Its main duty is to maintain international peace and security, and its decisions are binding on all member nations.

It has 15 members, out of which 5 are permanent – USA, UK, Russia, China, and France – while 10 are non-permanent members elected for two years. The permanent members enjoy veto power, which allows them to block any decision. The Security Council investigates disputes, recommends peaceful settlements, and can take action such as sanctions or military measures to maintain peace. It also recommends new members to the UNO and assists in the appointment of the Secretary-General.

Thus, the Security Council plays a vital role in preventing wars and safeguarding world peace.

Q3. Discuss the steps taken by the UNO on world peace.

Answer: Key steps taken by the UNO to promote world peace are :

1. Disarmament: The UNO has taken significant steps towards disarmament to prevent warlike situations. It established the Disarmament Commission in January 1952.

2. Treaties: The UNO has facilitated numerous treaties aimed at global peace and arms control, such as: Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963),Outer Space Treaty (1967) etc. 

3. Preventive Diplomacy: The adoption of Preventive Diplomacy in June 2007 was a positive step toward settling disputes through discussion before they escalate into conflicts.

The success of the UNO in achieving world peace ultimately depends on the goodwill, cooperation, and loyalty of its member states.

Q4. Write a note regarding National Human Rights Commission in India.

Answer: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act. Its main purpose is to protect and promote human rights, such as the right to life, equality, liberty, and dignity. The NHRC is an independent body headed by a Chairperson, usually a retired Chief Justice of India, along with other members from various fields.

The NHRC investigates complaints of human rights violations, recommends preventive measures, takes necessary action, and spreads awareness about human rights. It plays an important role in safeguarding citizens’ rights and ensuring justice, equality, and dignity for all people in India.

Q5. Discuss the steps taken by the UNO regarding Human Rights.

Answer: The United Nations Organization (UNO) has taken several important steps to protect and promote human rights across the world by various ways such as:

1. Human Rights Commission: The UN Human Rights Commission was set up on February 16, 1946, to secure the rights of people worldwide. It began with 18 members, which later increased to 53. The commission investigates reports of human rights
   violations from member states and takes up cases for hearing.
2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The UN General Assembly adopted the Human Rights Declaration on December 10, 1948, with the support of 48 member states. This declaration outlines the human rights essential for every individual to live a dignified life. The date, December 10, is now celebrated as World Human Rights Day every year.