Question

Match the principal organs and agencies of the UN with their functions:

1. Economic and Social Council
2. International Court of Justice
3. International Atomic Energy Agency
4. Security Council
5. UN High Commission for Refugees
6. World Trade Organisation
7. International Monetary Fund
8. General Assembly
9. World Health Organisation
10. Secretariat

a. Oversees the global financial system
b. Preservation of international peace and security
c. Looks into the economic and social welfare of the member countries
d. Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology
e. Resolves disputes between and among member countries
f. Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies
g. Debates and discusses global issues
h. Administration and coordination of UN affairs
i. Providing good health for all
j. Facilitates free trade among member countries

Answer 1

1. Economic and Social Council	c. Looks into the economic and social welfare of member countries
2. International Court of Justice	e. Resolves disputes between and among member countries
3. International Atomic Energy Agency	d. Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology
4. Security Council	b. Preservation of international peace and security
5. UN High Commission for Refugees	f. Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies
6. World Trade Organisation	j. Facilitates free trade among member countries
7. International Monetary Fund	a. Oversees the global financial system
8. General Assembly	g. Debates and discusses global issues
9. World Health Organisation	i. Providing good health for all
10. Secretariat	h. Administration and coordination of UN affairs

Explanation

1. Economic and Social Council --> c. Looks into the economic and social welfare of member countries

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which came into existence in 1945, is the central platform for discussing social and economic issues like education, environment, etc. The ECOSOC coordinates the work of the UN specialised agencies. A large number of NGOs are also associated with the ECOSOC.

2. International Court of Justice --> e. Resolves disputes between and among member countries

Established in the year 1945, the International Court of Justice has 15 judges and is the principal judicial organ of the UN. It is responsible for resolving disputes in accordance with the international law, and deals with cases submitted by the nation states by lending them legal advice.

3. International Atomic Energy Agency --> d. Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957. It promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and discourages its usage for military purposes. Also, it oversees the nuclear programmes of different countries in order to prevent its misuse; thereby, ensuring the usage of nuclear elements only for civil purposes.

4. Security Council --> b. Preservation of international peace and security

The UN Security Council is the most powerful organ that comprises 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members. The main aim of this council is to maintain international peace and security by dealing with the security matters of different nations. Also, it investigates and makes recommendations for peaceful resolution of conflicts among the nation states.

5. UN High Commission for Refugees --> f. Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established in December 1950 to primarily help the displaced Europeans affected by the Second World War. It is responsible for protecting refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people and stateless people. Further, it provides rehabilitation to people and responds during emergency situations by providing and coordinating relief work as in the case of Syria.

6. World Trade Organisation --> j. Facilitates free trade among member countries

A successor to the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs, WTO is responsible for setting rules and regulations for international trade. Its aim is to ensure smooth trade among the nation states and encourage the free flow of goods. It is also responsible for resolving trade related disputes.

7. International Monetary Fund --> a. Oversees the global financial system

International Monetary Fund (IMF) works towards achieving financial and monetary cooperation among its member states. It also facilitates greater and balanced trade, provides necessary resources to deal with financial crisis and helps in reducing poverty. IMF also assists countries to achieve a sustainable growth and development.

8. General Assembly --> g. Debates and discusses global issues

The UN General Assembly represents a World Parliament that comprises representatives from all the member states, each having one vote. The assembly discusses, deliberates and debates on issues of global interests allowing all representatives to freely present their views. It approves the annual UN budget and appoints the non-permanent members.

9. World Health Organisation --> i. Provides good health for all

WHO, established in 1948, is responsible for marinating international health. It seeks to provide medical assistance and has launched various campaigns to improve health and nutritional standards of all the countries. Since long, WHO is working actively to find solutions for diseases like AIDS, TB, etc.

10. Secretariat --> h. Administration and coordination of UN affairs

The Secretariat is basically the administrative organ that oversees the policies and programmes laid down by the UN. It also coordinates the tasks of the UN, supervises its peace keeping missions and organises international conferences. The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary General.