UN voting and decision-making processes
When the United Nations was conceived, the idea was that the organization would operate to prevent conflicts, make peacekeeping agreements, help build and modernize nations, and act as a voice for human rights and opportunities in the global arena. To do this, the United Nations, like other international organizations, must undertake a variety of functions.
Reform of the United Nations
The United Nations was originally formed with the intent of encouraging world peace. Yet, it has done everything but that and has become notorious for its inefficacy and corruption as well as bureaucratic mess. The UN in fact is party to every monstrosity inadvertently encouraging slavery, human trafficking, forced famine, torture, censorship, and political oppression in its own member states, by having many of these perpetrating states sit on its board and by honoring them. Wide-ranging reform is crucial. In fact, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Kim R. Holmes mentioned: "Fear of reform, not its prospect, holds the greater risk for the United Nations." (Kim R. Holmes.) The UN needs to make a thorough audit of its organization and demonstrate accountability, responsibility, and value for its money. Only then may it be better respected.
Effectiveness of the United Nations a Historical Look
United Nations - The UN has been effective
Thesis: The UN has succeeded in some of its international responsibilities but has failed in others; and according to the UN Charter the UN may not intervene in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state…
ONE: The UN has achieved many "remarkable accomplishments" (Encarta.msn.com)
• The UN has negotiated 172 peace settlements that ended regional conflicts
• The UN has participated in more than 300 international treaties
• The UN's "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" (adopted in 1948) has been helpful in raising the consciousness of the need for human rights
• Over 3 million children a year have been saved from polio, measles, whooping cough, tuberculosis thanks to immunization programs by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF)