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Charter and Structure of the United Nations

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Abstract

The structure and some of the most important procedures of the United Nations are set forth in its Charter (For full text, see Appendix, p. 159). This constitutional document, approved by the San Francisco Conference, has remained formally unchanged, except for the enlargement of the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. It provides the legal, institutional framework for the organization. Examining its main features helps in estimating the UN’s success in reaching its main goal: the maintenance of international peace and security. Moreover, knowledge of the constitutional structure is essential for useful discussion of possible reforms.

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© 2005 Peter R. Baehr and Leon Gordenker

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Baehr, P.R., Gordenker, L. (2005). Charter and Structure of the United Nations. In: The United Nations: Reality and Ideal. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230501096_2

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