The Six Principal Organs of the United Nations: Structure and Roles

Posted on Feb 6, 2026 in Experimental Sciences

1. General Assembly (GA)

Composition

  • Includes representatives of all 193 member states.
  • Each member state has one vote, regardless of size or power.

Functions

  • Discusses and makes recommendations on international issues such as peace, security, and human rights.
  • Approves the UN budget and supervises its financial management.
  • Elects non-permanent members of the Security Council and members of other UN organs.
  • Recommends new members for admission and suspension of existing members.
  • Appoints the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council.

Example

In 2022, the General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council due to its actions in Ukraine. This demonstrated the GA’s ability to take strong collective decisions reflecting the global community’s stance on human rights and peace.

2. Security Council (UNSC)

Composition

The Security Council consists of a total of 15 members:

  • 5 Permanent Members (P5): United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China.
  • 10 Non-permanent Members: Elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.

Functions

  • Primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
  • Can impose sanctions, authorize the use of force, and establish peacekeeping missions.
  • Recommends new members and participates in the appointment of the Secretary-General.

Veto Power

  • Each permanent member possesses veto power, meaning that any one of them can block a substantive resolution by voting “No,” regardless of the number of votes in favor.
  • The veto was intended to ensure unity among the major powers but is often criticized for paralyzing the Council during crises.

Examples

  • Russia vetoed resolutions condemning its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
  • The United States vetoed several resolutions critical of Israel’s policies in Palestine.

These instances show that the veto is used to protect national interests, sometimes at the cost of global peace efforts.

3. Secretariat

Composition

  • Headed by the Secretary-General, the chief administrative officer of the UN.
  • Staff includes international civil servants working across various UN departments.

Functions

  • Carries out the day-to-day work of the organization as directed by the General Assembly, Security Council, and other organs.
  • Prepares studies, reports, and background papers for meetings.
  • Represents the UN at international conferences and acts as a spokesperson for global issues.

Example

Secretary-General António Guterres has been actively involved in addressing the climate crisis, urging countries to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement and promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Headquarters and Composition

  • Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
  • Composition: 15 judges elected for 9-year terms by the General Assembly and Security Council.

Functions

  • Settles legal disputes between states in accordance with international law.
  • Provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred by the UN organs and specialized agencies.

Examples

  • Ukraine v. Russia (2022): The ICJ ordered Russia to suspend military operations in Ukraine.
  • Nicaragua v. United States (1986): The ICJ ruled that the U.S. violated international law by supporting the Contras in Nicaragua.

Explanation of One Example

In the Nicaragua v. United States case, Nicaragua accused the U.S. of illegally using force and interfering in its internal affairs. The ICJ held that the U.S. had violated international law by mining Nicaraguan ports and supporting rebel groups. This judgment reinforced the principle that even powerful nations must respect international legal obligations.

5. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Composition

  • Consists of 54 members elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms.

Functions

  • Promotes international economic, social, and cultural cooperation.
  • Coordinates the activities of specialized agencies such as WHO, UNESCO, and ILO.
  • Conducts research, issues policy recommendations, and monitors progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Example

ECOSOC played a vital role in coordinating global efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, working with WHO and other agencies to promote equitable vaccine distribution and health cooperation.

6. Trusteeship Council

Purpose

The Trusteeship Council was established to administer territories that were not yet self-governing after World War II and to guide them toward independence and self-government.

Current Status

  • The council suspended its operations in 1994, after Palau (the last UN trust territory) gained independence.

Conclusion

The structure of the United Nations reflects a balance between universal participation and practical decision-making. While the General Assembly represents equality of nations, the Security Council ensures quick action during crises. The ICJ, ECOSOC, and Secretariat together help the UN address legal, social, and developmental issues. However, debates continue over the need to reform the Security Council and limit the veto power to make the organization more democratic and effective.