This Week in History: First meeting of the United Nations

10 January 2022 marks a grand seventy-six years since the UN (then comprising of just fifty-one member states) convened for the very first General Assembly at Westminster Central Hall, in the heart of London. But what exactly had led to this historic moment? In June 1941, twenty-two months of war had already elapsed, with the great British capital becoming all too familiar to the constant wailing of air-raid sirens and upsurge of civilian casualties. A devastating 40,000 civilians had died in the seven-month period between September 1940 and May 1941- with nearly half of these being within the capital. Despite this tragedy, in both London and among other allied governments and their people, hope remained for victory and more importantly a pathway to a brighter post-war future. It was this common strive for recovery from which the roots of the UN soon emerged and so on 12 June 1941, representatives of Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa as well as several exiled governments within Europe met at St. James’ Palace and signed a declaration to voice support for a new and improved post-war world.

An extract from the declaration gives us a key insight into the aims that any future international collaborative body should adopt:

‘That the only true basis of enduring peace is the willing co-operation of free peoples in a world in which, relieved of the menace of aggression, all may enjoy economic and social security; and that it is their intention to work together, and with other free peoples, both in war and peace to this end.’

It is evident that this new body would be unlike any other, certainly in no way similar to the prior League of Nations (agreed upon within the Treaty of Versailles) which had been wholly unsuccessful in the long-term in preservation of ‘peace’ and prevention of ‘war’.

In August of that year, further developments were made towards this body, namely the signing of the Atlantic Charter between Franklin D. Roosevelt (US President 1933-45) and Winston Churchill (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1940-45). The document directly referred to the need for ‘certain common principles in the national policies of their respective countries on which they [would] base their hopes for a better future of the world.’

The purposes and principles outlined here in the Atlantic Charter were further agreed upon by twenty-six states at war within the 1 January 1942, Declaration of the United Nations. This was the first direct naming of the body as the UN, coined by US president Roosevelt.

Notable members included the United States, United Kingdom, China and the USSR.  The number of states adhering to the declaration would later rise.

<![if !vml]><![endif]>In the years to follow, as WWII drew to a close, much deliberation occurred on par with the influence each global power held. This was seen out in the Tehran conference in 1943, where the ‘Big Three’ (Leaders of the US, UK and USSR) delved into how the UN would play out in the real world. They expressed clear determination to pursue the Atlantic Charter as well as recognising ‘the supreme responsibility resting upon [them] and all the United Nations to make a peace which [would] command the goodwill of the overwhelming mass of the peoples of the world and banish the scourge and terror of war for many generations’.

They further announced their intention to ‘seek the cooperation and active participation of all nations, large and small, whose peoples in heart and mind [were] dedicated, as [were their] own peoples, to the elimination of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance’ within a ‘world family of Democratic Nations’.

Today, the UN still highlights disarmament, peace and security as well as international law and justice as global challenges, suggesting the assembly is still very much involved within the parameters of which it was founded- in a post-war Britain.

However, the 21^st century has brought new items of discussion to the table- for example, dealing with the major humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan which has ironically escalated further since the de-escalation of US forces in August 2021.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi asked the European Union to take in more than 40,000 Afghan refugees over the next five years, but the plea failed to receive the backing of EU countries. This touches on how the nature of decision-making in the UN has changed from the voting systems present when it comprised only of 51 member states, in contrast to the current 193 states- requiring resolutions to be reached by consensus for the large majority of items.

Though the UN has retained its general aim of keeping peace, the 21^st century has brought an array of new challenges for the body to discuss and resolve- whereby possible.

TS

Bibliography [All accessed 10/01/2022]

https://www.un.org/en/about-us/history-of-the-un

https://www.un.org/en/about-us/history-of-the-un/preparatory-years

https://www.un.org/en/about-us/history-of-the-un/predecessor

https://www.un.org/en/global-issues

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/09/1099112

https://www.euronews.com/2021/10/07/un-chief-asked-eu-states-to-take-in-more-than-40-000-afghan-refugees

https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/atlantic-charter?tmpl=component&print=1

https://www.un.org/en/model-united-nations/how-decisions-are-made-un

 

November 29 - The UN Votes to Partition Palestine

This Day in History: 29 November 2020

 

29 November 1947

 

73 years ago, today, the UN voted for the partition of Palestine, and the creation of an independent Jewish state, despite strong Arab opposition. This plan proposed that the Jews were to possess more than half of Palestine, even though they made up less than half of Palestine's population. The Palestinian Arabs, aided by volunteers from other countries, fought against the Zionist forces. Despite this, the Jews secured full control of their allocated area of Palestine and also some Arab territory. In May 1948, the State of Israel was proclaimed by Jewish Agency Chairman David Ben-Gurion, and the next day, forces from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq invaded.

 

The modern conflict between Jews and Arabs in Palestine had dated back to the 1910s, when both groups laid claim to the territory, controlled by the British at the time. These Jews mainly consisted of Zionists, recent emigrants from Europe and Russia who came to the Jews' ancient homeland to establish a Jewish national state. The native Palestinian Arabs, on the other hand, sought to prevent Jewish immigration and set up a secular Palestinian state. The British also attempted to limit Jewish immigration as a means of appeasing the Arabs. However, many Jews illegally entered Palestine during World War II, as a result of the Holocaust in Europe.

 

Want to find out more about the UN partition of Palestine? Click here for more information, or here for more about the Arab-Israeli conflict.

November 6 - UN Condemns Apartheid in South Africa

This Day in History: 6 November 2020

 

6 November 1962

 

58 years ago, today, the UN condemned apartheid in South Africa, calling on all its members to end economic and military relations with the nation. In 1960, a massacre of unarmed demonstrators at Sharpeville near Johannesburg occurred where 69 Black people were killed and over 180 were injured. The international movement to end apartheid gained wide support, but few Western powers or South Africa's other main trading partners favoured a full economic or military embargo against the country. Nevertheless, opposition to apartheid within the UN grew, and the UN resolution in 1973 labelled apartheid as a "crime against humanity." The country was suspended from the General Assembly in 1974.

 

This government-sanctioned racial segregation and political discrimination against South Africa's non-white majority was enforced from 1948 to 1993. The black South Africans were forced to live in segregated areas and could not enter white-only neighbourhoods unless they had a special pass. Although white South Africans represented only a small fraction of the population, they held the vast majority of the country's land and wealth. In 1990, after decades of strikes, sanctions and demonstrations, many apartheid laws were repealed. The next year, the government repealed all remaining laws and began to write a new constitution. In 1993, the first free elections were held, electing political activist Nelson Mandela as South Africa's new president.

 

Want to find out more about the history of apartheid in South Africa? Click here for more information, or here for more about Nelson Mandela.

October 29 - The Suez Crisis Begins

This Day in History: 29 October 2020

 

29 October 1956

 

64 years ago, today, the Suez Crisis began when Israel invaded Egypt. They would soon be joined by French and British forces, initiating a serious event during the Cold War in the Middle East. The joint attack had been motivated by Egypt's nationalisation of the Suez Canal in July. Prior to this, also, the Egyptian military had been pressuring the British to end their military presence in the canal zone. The Egyptian leader, General Nasser, had also been engaged in sporadic battles with Israeli soldiers along both nations' border. Nasser did nothing to hide his hostility towards the Zionist nation.

 

After the Israelis attacked, they were shocked to find that British and French forces did not immediately follow behind them. Instead of a lightning strike by overwhelming force, the attack simmered down, and the United Nations quickly passed a resolution calling for a cease-fire. The Soviet Union began to issue ominous threats about coming to Egypt's aid, and a dangerous situation developed. The United States sternly warned the Soviet Union to stay out of the situation, but also pressured the British, French and Israeli governments to withdraw. In late 1956 and early 1957, they did so, ending the Suez Crisis.

 

Want to find out more about the Suez Crisis? Click here for more information, or here for more about General Nasser and Israel.

October 24 - The United Nations is Established

This Day in History: 24 October 2020

 

24 October 1945

 

75 years ago, today, the United Nations Charter was born. The principles had been first formulated in April, at the San Francisco Conference, presided over by American President Franklin Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin. This conference laid out a structure for a new international organisation that was to prevent another war from occurring, after both World Wars had decimated Europe and many other nations. Since the old League of Nations had not prevented the outbreak of World War II, the need for an organisation to prevent international conflict and stimulate peace was of a high necessity.

 

Two other important objectives described in the Charter were respecting the principles of equal rights and self-determination of all peoples. This was originally directed at smaller nations now vulnerable to invasion by the communist nations emerging from the war. International cooperation in solving economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems around the world was also aimed for. The new UN Security Council was made up of the United States, Great Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and China. However, the initiatives proposed by the countries were easier said than done.

 

Want to find out more about the history of the United Nations? Click here for more information, or here for more about the failure of the League of Nations.

September 18 - Fidel Castro Arrives in New York

This Day in History: 18 September 2020

 

18 September 1960

 

60 years ago, today, Fidel Castro arrived in New York, acting as the head of the Cuban delegation to the United Nations. His visit stirred admiration and indignation from various groups within the American society. Castro's stay at the Theresa Hotel in Harlem was the first event that sparked public surprise, which eventually climaxed due to his speech to the United Nations on September 26. While staying at the hotel, he met with many African American leaders, including Malcolm X and Langston Hughes. Over a week later, he would deliver an attack on American 'aggression' and 'imperialism' in front of the United Nations, that lasted for over four hours.

 

Castro's visit marked the final breaking point in relations between the United States and Cuba. The next year, the Eisenhower administration severed all diplomatic relations with Cuba, and shortly afterwards, President John F. Kennedy ordered the Bay of Pigs invasion, which was ultimately a failure. Castro's power in Cuba was solidified by his victory in the invasion. For over four decades, he remained the undisputed leader of Cuba's communist government, despite continued strained relations between the United States. Castro officially stepped down in February 2008, and died in 2016, at the age of 90.

 

Want to find out more about Fidel Castro's visit to the UN? Click here for more information, or here for more about his life.

Five Years of War Cripples Syria

After over five years of violent conflict in Syria, what is left of the country is heartbreakingly unrecognisable, and the destruction is only set to worsen. With 2011 being the year of Arab spring, where peaceful anti-government protests turned into a full-scale civil war, most Syrian children do not even remember a time of peace. To this day, a quarter of a million people are dead as a result of how prolonged the proxy war has become: Intervention of foreign powers has only made it bloodier. Approximately half of Syria’s pre-war population of 23 million have been killed or forced to flee their homes, and now their refugee population is the largest in the world.

But have all of these refugees been finding refuge? Many opt for travelling to Syria’s neighboring countries, with Lebanon harboring a staggering 1 million of them. Others are risking their lives to travel to Europe in hopes of finding acceptance there, and not all of them make it across alive. However, most have barely started a journey to real freedom: According to UN estimation, 6.6 million refugees are internally displaced in Syria, especially in cities, where there is stronger humanitarian support than the countryside. As of February 2016, the government only holds 40% of Syria, the rest belonging to other factions - for example, ISIL - that are involved in the war.

According to a review of the political science on the duration of civil wars, Syria's conflict will most likely last through 2020. In only 2016 the country’s unemployment rate sits at its all-time high at 50%, and will continue to creep up; Most Syrians have been plunged into extreme poverty. An estimate of £5 billion is thought to be needed to help the 13 million in need of support, yet the exponential rise of refugees means the figure will inevitably increase, making it even less possible to achieve. With this in mind, it seems that Syria’s future is a dark one.

AD

UN Work Experience

Recently, in the February half term, I had the amazing opportunity to partake in a study visit to the UN. Previously, I had a vague idea of the work and function of the UN, however this experience really gave me a thorough understanding of the UN.

            Each day I – and 36 other aspiring students – attended three or four talks given by members working for the numerous different organisations within the UN. The organisations we visited varied from the UN Refugee Agency to the World Trade Organisation to the International Environmental House.

            It was quite surprising to see the sheer scope and multitude of varying tasks that the UN actually carries out. However, it was quite new to hear of how sometimes the UN can be limited in its responses due to having to be politically neutral as well as needing to be invited by countries in certain situations (for example when setting up refugee camps).

What was equally as surprising was that climate change and its impacts is a pressing matter for the near future. Climate change was featured in nearly every talk. The impacts of climate change include natural disasters that will result in an overwhelming amount of refugees. This really impacted my understanding that climate change is something that we can’t afford to neglect because we think it won’t impact us much here in England (with our already miserable weather). This helped me understand that its consequences will impact every corner of the world on a large scale, both socially and economically.

            Overall, this experience gave me the opportunity to meet many passionate people with different opinions and ideas on current issues. Additionally, this experience helped me gain a deeper insight into the UN – how it has a role and responsibility in so many different things; helping the environment, trading, research on weather and natural disasters, refugees, etc. that I hadn’t previously known or even thought about.

MG

UN Security Council Website

Okay so it's after midnight, my laptop has 7% battery and I really should be sleeping, but I just made the most amazing discovery. After flicking through my 'The Week' magazine (which I would definitely recommend by the way) I decided to find out more about the UN's report on North Korea. Quite honestly, I did not except to find any sort of report or anything- I would have thought the UN would be relatively secretive about most of their documents etc and understandably so. But no! If you go on their website you can find letters, reports, minutes from their meetings- it's amazing!

http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2014-02/dprk_north_korea_6.php

There's just so much there and it's definitely worth looking through for information etc. Wow. Just wow. Whether or not they ever intervene in North Korea, there's at least one thing that the UN have done right. ED

Student at the UN

A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take part in work experience at the United Nations headquarters in Switzerland. I was to be flying by myself for the first time and I knew no one in Geneva or on the study trip. Arriving at the hostel, I began to feel a little concerned about the prospect of being alone in a completely unfamiliar country, but there was no time to be worried with a briefing only an hour later. As I looked around the table at the other students, I was yet to realise that they would become the people I spent every waking moment with for the rest of the week.


It was an early start the next morning as we visited the Palais des Nations. We walked around, taking in hugely impressive conference rooms that had participated in some of the most important decisions in current affairs for years. The tour took us past conferences in session discussing the states of North Korea, Libya, Syria and many more. The building was stunning and I was awed by the realisation that on these grounds I was legally considered to be in no country and on completely neutral ground. There was little time as we moved on fast; next to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Listening to the speaker talk of his experiences in countries facing refugee crises, I was struck by how real the situations became. Watching the news on Syria behind television screens, there can be no true knowledge of the scale and the amount of people working behind the scenes.

As the week progressed, I went to a wide variation of UN agencies including the UN Environment Programme, World Food Programme and the International Organisation for Migration. As the international centre for humanitarian action, Geneva presented opportunities to visit the International Federation for the Red Cross and Red Crescent and Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders). The speakers were some of the most inspirational people I have ever encountered, working in extremely insecure surroundings solely to help people with no personal incentive. The trip overall gave me an amazing perspective on the world’s affairs and assured me that international work is something I definitely want to pursue in the future. It was undoubtedly one of the most incredible weeks of my life and is something I would recommend to anyone, whether you are interested in politics or not.

AM