B.A.

III YEAR
SEMESTER-5,
PAPER-6, MODULE– V
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

A. United Nations: structure and role, Need for reforms.

B. Regional Organizations: EU, ASEAN, SAARC, BRICS.

Q. 1) Explain the functions of General Assembly?

Ans: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY: As all the members of the United
Nations are members of this body, the General Assembly of the U.N.
has been called “the town meeting of the world”. Each member state
has only one vote. Each is entitled to appoint and send a maximum of
five representatives.
Functions of general Assembly:
1) Deliberative Functions: The General Assembly can make
recommendations as well as intiate studies for the promotion of
international co-operation.
(i) Discussions: The General Assembly can discuss any question or
matter within the scope of Charter or relating to any organ of the
United Nations.
(ii) Calling Attention: The General Assembly can call the attention of the
Security Council to situations which are likely to endanger international
peace and security.
(iii) Recommendations: The General Assembly can recommend
measures for peaceful adjustment of situations likely to disturb the
friendly relations amongst nations.
(iv) Initiate Studies : The General Assembly can initiate studies for (a)
promotion international co-operation in the political field and encourage
progressive development of international law and its codification; (b)
promoting international co-operation in the economic, social, cultural,
educational and health fields and assisting in realization of human rights
and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction, as to race, sex,
language or religion.
2) Legislative Functions: Though not vested with any legislative
functions by the Charter, in actual practice the General Assembly has
assumed certain legislative functions in the international sphere.

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3) Supervisory Functions: These imply the power of General Assembly
to exercise control and regulate the working of other organs and
agencies of the United Nations. It receives and considers reports from
the other organs of the U.N. Under Article 15of the UN Charter it
receives and considers, annual and special reports from the
Security Council, which include an account of the measures
that the Security Council has decided upon or taken to
maintain international peace and security. The Economic and
Social council of UNO has to seek the approval of the General Assembly
for calling International Conferences, concluding agreements with the
Specialized Agencies, or while seeking advisory opinion of the
International Court of Justice. The Assembly lays down regulations
regarding the appointment of the staff of the Secretariat. Thus it
exercises control over two of the principal organs of the United Nations
besides its various specialized agencies.
4. Financial Functions: The General Assembly of UNO bears the
responsibility of apportioning expenses among the members.
Its approves the budget of the Organization. Through its power
over Finance, it acquires the right to review the work of other
organs. It is free to adopt any criteria for appointment. Usually, while
determining the share of the member states it takes into account their
capacity to pay. It is also responsible for considering and approving the
financial and budgetary arrangements with specialized agencies.
5) Electoral Functions: These include admission of new members and
the choice of members for other organs.
(i) Admission of New Members: New Members are admitted by the
General Assembly on the recommendations of the Security Council.
(ii) Selection of members for other organs of U.N. : The General
Assembly elects the six non-permanent members of the Security
Council, all the eighteen members of the Economic and Social council,
and some of the members of the Trusteeship Council. It appoints the
Secretary General on the recommendations of the Security Council. It
elects in collaboration with the Security Council Judges of the
International Court of Justice for a period of 9 years.
6) The Constituent Functions: These include the powers to amend the
Charter. Under Article 108, amendments to the Charter can come into
force when they have been adopted by a vote of two-thirds to the
members of the General assembly and ratified in accordance with their
respective constitutional process by two-thirds of the members of the

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Security Council. Amendments to the Charter must be adopted by the
General Assembly before they are referred for ratification to the
member states. Under art. 109 a General Conference to review the
original Charter can be called by the General Assembly with the
concurrence of the Security Council.

Q. 2) Briefly examine the functions of Security Council?

Ans: Functions and Powers of security Council:
1. Deliberative Functions and Powers: These include the powers to
discuss, investigate and make recommendations. The member states
are called to settle their disputes by peaceful means of their own
choice. However, if the members are not in a position to settle their
disputes peacefully, they have an obligation under the Charter to refer
the matter to the Security Council. The Security Council may
recommend measures that should be taken to maintain or restore
international peace and security. It resorts to these enforcement
measures only when pacific settlement fails.
2. Regulation of Armaments: As the Security Council takes up general
questions regarding maintenance of international peace and security it
formulates plans for the establishment of a system for the regulation of
armaments. Though the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission was
established by a resolution of the General Assembly it is responsible to
and operates under the supervision of the Security Council.
3. Enforcement Functions and Powers: The Security council has been
described as the ‘enforcement arm’ of the United Nations. The Security
Council first applies measures which do not involve the use of armed
forces such as complete or partial interruption of economic relations and
of rail, sea, air, postal, telegraphic, radio and other means of
communication, and the severance of diplomatic relations. If these
measures do not yield the desired results, the Security Council may take
such action by air, sea or land forces as may be necessary to maintain
or restore international peace and security. According to Art. 42 such
action may include demonstrations, blockade and other operations by
air, sea, or land forces of members of the United Nations.
The Security Council may call upon the member nations to apply
sanctions against an aggressor, there is nothing to guarantee that the
nations will heed the call.

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 A Military Staff Committee consisting of the Chiefs of Staff of the
permanent members of the Security Council or their representatives
assists the Security Council on all the questions relating to its military
requirements for the maintenance of international peace and security,
the employment and command of forces placed as its disposal, the
regulation of armaments and possible disarmament.
In the cases of Palestine, Indonesia and Kashmir the
Security Council had confined itself to bringing about cease-fire by
agreement of the parties.
4. Functions and Powers of Admission of Members: Under Article 4(2)
new members of the United Nations are admitted by a decision of the
General Assembly on the recommendations of the Security Council. The
Security Council refused to recommend admission of Albania, Bulgaria,
Hungary, Rumania etc. for membership of the U.N. Agency. The
recommendations of the Security Council from the basis for the
suspension of the members by the General Assembly if the member
persistently violates the principles of the Charter.
5. Electoral Functions and Powers: The Security Council performs
certain electoral functions. It participates in the election of the judges of
International Court of Justice. Its recommendations are necessary for
the appointment of the Secretary-General.

Q. 3) Examine the political note played by the Secretary General of the

United Nations in the sphere of easing international relations?
Or
Discuss the powers and position of the Secretary-General of the United
Nations?
Ans: The present Secretary –General is MR. Antonio Guterres,
from Portugal.
Functions and Powers of Secretary-General:
1. Administrative and Service Functions and Powers: The Secretary-
General has the over-all responsibility for organizing and
directing the activities of the organization. The staff of other
organs of the U.N. except the International Court of Justice
forms a part of the Secretariat. The Secretary-General is overall
responsible for the efficient working of the various organs of UNO. He
helps in drafting of documents, resolutions are passed by the General
Assembly the Secretary-General communicates with member

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governments to ascertain the steps to be taken to give effect to the
Assembly’s recommendations or provide information needed for
consideration of a matter.
2. Financial Functions and Power: The Secretary-General has important
financial responsibilities. Subject to the authority and regulations
of the General Assembly he prepares the budget of the United
Nations, allocates funds, controls expenditure, collects the
contributions from members and acts as the custodian of all
the funds. He has the responsibility of consulting the
specialized agencies and undertakings to develop
arrangements for custom fiscal controls and financial practices.
3. Registration and Notification of Treaties etc: Art. 102 of the Charter
provides: “Every treaty and every international agreement
entered into by any member of the United Nations after the
present Charter comes into force shall as soon as possible be
registered with the Secretariat and published by it”. Apart from
these treaties to be registered with the Secretariat, certain multilateral
treaties are also deposited with the Secretary-General. The Secretary-
General publishes and notifies all the treaties to the members.
4. Liason with Specialised Agencies : Through his continuous efforts,
the Secretary-General tries to bring the specialized agencies into
relationship with the United Nations. He meets the directions of these
organizations, provides personnel for liaison purposes, arranges
for an exchange of documents and information and performs
other functions. He also works for securing proper
organizational co-operation and administrative co-ordination
within the Secretariat.
5. Political Functions:
(i) Attention to issues about peace and security: The secretary-General’s
chief authority is the political sphere emanates from Article 99, which
lays down: “The Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the
Security Council any matters which in his opinion may threaten the
maintenance of international peace and security”.
(ii) Annual Reports: The Secretary-General also performs political
function through his annual report on the work of the
organization. This report serves as a source of information on the
accomplishments and problems of the United Nations. If forms the basis
of the opening debates of the Assembly.

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(iii) Formulation of Agenda: The Secretary General can propose
items for agenda of the Assembly, the Security Council .He
prepares the provisional agenda of all these organs as well as
of the Economic and Social Council, and can make written or
oral statements before them.
6. Representational Functions and Powers: In negotiations with other
agencies and governments, the Secretary-General is the chief
representative of the United Nations due to the fact that all other
organs are composed of a number of members, each having a special
area of responsibility. While, these delegates speak for their respective
governments, the Secretary-General alone is concerned with the entire
organization. He occupies central position in the work of the Security
Council, the Economic and Social Council, is recruited and controlled by
the Secretary-General. He represents the interests of the U.N.
before the International Court of Justice.

Q. 4) Explain the powers and functions of Economic and Social Council

Ans : Functions and Role :
1. Studies and Reports: Art. 62(1) of UN Charter enjoins on the Council
the responsibility of making or initiating studies and alreport with
respect to international economic, social, cultural, education, health and
related matters. The Council has actually made studies regarding
the problems of refugees, the world shortage of housing, the
reconstruction of devasted areas and the economic status of
women.
2. Discussions and Recommendations: The Council discusses and
makes recommendations regarding international economic,
social, cultural, and educational, health and related matters to
the General Assembly, the membership of the United Nations
and specialized agencies of the U.N.
3. Preparation of drafts of Conventions: A Convention furnishes the text
of a proposed agreement and facilities conclusion of international
agreements. For example Convention for the prevention and
punishment of the crime Genocide and Draft Protocol relating to the
status of Stateless Persons.
4. Calling Conferences: The Council may convene international
conferences both on its own as well as on instructions from the General
Assembly. The Council may also call regional conferences on a

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variety of topics such as health, trade, transport employment,
refugees and stateless persons.
5. Co-ordination of the Work of Specialised Agencies: By specialized
agencies is meant the international organizations created by inter-
governmental agreements and having wide international responsibilities.
An important function of the Economic and Social Council is the
coordination of the work of these specialized agencies of the United
Nations. At present the following specialized agencies are working
under the broad supervision of the Economic and Social Council:
(i) International Labour Organization (I.L.O.)
(ii) Food and Agricultural Organization (F.A.O.).
(iii) International Civil Aviation Organization (I.C.A.O.)
(iv) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (U.N.E.S.C.O.) etc.

Each of these specialized agencies has its own constitution,

sphere of action, budget and staff in accordance with the principle of
functional organization.
6. Functions Concerning Non-governmental International Organizations:
The Economic and Social Council maintains close relations with non-
governmental organizations like the International Federation of
Agricultural Producers, the International Chamber of Commerce etc.
Estimation of Council’s work:
1. Prof. Pedelford: “If frequently has an agenda which requires many
months of debate in order to arrive at agreed conclusions and
recommendations. Much of its time is taken up with debates, with
committee work, with hearing the reports from the specialized agencies
and its own numerous sub-commissions and with passing
recommendations”.

Q. 5) Discuss the powers and functions and Role of International Court

of Justice?
Ans: As the principal judicial organ of the U.N. the Court has the
primary responsibility to decide cases brought to it by the
states as well as to give advisory options on legal questions
referred to it. It hears only those cases where the parties to the
dispute are those sovereign states who have accepted the

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statute of the Court. The member states should refer their legal
disputes to the International Court of Justice by Art. 36.
Compulsory Jurisdiction: Under art. 36 of the Statute the states parties
to the present statute may at any time declare that the recognize the
compulsory jurisdiction of the court in relation to any other
state accepting the same obligation with regard to (a) the
interpretation of a treaty; (b) any question of international
law; (c) the existence of any fact which, it established, would
constitute a breach of an international obligation; and (d) the
nature of extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of
an international obligation.
Law Applied by the Court: The International court decides the cases
submitted to it in accordance with international law, international
conventions, whether general or particular, established rules expressly
recognized by the contesting states, the general principles of law
recognized by civilized nations, judicial decisions and the teachings of
the most highly qualified publicists of the various nations, as subsidiary
means for the determination of rules of law.
Enforcement Machinery: No specific machinery has been provided
for enforcing the decisions of the court. It mainly relies on two
things:
1)Each member of the United Nations has an obligations to comply with
the decisions of the International Court of Justice in any case to which it
is a party.
2)Advisory Option: The International Court of justice also possesses the
power to give advisory options on legal questions to the General
Assembly. Security Council and other specialized agencies authorized by
the General Assembly. Thus the Court does not give advisory opinion on
its own. The advice tendered by the Court is not binding on the organ
seeking it, although it has great prestige and moral value. Its opinion
represents advice rather than decision.
Role of the Court:
1. Settlement of Disputes : The past working of the Court has shown
that it was able to achieve much success in the settlement of disputes
primarily because in mot of these disputes the vital interests of the
important powers were not at stake. These cases pertained to subjects
like fishing rights, financial claims of states, asylum, aerial incidents etc.
2. Development of International approval : The opinion of the Court on
the questions of the competence of the general Assembly regarding the

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Admission of a State to the United Nations in 1950 resolved the
questions regarding the admission of new members.

Q. 6) Suggest various reforms for restructuring of the U.N.O?

Ans : The UN can only be restructed and reformed through revision of
the Charter. The following revisions are suggested in its Charter:
1. Replacement and Modification of Veto : As veto provision of the
Charter was greatly misused during the cold war period it is essential to
consider its replacement or modification by another one which provides
for effective decisions by three-fourth of the members of the
security Council or some such similar mechanism. In reality,
however, it is very difficult to realize this revision.
2. Expansion of the Security Council : Another reform that is
needed is to expand, democratize and make room for adequate
representation of nations of other continents. The Security
Council can be made more effective by inducing new countries as
Permanent Members of it. All along, all the five powers who were made
Permanent Members in 1945 when the UN membership was a mere 51,
have been enjoying the privileged position, and they seem to ignore a
world that has undergone dramatic and traumatic to be widened to
accommodate the interest of countries of Asia, Africa and Latin
America. India has staked its claim for Permanent membership
stating that it qualified given any criteria – population, size of
economy, contribution to the maintenance of peace and
security and peace keeping, democratic governance and future
potential.
3. Domestic Jurisdiction : The Charter provides that matter falling
within the domestic jurisdiction of a state shall not be liable for
international intervention (Article 2, Para 7). This provision is
responsible for the impotency of the UN. A world body to be
meaningful and effective has to have overriding powers over all
members.
4. Compulsory Jurisdiction: it is suggested to confer compulsory
jurisdiction in place of optional jurisdiction on the International Court of
justice. The court may also be empowered to exercise criminal
jurisdiction over individuals accused of crimes against
International Law. The Security Council and General Assembly can
refuse to consider legal disputes and recommend to the parties that
such disputes be taken to the court.

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5. Criteria for determining Breach of Peace: These should be precise
yet flexible criteria for determining whether there is real breach of the
peace or a real threat to peace that requires forcible intervention under
Chapter VII of the Charter. It is most essential that the
determination whether such criteria are attracted in a given
situation should be entrusted to a nonpolitical body. The judicial
committee, after consulting the concerned states and assessing the
situation, can make the requisite determination, which is pre-requisite
for UN determination. This objective device will minimize, if not
eliminate, partisan considerations from vitiating the decision-making
process.
6. Humanitarian Military Intervention: This suggestion is to overcome
the UN’s military inadequacies. To make the peace keeping and
enforcement forces more effective, the world body would need
a modus operandi by which such forces could be deployed at
short notice It would be in a position to respond immediately
and thus head off or reduce the massive violence in situations
like Rwanda, or some comparable human disaster in Burundi,
Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo or elsewhere.
7. International Security Subcontract: In the event of non-feasibility of
the creation of a permanent rapid deployment force an alternative
method of subcontracted intervention may be employed. Recent past
experience favours this proposal. The UN decisions to intervene
should be subcontracted to coalitions of major or regional
powers. Regional power (Nigeria in West Africa and Russia in
the former Soviet Republics for example) could take the lead,
combined with larger regional or global coalitions
Inadequate UN military capacities could be overcome by regional
powers, or even hegemony, operating under the scrutiny of the world
body. By making interveners accountable this type of international
security subcontract can be distinguished from gunboat diplomacy.

8. Humanitarian Action in War Zones : This new civilian entity

should be created to deliver emergency aid in active war zones
with Chapter VII economic or military sanctions. This specialized
cadre should be truly “international”. International Committee of the
Red Cross. The volunteers should not be part of the common UN staff
system since they would have to be properly insured and compensated.

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9. Reform of General Assembly: Its major committees should meet in
continuous sessions. To save time and money more and more working
and study groups should be set up to prepare resolutions and chalk out
future programmes. It is suggested that to improve the representative
character of the General Assembly some system of weighted voting
must be introduced.
11. Financial Reforms: The expenses of the UN are appointed by the
general Assembly according to the capacity of the members to pay.
While expenditure on peace keeping, developmental and humanitarian
activities are ever increasing, Member-States don’t pay their dues
regular precipitating a financial crisis.
To overcome financial crisis and put the international organization
on sound footing the following sources of revenue are suggested by
Benefit.:
1, A surcharge on international mail or on international communications
earmarked for the United Nations.
2. A fee for the use of international water ways.
3. A finder’s fee for aid in discovering and developing new resources.
4. Substantial fees for servicing performed by the United Nations or the
specialized agencies.
5. Exploitation of the resources of the oceans and seabeds through
United Nations agencies.
6. Exploitation of the resources of Antartica.
7. Licensing fees or other charges for the use of outer space.
8. Taxes earmarked for United Nations use but collected by member
states.
9. Taxes on international travel or international passport fees.
10. Private foundation contributions with suitable exemptions from
national taxation.

Q.7) Assess the work of U.N. in social and eco fields?

Ans :
1. Social Achievements: The Department of Social Affairs of the Un
Secretariat, ECOSOC and a number of the specialized agencies make
efforts to improve the living conditions, housing, town and
country planning, community development, family, youth and
children welfare, rehabilitation of the handicapped population,
migration as well as the refugee questions.

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(i) Health : WHO tries to improve the health conditions of the people
throughout the world. It provides advisory and public health services to
member countries. It has given assistance to many countries in
the flight against malaria, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, venereal
diseases, influenza, small-pox, leprosy, yaws and other
communicable diseases. WHO has also given assistance to
many countries in establishing an efficient national health
administration. It has also imparted education to the people on
health matter through training programmes, seminars, conferences, etc.
(ii) Check on Narcotic Drugs : To establish control over narcotic
drugs UNO has set up a Commission on Narcotic Drugs. It is
primarily concerned with the implementation of the various conventions
adopted in this regard. It advises the individual governments regarding
the machinery they should evolve to control the supplies of narcotic
drugs more effectively.
(iii) Rehabilitation: Through its International Refugee Organisation UNO
assisted 1.6 million persons to resettle during the period from July 1,
1947 to January 1, 1952. Though the main activities of the U.N.O. in
this regard were confined to Europe, especially to Germany, it looked
after refugees in other parts of the world also.
(iv) Food, clothing and Medical Aid: Through U.N.I.C.E.F. U.N.O. has
done a remarkable job in the direction of providing food,
clothing and medical aid for needy children in the war
devastated countries. The funds for these activities were provided by
voluntary contributions of money, goods and services from
governments, private organizations and individuals.
(v) Literacy and Education: U.N.O. has made sincere efforts to
eradicate illiteracy and raise education standards throughout
the world. It has encouraged fundamental education, fostered
scientific research, promoted dissemination of scientific
knowledge, helped exchange of persons to promote cultural
activities and international understanding. It aims to provide
universal primary education to about 250 million children by 1980.
(vi) Human Rights and Freedoms: The U.N.O. has also worked for
universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without
any distinction of race, sex, language or religion. UNO adopted
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It aimed at providing a
common standard of right to be achieved all over the world.

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(vii) Status of Women: U.N.O. has worked for the improvement of
status of women throughout the world. It set up a Commission on the
status of women to secure equal status for women. It tried to secure
better protection for women under national laws, extension of national
educational opportunities for women, equal pay for equal public service,
and their increased participation with the work of government.
(viii) Minorities: U.N.O. has worked for the protection of the interest of
minorities. It has pleaded for “self determination in non-self governing
territories”. It has severally condemned social and religious
discrimination. It has condemned racial discrimination in South Africa.
(ix) Freedom of Press: Freedom of information is a fundamental human
right and a touchstone of all other freedoms. The UNO has attached
great importance to the freedom of information and press.
(x) Self Determination: The UN has encouraged the right of self-
determination of the people. In 1952, the General Assembly set up a
Commission of Human Rights to make recommendation regarding the
necessary steps to develop international respect for the rights of people
to self-determination.
2. Economic Achievements: The UNO to promote higher standards of
living, full employment and conditions of economic and social progress
and development”. It has made efforts to reduce trade barriers through
multilateral negotiations through the General Agreement on Tariffs and
G.A.T.T.
(i) Technical Assistance: UNO has given technical assistance to the
under-developed countries for economic development allocated. The
General Assembly gives funds to the Secretary-General for this purpose
every year. Further funds are voluntarily contributed to the United
Nations development Programme (UNDP) which came into
existence in November 1965. Thee funds used activities in the field
of agriculture, health services, resource surveys, technical education
and training institutes, and applied research in the developing countries.
(ii) Loans: On behalf of the U.N. the International Bank and its affiliate
the International Development Association (I.D.A.) advanced substantial
loans for economic development at market rate.
(iii) Studies on Finance and Related problems: The U.N. has helped in
making studies on Finance and related problems. It has
published reports on methods of increasing domestic savings,
relative prices of exports and imports in underdeveloped
countries, conditions governing private investment in certain

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countries, formulation and execution of development projects,
the effects of price fluctuations and the rise in raw material
prices upon underdeveloped countries.
(iv) Food: The problem of food shortage is looked after by the F.A.O.
(Food and Agricultural Organization). It helps the member
states by focusing their attention on the gravity of the crises. It
supplies them essential statistical and technical information
organizes conferences and helps them in a number of ways.
(v) Agriculture and Animal husbandry : F.A.O. has played a remarkable
role in tackling problems like animal and plant disease control, storage
of grains, conservation and prevention of soil erosion. It had paid
attention to the production of fishery, distribution of food, fertilizers and
agricultural machinery.
(vi) Transport and Communication: Through the transport and
Communication Commission U.N.O. has devoted particular attention to
problems like coordination of sea and air safety activities, simplifications
of passport and frontier formalities, improvement of road and motor
traffic regulations. Through the International Telecommunication Union
the U.N. has tried to secure agreement regarding regulations for the
transmission of international telegraph and telephone communication as
well as allocation of radio wavelength frequencies.
(vi) Labour Conditions : The I.L.O. (International Labour
Organisation0 has drafted scores of conventions and
recommendations regarding employment, conditions of
employment, vocational training, industrial health and safety,
freedom of association, industrial relations, etc. it also sends
commissions of inquiry on request to look into specific
problems.

Q.8) Write an essay on European Union?

Ans: The origin of the European Union can be traced back to 1951
when the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was formed by
Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Netherlands under
the Treaty of Paris. Two new bodies were created by these countries in
1957, viz., European Economic Community (EEC) and the European
Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) with a view to integrate the
economies of these countries and achieve political utility. All the above
three bodies collectively came to be known as European Community.

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 Even at present the total strength of European Union is
25, world’s biggest and richest supra-national bloc.
The chief objectives of the European Community include
(i) consolidation of the tariff schedules of the members into a
single system applicable to imports from Third World countries;
(ii) progressive reduction and removal of all fiscal and physical
restrictions on the free movement of goods, capital and labour,
between member countries; (iii) harmonization of economic
policies of the member states. With a view to eliminate
competition, the members concentrate on the production of
commodities for the entire community and as such each
member concentrates on the production of limited number of
items and produces them in bulk.
The Organisation of the European Unions consists of the
1)European Council, 2)the Council of Ministers,3) the European
Parliament, 4)the European Commission and 5)the Court of
Justice. The European Council comprises of the heads of states
or governments of all the member states. The Council of
Ministers meets at least twice a year. It elects a President who
holds office for a term of six months. The Council takes all
decisions on the basis of unanimity rather than majority.
The Council meets at least once a month and takes all major
decisions. The Council works in complete cooperation with the
Commission and the members of the Commission also take active part
in the deliberations of the Council.
The European Parliament or Assembly is a large body consisting
of representatives of all the member states. These members are elected
by the legislatures of the respective states from amongst themselves.
Representation has been accorded to the various member states in the
Parliament on the basis of their population and economic potentials.
These members are not expected to work according to the instructions
of their governments but to take independent decisions. The Parliament
exercises general supervision over the working of the Commission and
the Council through debates and annual reports. The European
Commission comprises of 20 members appointed for a term of five
years. These members are appointed with the unanimous consent of
the member governments. Each Commission is responsible for a specific
area of work. The Commission takes all decisions by majority vote and
is collectively responsible to the European Parliament. The Commission

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operates through 23 Director Generals and is assisted by a large
number of bureaucrats. The Commission ensures the implementation
of the policy and initiates new policy. The Commission is expected to
uphold the European ideal.
Then there is a Court of Justice. It members are appointed for a
term of six years. The court ensures the observance of rule of law in
the countries of the community and interprets the treaties and laws of
the European Union. The decisions of the Court are binding on all the
parties, including the government and there cannot be any appeal
against them.
The necessary finances to meet the expenses of the Community
are contributed by the member states in agreed proportions.
Single EC Market : Efforts to achieve greater unification among
members of EC were stepped up in December 1992 when the
Edinburgh Summit evolved a formula for the creation of single market
within the barriers and amending various rules and laws across the
countries of the community. The creation of a new border-free single
market within the Community has resulted in tearing down the barriers
to trade in goods and services among all EC countries. Even the
travelers can move freely over the new single market and the bankers
are free to open new branches anywhere
Borderless European Union: A further step in the direction of European
unity was taken in March 1995 when Schengen agreement was signed
to enable some 3700 million citizen to move freely within the Union.
On 1 January 1999, Euro was launched and exchange rates of
participating currencies were irrevocably fixed. It was decided to use
Euro as book money. During the next phase commencing 1 January,
2002, all contracts shall be automatically covered and Euro notes and
coins introduced. On an agreed date, not later than 1 July, 2002, all
national currencies shall cease to be legal tender.

Q.9) Write briefly on South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation?

Ans: In December 1985, the heads of states and governments
of seven South Asian countries, viz., Bangladesh, Bhutan,
India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka held a summit
meeting at Dakha. After due to a declaration for the creation
of SAARC. The declaration started the objective of association
as a promotion of welfare of people, improvement in the
quality of the life of people, acceleration of economic growth

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promotion of collective self reliance, promotion of mutual trust
and understanding, promotion of collaboration in economic,
social, cultural technical and scientific fields, strengthening of
co-operation with other developing countries and themselves
besides co-operation with regional and international
organizations with similar objectives. This co-operation amongst
the members was to be based on respect for principles of sovereignty,
equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in
internal affairs of other states and mutual benefit. It was further
asserted that co-operation among the member states shall not be a
substitute for bilateral and multilateral co-operation but shall
complement them and it shall not be inconsistent with bilateral and
multilateral obligations. Further, decisions at all levels shall be taken on
the basis of consensus and that bilateral and contentious issues shall be
excluded from the deliberations.
The expenses of the organization shall be met out of voluntary
contributions of members.

10) Write a brief essay on ASEAN (Association of South East Asian

Nations)
Ans. ASEAN was set up in August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Brunei became independent in January 1984, it became a Member of
the ASEAN. Vietnam joined ASEAN in July 1995. Three other countries
Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia joined the ASEAN during next few
years. At the end of the year 2000, there were 10 members of the group.
These are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,
Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was
established to speed up the economic development, social progress and
cultural activities in South-East Asia. It is intended to promote cooperation
in social, economic, cultural, scientific and administrative spheres. Its
declared objective is 'regional peace and stability.'
ASEAN holds annual meetings of Foreign Ministers, has standing
committees and makes use of several expert and ad hoc groups of officials.

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The ASEAN charter came into force in December 2008, and it was decided
that ASEAN summits would be held twice every year.

30th ASEAN SUMMIT

MANILA, PHILIPINEES,29 APRIL 2017
PARTNERING FOR CHANGE, ENGAGING THE WORLD

OUTCOMES OF THE MEETING

1. We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States,
gathered for the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila on 29 April 2017
under the Chairmanship of the Republic of the Philippines with the
theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” which
envisions an integrated, peaceful, stable and resilient ASEAN
Community that actively takes a leading role as a regional and
global player in advancing political-security cooperation,
sustainable economic growth and socio-cultural development in
Southeast Asia and in the world.
2. We engaged in productive and fruitful deliberations reflective of
our commitment to renew the aspirations and the enduring values
of the ASEAN Founding Fathers, in adherence to the purposes and
principles enshrined in the Bangkok Declaration which launched
ASEAN in 1967 and the ASEAN Charter and to realize the six
thematic priorities selected by the Philippines as ASEAN’s main
deliverables for 2017, the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of
ASEAN, namely: (a) A people-oriented and people-centered
ASEAN; (b) Peace and stability in the region; (c) Maritime
security and cooperation; (d) Inclusive, innovation-led growth; (e)
ASEAN’s resiliency; and (f) ASEAN: a model of regionalism, a
global player.
3. We signed the ASEAN Declaration on the Role of the Civil
Service as a Catalyst for Achieving the ASEAN Community Vision
2025. ASEAN COMMUNITY BUILDING AND THE WAY
FORWARD ASEAN Community Vision 2025

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 4. We commended the work of all ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and
Organs for their Endeavour to fully and effectively implement the
ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), ASEAN
Economic Community (AEC) and ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Community (ASCC) Blueprints 2025. We were pleased to note the
efforts and work of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating
Committee (ACCC) and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI)
Task Force in the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN
Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the IAI Work Plan III (2016-
2020), which constitute an integral part of the ASEAN Community
Vision 2025.
5. We reaffirmed our commitment that the ASEAN Community
Vision 2025 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development will be implemented in a mutually-reinforcing
manner to build a truly inclusive and people-oriented, people-
centered ASEAN Community for the benefit of our peoples. We
welcomed the High-Level Brainstorming such as UNDP and UN
Women as well as the World Bank to present Dialogue promote the
complementarities and looked forward to a joint study to be
prepared by Thailand, the ASEAN Secretariat and UN ESCAP on
this matter.
6. We noted the New Format of the ASEAN+1 Summits and Post
Ministerial Conferences (PMCs) to be done in 2017, with the view
of providing more scope for interactive discussion among the
Leaders and Ministers, and facilitating effective and efficient time-
management. Further, we agreed that holding back-to-back
summits or two separate summits be left to the prerogative of the
Chair based on consultation with ASEAN Member States.
7. We reaffirmed the shared commitment to maintaining and
promoting peace, security and stability in the region, as well as to
the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal
and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of
force, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of
international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention

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 on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Strengthening the ASEAN
Secretariat and Reviewing the ASEAN Organs
8. We recognized the necessity of productive and efficient
coordination on cross-sectoral and cross-pillar issues across the
three pillars of the ASEAN Community. In this regard, we
reaffirmed our shared commitment to continue implementing and
addressing the recommendations of the High Level Task Force
(HLTF) on Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat and Reviewing
the ASEAN Organs within the targeted timelines.
9. We were pleased to note the progress in the implementation of
the IAI Work Plan III (2016-2020) since its adoption in September
2016. We expressed appreciation to ASEAN Member States,
Dialogue Partners and other external parties for their continued
support in narrowing the development gap within and among
ASEAN. We welcomed closer collaboration between sub-regional
cooperation frameworks including Greater Mekong sub-regional
cooperation in the implementation of ASEAN regional initiatives.
10. We appreciated the efforts undertaken by the ACCC and
relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies in strengthening the
implementation arrangements, including the monitoring and
evaluation mechanism, for the MPAC 2025, which is more focused
and action-oriented with five strategic areas, towards realizing
ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
11. We noted with a great sense of pride, the significant
achievements ASEAN has made on this very momentous milestone
as we celebrate the Jubilee of ASEAN’s Anniversary. We remain
committed to bringing an open, peaceful, inclusive, resilient, stable
and prosperous region closer to the hearts of our peoples.

11Q) Write a brief essay on BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South
Africa)
Ans. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is the
youngest of all organizations for regional cooperation. Set up in

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 2008, it was known as BRIC and included Brazil, Russia, India and
China. With the inclusion of South Africa in 2010, it became BRICS.
Technically, this regional organization is not limited to any one region.

The first BRIC Summit, which commenced on 16 June 2009 in

Yekaterinburg, was attended by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
(Brazil), President Medvedev (Russia), Manmohan Singh (India),
and China's leader Hu Jintao. The focus of the Summit was on
means of improving financial institutions, and how the four countries
could better cooperate in future. In the aftermath of the first Summit,
the BRIC nations announced the need for a new global reserve
currency, which would have to be diversified, effective and
predicable.
South Africa was the fifth country to join the group in December 2010.
South African President Jacob Zuma attended the 2011 Summit of
(now renamed) BRICS held in Sonya, China.

Proposed BRICS Bank

While the Bretton Woods arrangement of the World Bank and IMF remain
intact, the Durban Summit (2013) of BRICS brought up plans for a new
development bank to fund infrastructure, and a 100-billion-dollar
contingency reserve arrangement to provide themselves financial relief.
Durban signaled BRICS nations' commitment to revise the global economic
order. The proposed bank, the BRICS business council and certain other
agreements were pushed hard by China but looked at with reservations by
others on account of China having emerged as the biggest lender. It was
feared that the bank would be completely dominated by China.

Short answers :

Q.1) Basic Principals of UNO?

Ans : The United Nations act with the following principles mentioned in
Article 2 of the Charter.
1. The UN is based on the sovereign equality of all its
members.
2. All members are to fulfil in good faith their Charter obligations.

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3. They are to settle their international disputes by peaceful
means and without endangering peace, security and justice.
4. They are to refrain in their international relations from the threat or
use of force against other states.
5. They are to give the United Nations every assistance to any action it
takes in accordance with the Charter, and shall not assist States against
which the United Nations is taking preventive or enforcement action.
6. The United Nations shall ensure that States which are not members
act in accordance with these principles in so far as it necessary for the
maintenance of international peace and security.
7. Nothing in the Charter is to authorize the United Nations to
intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic
jurisdiction of any state.

Q.2) UNESCO?
Ans: The United Nations Educational scientific and Cultural
Organization (U.N.E.S.C.O.) was born in November, 1946. Thus
the functions of the UNESCO may be broadly classified in the following
three categories.
1. Educational Functions: Education is fundamental human right as well
as an indispensable factor in the social and economic development. At
present at least half of the world’s population cannot read or write.
UNESCO has great importance to the imparting of education to children
as well as adults. UNESCO planned world-wide campaigns to secure
voluntary assistance for the war-devastated countries in the form of
educational materials. Books, fellowships and study grants. It also
made direct grants, on a much limited scale, for books and periodicals,
cinema projections and radios for schools, microfilm equipment and
museum and laboratory supplies. These small grants provided stimulus
for voluntary contributions and action on a much larger scale.
2. Research and teaching of Basic Sciences: UNESCO helps its
members to improve the teaching of basic sciences at all levels. The
source books for Science teaching has been prepared by the UNESCO.
It encourages basic research in the fields of mathematics, physics.
Geology, hydrology, oceanography, seismology etc.
3. Social Sciences and Culture:. In the social sphere UNESCO has been
dealing with the problems of human rights, racial discrimination and
disarmament. Thus it has tried to create a climate of intellectual

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cooperation among the people of the world. It has eliminated the
felling of hatred and ill-will and created defence of peace in the minds
of the people.

Q.3) International Labour organization?

Ans: The International Labour Organization was created pm
April 1,, 1919 by the League of Nations. It was dedicated to
improving living and working conditions of the workers throughout the
world.

Functions of the ILO:

1. To Raise the Standard of the Workers:. The ILO has set international
labour standards through International Conventions and
recommendations.
2. Prevention of Unemployment: For this purpose ILO has adopted
adequate institutional arrangements. It has conducted comprehensive
studied of the various factors which may help in achieving the objective
of full employment.
3. Provision for /social Security: For employees in industry, commerce
and agriculture, ILO adopted conventions providing for compulsory
insurance against sickness, old age and death, and for payment of
compensation for industrial accidents and occupational diseases.
4. Guarding interests of the merchant sailors: ILO adopted twenty-five
conventions effecting real improvements in the working conditions of
the sailors, providing for eight hours a day a sea with special provisions
for ports and overtime, holidays, medical examinations, conditions of
service etc.
5. Freedom of Association: In 1949, ILO drafted a convention by which
the workers and employees were given the right to join organization of
their choice.
6. Safety of Industrial and Field Workers: Through its conventions ILO
had demanded inspection, prevention of industrial accidents, protection
of building workers, safety regulations for persons employed in coal
mines, chemical industry etc. It has printed a model code of safety
regulation for Industrial establishments which of great help to under-
developed countries in building up their own codes of industrial safety
regulations.
7. Solving problems of Women: Through its conventions ILO prohibited
night work for women as well as traffic in women. It adopted a

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Convention on the Political Right in 1952 which gave the women the
right to vote and be elected and hold public office on terms of equality
with me. Other provisions regarding women include employment of
women before and after child birth, maternity benefits, provision of day
nurseries etc.
8. Protection of Children: Children have been protected by the ILO. It
has prevented their employment in heavy and dangerous jobs. It has
emphasized providing means for the all round development of children.
9. Technical Assistance: ILO has instituted technical assistance projects
in fields like vocational guidance and training, managerial and
supervisory training and productivity projects. It has helped the
member states to increase output and production by training their
officials through seminars, demonstrations etc. At the same time it has
not neglected the needs of the workers in such countries.
10. Improvement of the Working Conditions of the Agricultural Workers:
ILO has adopted more than 30 conventions and Recommendations for
improving working conditions, social security and training of agricultural
labour.

Q.4) World Health Organization?

Ans: WHO came into existence in September, 1948.
Functions of WHO:
1. To Prevent the spread of disease and confine it to the boundaries of
a state: Sometimes the WHO gives emergency aid to the states to
check epidemic at the source.
2. To cure the disease once it has spread: For this purpose it is
essential to have full scientific knowledge about the disease and the
ways to combat it. Apart from encouraging research WHO finds out
ways to disseminate information to all the members. In collaboration
with the U.N.I.C.E.F. the WHO has undertaken certain programmes
itself also though the actual job of curing the disease has to be left to
the national governments.
3. Providing help in preventing the diseases: This is done by imparting
necessary training to personnels of different member states. For
example, the WHO helped in establishing a number of malaria
eradication training centers.
4. Helping the establishment of an environment promoting good health:
For this purpose WHO assists the member states to set up an efficient
national health administration. It tries to impart education regarding

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health matters through training programmes, seminars, conferences
etc.

Q. 5) Food and Agriculture Organisation?

Ans : In 1945, The Food and Agricultural Organization was
formed to promote international co-operation in the economic
and social field.
1. Collection, analysis, Interpretation and dissemination of information
relating to nutrition, food and agriculture: International Emergency
Food Council recommends the allocation of scarce food-stuffs and some
other products among importing countries.
2. Technical Assistance: This is given to states who request for the
same. For example FAO gave assistance to Iran to check soil erosion
and gave technical assistance to India by training mechanics for
maintenance of agricultural machinery and irrigation equipments.
3. Help in combating various animal and plant diseases: For example,
FAO invented in co-operation with China the vaccine to check the
deadly virus disease of bovine animals, which killed millions of cattle in
China alone. It helped in control of diseases like hog cholera, erysipelas,
tuberculosis of cattle, poultry disease etc. and helped in locust-control
problem.
4. Help in Increase of Production: FAO has helped various countries to
increase production of foodstuffs by introducing and developing hybrid
seed corn. Egypt and other countries were helped to increase
production of rice. Similarly India, Ceylon and Turkey were helped to
improve fishing industry and fishing methods.
5. Checking Children’s Diseases: The F.A.O. has devoted attention to
children diseases resulting from malnutrition. It has helped to solve the
Kwashiokor disease by malnutrition in Africa.

Q.6) International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Ans: Aims and Objectives: In December, 1945 The International
Monetary Fund came into existence. Stipulated in article 1 of
the agreement its chief objectives were the following:
1. To promote International monetary co-operation through a
permanent institution which provides the machinery for consultation
and collaboration on international monetary problems?

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2. To facilitate the expansion and balanced growth of international
trade and to contribute thereby to the promotion and maintenance of
high levels of employment and development of the produce resources
of all members as primary objectives of economic policy.
3. To promote exchange stability, to maintain orderly exchange
arrangements among members and to avoid competitive exchange
depreciation.
4. To assist in the establishment of multilateral system of payment
in respect of current transactions between members and in the
elimination of foreign exchange restriction which hamper the growth of
world trade.
5. To give confidence to members by making the Fund’s resources
available to them under adequate safeguards thus providing them with
opportunity to correct maladjustments in their balance payments
without resorting to measures destructive of national or international
prosperity.
The money for the fund comes through contributions made by the
members twenty-five per cent of its shares in gold and the remainder in
the currency of its country.

Q. 7) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) or

World Bank?
Ans: The International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD) popularly known as World Bank, we set
up in December, 1945 for the purpose of assisting the less
developed countries and regions in their development. It was
recognized as a specialized agency of the U.N. only in November, 1947.
Functions of IBRD:
1. Advisory Services: The Bank renders advisory services to the
member states. It sends missions to make comprehensive surveys of
the economies of a number of countries to advise them regarding
fixation of priorities of different sectors of production. For example, the
Bank sent such missions to countries like India, Pakistan, Iraq, Jordan,
Thailand, Ceylon etc. It trained officials of various member states to
enable them to implement the technical programmes more effectively.

Q. 8) United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Ans : In December, 1946 the United Nations International Children’s
Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was created by a resolution of the U.N.

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General Assembly to help those countries with money, goods and
services who were not able to meet the needs of their children out of
their own resources.
Functions: The Fund was placed on permanent footing in 1953. Its
activities were also expanded to include emergency aid in areas visited
by floods, droughts, wars and other disasters. However, it continued to
devote special attention to the programmes of child care in under-
developed countries. It rendered great service to the cause of children
in different countries of the world. For example in India it set up Child
and Maternity Training centers and made provision for mid-day meals
for school children.
The UNICEF is trustee between the donar and the
beneficiary. It gives aid to the needy members without any
discrimination. Though the governments of the recipient states are
responsible for the actual administration, the UNICEF may exercise
check at various stages of the distribution of goods to the children. The
recipient governments have to assure the Fund that the services once
established under the programme will be continued.

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