The United Nations

Unit 4 – Area of Study 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to describe and evaluate programs implemented by international and Australian government and non-government organisations in promoting health, human development and sustainability.

Area of Study 2

Key Knowledge Targeted

The role of the UN in providing global health and sustainable human development through the following areas of action: world peace and security, human rights, humanitarian assistance and social and economic development.

Key Skills Targeted

Describe the role of The United Nations* in global health and sustainable human development

* international and Australian government and non-government agencies and organisations

Working for peace and security

Humanitarian Assistance

Social and Economic Development

Human Rights

Four Focus Areas

Working for peace and Security Prevent disputes from escalating into war and

conflict situations. The UN’s activities comprise four principal

areas: Conflict prevention, Peacemaking, Peacekeeping and enforcement, Peacebuilding.

Focus Area 1

Peace Keeping Missions

Humanitarian Assistance Emergency relief and long-term assistance, advocating

on behalf of those affected by emergencies. Respond to droughts, floods, fires, earthquakes or

conflict, Eg. World Food Programme provide a safe and nutritious

food supply, helping to relieve hunger and improve health status.

In 2006, this program fed nearly 88 million people in 78 countries, including most of the worlds refugees and internally displaced persons.

Focus Area 2

Social and Economic Development One of the UN’s key aims is the promotion of higher standards of

living, full employment, and the conditions of economic and social progress and development.

Providing grants for sustainable human development worldwide Programs focussing on AIDS; drug and people trafficking; organised

crime; and refugee populations. UN population fund (UNFPA), the largest international provider of

population assistance, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), working to encourage

sustainable environmental practices UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), assisting people

living in health-threatening housing conditions.

Focus Area 3

Human Rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights - sets out basic rights

and freedoms to which all women and men are entitled including: The right to life, liberty and nationality To freedom of thought, conscience and religion The right to work and be educated The right to food and housing The right to participate in government.

The UN works to promote and protect these rights and to assist governments in carrying out their responsibilities to uphold them.

Focus Area 4

Some Work of the United Nations Facts