Achievements of the Uno

Peace and Security Achievements

Prevention of World War III

The UN’s greatest achievement is preventing another global war since 1945. The organization provides a platform where countries can discuss their differences instead of fighting. The Security Council meets regularly to address threats to international peace.

During the Cold War between the United States and Soviet Union (1947-1991), the UN helped prevent direct military confrontation between these superpowers. Both countries brought their disputes to the UN rather than engaging in full-scale war.

Peacekeeping Operations

The UN has deployed peacekeeping forces to conflict zones worldwide. These peacekeepers, known as “Blue Helmets” because of their distinctive headgear, help maintain ceasefires and protect civilians.

Since 1948, the UN has conducted over 70 peacekeeping missions. Countries like Cyprus, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have benefited from UN peacekeepers. In West Africa, UN peacekeepers helped end civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Conflict Resolution Success Stories

The UN has successfully resolved many international disputes through peaceful means. Examples include:

The Congo Crisis (1960-1964): When Belgium suddenly left Congo, civil war broke out. The UN sent peacekeepers who helped restore order. Though the mission faced challenges, it prevented the conflict from spreading across Africa.

The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): The UN negotiated a ceasefire that ended eight years of bloody fighting. UN observers monitored the ceasefire to ensure both sides respected it.

Mozambique (1992-1994): UN peacekeepers helped end a 16-year civil war. The mission successfully supervised elections and disarmed fighters. Mozambique has remained peaceful since then.

Timor-Leste Independence (1999-2002): The UN organized a referendum that led to Timor-Leste gaining independence from Indonesia. UN peacekeepers protected the new nation during its transition.

Human Rights Achievements

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

On December 10, 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This document lists fundamental rights that belong to every person regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality.

The UDHR has become the foundation for human rights laws worldwide. Many countries, including Nigeria, have incorporated its principles into their constitutions. December 10 is now celebrated globally as Human Rights Day.

Fight Against Discrimination

The UN has worked to end discrimination in all forms. The organization passed conventions against racial discrimination, discrimination against women, and discrimination against disabled persons.

In South Africa, UN sanctions and pressure helped end apartheid (a system of racial segregation) in 1994. The UN supported Nelson Mandela’s fight for equality and witnessed South Africa’s first democratic elections.

Women’s Rights Advancement

The UN has promoted gender equality through various programs. The organization created UN Women in 2010 to support women’s empowerment globally. UN conventions have helped more women gain the right to vote, own property, and access education.

In Nigeria, UN programs have supported girls’ education and fought against harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage.

Health and Humanitarian Achievements

Disease Eradication and Control

Through the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN achieved remarkable health victories:

Smallpox Eradication: In 1980, WHO declared smallpox completely eradicated from Earth. This deadly disease that once killed millions no longer exists in nature. This remains one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

Polio Near-Elimination: Polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988. The disease that once paralyzed thousands of children yearly now occurs in only a few areas. Nigeria was declared polio-free in 2020 after intensive UN-supported vaccination campaigns.

HIV/AIDS Response: UNAIDS coordinates global efforts against HIV/AIDS. Antiretroviral drugs now reach millions of people in Africa, turning HIV from a death sentence into a manageable condition.

COVID-19 Response: During the 2020-2023 pandemic, WHO coordinated international response efforts, shared crucial health information, and helped distribute vaccines to developing countries through the COVAX program.

Refugee Protection and Assistance

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has helped millions of refugees worldwide. The agency provides shelter, food, and protection to people fleeing war and persecution.

In Nigeria, UNHCR supports internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled Boko Haram violence in northeastern states. The agency provides tents, food, and medical care in IDP camps across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

Food Security Programs

The World Food Programme (WFP) feeds millions of hungry people yearly. The organization won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and promote peace.

In northern Nigeria, WFP provides emergency food during the lean season when families run out of stored grains. The program helps prevent starvation in drought-affected areas.

Economic and Development Achievements

Development Financing

The UN has helped finance development projects in poor countries through specialized agencies:

World Bank: Provides loans for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, power plants, and schools. Nigeria has received World Bank loans for projects like the Lagos-Ibadan railway and rural electrification programs.

International Monetary Fund (IMF): Offers financial assistance to countries facing economic crises. The IMF helps stabilize currencies and provides expert economic advice.

UN Development Programme (UNDP): Supports poverty reduction projects, promotes democratic governance, and fights corruption in developing nations.

Decolonization Success

The UN played a crucial role in ending colonialism. When the UN started in 1945, about 750 million people lived in colonies. Today, fewer than 2 million people remain in non-self-governing territories.

Over 80 former colonies gained independence with UN support, including most African countries. Nigeria gained independence in 1960 during the wave of decolonization that the UN strongly supported. The UN helped new nations establish governments and join the international community.

Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, the UN launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. These goals guide development efforts worldwide.

Nigeria adopted the SDGs and uses them to plan national development. Programs like the school feeding initiative and conditional cash transfers for poor families align with SDG targets.

Environmental and Scientific Achievements

Climate Change Action

The UN has led global efforts to combat climate change. The organization negotiated important agreements:

Paris Agreement (2015): Nearly every country committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement aims to limit global temperature increase to below 2 degrees Celsius.

Montreal Protocol (1987): This UN treaty successfully phased out chemicals that damaged the ozone layer. Scientists predict the ozone layer will fully recover by 2050.

International Cooperation in Science

Through UNESCO, the UN promotes scientific cooperation and education worldwide. The organization has helped establish research institutions and improved education standards globally.

The UN also coordinates international responses to scientific challenges like asteroid threats, pandemic preparedness, and ocean conservation.

Legal and Institutional Achievements

International Law Development

The UN established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands. This court settles legal disputes between countries peacefully. Over 170 cases have been decided since 1946.

The UN also created the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. This court ensures that leaders who commit atrocities face justice.

Setting International Standards

UN agencies have created international standards for aviation safety, maritime navigation, postal services, telecommunications, and labor rights. These standards make global travel, trade, and communication possible.

For example, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets safety standards that all airlines must follow. This makes air travel safe worldwide.

Limitations and Ongoing Challenges

Despite these achievements, the UN faces limitations. The organization cannot always prevent conflicts when powerful countries oppose intervention. The veto power held by five permanent Security Council members sometimes blocks necessary action.

Funding constraints limit what UN agencies can accomplish. Many peacekeeping missions operate with inadequate resources. Also, the UN depends on member states to implement decisions, but some countries ignore UN resolutions.

Common Exam Mistakes About UN Achievements

WAEC Chief Examiners frequently report these mistakes:

• Vague answers without specific examples: Don’t just write “The UN promotes peace.” Instead, give specific examples like the Congo crisis or Mozambique peacekeeping mission.
• Confusing UN agencies: Students mix up WHO, UNICEF, and UNESCO. Remember each agency’s specific focus before your exam.
• Wrong dates: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on December 10, 1948 (not 1945 or 1950). Memorize key dates accurately.
• Listing instead of explaining: When the question says “explain” or “discuss,” you must provide details. Simply listing achievements without explanation earns few marks.
• Ignoring Nigerian examples: Relate UN achievements to Nigeria when possible. Mention polio eradication, World Bank projects, or peacekeeping contributions.
• Forgetting limitations: Questions asking about achievements may also expect you to mention challenges or limitations. Read questions carefully.

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted?
a) October 24, 1945
b) December 10, 1948 ✓
c) June 26, 1945
d) September 1, 1950

2. Which disease was completely eradicated by the UN’s World Health Organization?
a) Polio
b) Malaria
c) Smallpox ✓
d) Tuberculosis

3. Which UN specialized agency provides loans for development projects?
a) UNICEF
b) WHO
c) World Bank ✓
d) UNESCO

4. How many peacekeeping missions has the UN conducted since 1948?
a) About 20
b) About 40
c) Over 70 ✓
d) Over 100

Essay Questions

1. Explain SIX achievements of the United Nations Organization since its establishment. (12 marks)

Examiner’s Tip: Use the command word “explain” properly. For each achievement, state it clearly and then explain how the UN accomplished it and what impact it had. Give specific examples with dates where possible.

Sample Answer Structure (2 marks per point):

• State the achievement clearly (e.g., “The UN has prevented World War III”)
• Explain how this was accomplished (e.g., “by providing a platform for dialogue between nations and deploying peacekeepers to conflict zones”)
• Give specific example or date if possible (e.g., “Such as the Congo crisis resolution in 1964”)

2. Discuss FOUR ways the United Nations has promoted international peace and security. (8 marks)

Examiner’s Tip: “Discuss” requires detailed examination. For each way, explain the method, give examples, and analyze its effectiveness.

3. State FIVE contributions of the UN to health improvement globally. (5 marks)

Examiner’s Tip: “State” requires brief, direct points. One clear sentence per point is sufficient.

Sample Answer Points:

• WHO eradicated smallpox completely in 1980
• UN vaccination programs reduced polio cases by 99% since 1988
• UNAIDS provides antiretroviral drugs to millions of HIV patients in Africa
• WHO coordinated global response to COVID-19 pandemic through COVAX program
• UN family planning programs have reduced maternal mortality rates worldwide

4. Explain how the UN has contributed to economic development in developing countries. (6 marks)

5. What role has the United Nations played in the decolonization of African countries? (8 marks)

Memory Aid

Remember major UN achievements with:PHER

• Peace – Peacekeeping missions, conflict resolution (70+ missions)
• Health – Smallpox eradication, polio elimination, WHO programs
• Economic development – World Bank loans, IMF assistance, poverty reduction
• Rights – Universal Declaration (Dec 10, 1948), ending discrimination

For the UDHR date: “10-12-48” sounds like “Ten, Twelve, Forty-Eight” (December 10, 1948)

Smallpox elimination: “80 = ate-nothing” (1980, disease ate nothing because it was gone)

Related Topics

• United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Structure and organs of the United Nations
• Functions of the UN Security Council
• Challenges facing the United Nations
• Nigeria’s membership in the United Nations