ASSIGNMENT
TOPIC
THE UN SYSTEM OF HUMAN RIGHTS: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION.
There are a number of human rights provisions in the charter of the United nations, Article 1 includes in the purposes of the organization the promotion and encouragement of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. Article 13(1) notes that the general Assembly shall initiate studies and make recommendation regarding the realization of human rights for all, while Article 55 provides that the United Nation shall promote universal respect for and observance of human rights, in a significant provision Article 56 states that: all members pledge themselves to take joint and separate action in co-operation with the organization for the achievement of the purposes set forth in article 55 .
The United Nations officially became an institution with the ratification of the UN Charter on October 24, 1945. From then on, it quickly became an active international body. On January 10, 1946, the first General Assembly met at Westminster, London. There were 51 nations represented at this first meeting. One week later, on January 17, the Security Council first met, also in London. The following week, on January 24, the General Assembly adopted its first resolution, focusing on peaceful uses of atomic energy and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. February 1 of that year saw the appointment of the first Secretary-General, Trygve Lie, from Norway. The UN Headquarters were first established in New York City on October 24, 1949 .

The elucidation, development and protection of human rights through the UN has proved to be a seminal event. A range of declarations and treaties has emerged coupled with the establishment of a variety of advisory services and implementations and enforcement mechanisms. Large numbers of studies and