UN Successes and Failures

This research examines the relative degree of success or failure of the United Nations in its missions to keep the peace and ensure the protection of basic human rights. The ability of the UN to meet these objectives will be highlighted by the organization's activities in four countries in particular: Kampuchea; Somalia; Bosnia-Herzegovina; and Haiti. The reasons behind UN successes and failures will be scrutinized, and ways in which the United Nations could optimize its performance will he discussed.

Following the end of World War II, many members of the international community set down in the Charter of the United Nations principles for the organization of world peace and security based on respect for basic human rights. The charter established human rights as a matter of concern for the Western nations and sought to "reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small." Every nation joining the United Nations pledged "universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion." Furthermore, the UN General A

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Minister Robert Malval, appointed by President Aristide, was sworn into office in transition to restoring democracy. But the military never intended to respect the Governors Island accord nor the civilian government of Malval. Malval remained as the figure-head throughout this period but was unable to effect full control of government and actual power remained in the hands of the military. The Malval government was prevented from governing through threats and actual violent attacks. On October 14, Justice Minister Guy Malary was assassinated by the military. To date, the human rights record in Haiti is atrocious, with the military and police ruling most aspects of political, economic and social life, frequently by violence ("Cambodia: Human Rights..." 1994, p. 1). The United Nations is maintaining economic and political pressure, but it has become increasing evident that the virtual monopoly on the means for violent repression by the military/police forces that often accompanies internal rather than border disputes has left the civilian population largely undefended. Thus far, nonmilitary intervention by the United Nations in Haiti has been ineffective. Today, Aristide himself is proclaiming that the Haitian democracy ha
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Approximate Word count = 2476
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)

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