Do UN covenants have more effect than a country's own guidelines?

Question

Just wondering...

I've been looking over their Charter and covenants and ... almost every nation in this world is guilty of ignoring their rules/guidelines.

Is this supposed to happen?

It just seems like the UN really doesn't... have any effect whatsoever.

Answer 1

The goal of the United Nations was to increase discussion between nations in an effort to prevent global conflict. But has it worked or does it really have any jurisdiction over its members, no. Many nations, such as the United States of America, have failed to ratify much of the UN charter. For example, the US has not ratified the International Criminal Court, a separate judiciary entity somewhat affiliated with the UN. However, the UN does play a somewhat integral part in maintaining communication with outside nations. A great example is the UN's efforts to aid with peacekeeping in Darfur. Though this is seemingly unsuccessful, the UN has worked to maintatin the prescence of peacekeeping troops in the region.

However, this leads to more problems. Throughout the years, peacekeeping troops have been known to rape their refugees and commit other inappropriate acts during their mission. This increases the negative opinion of the UN and its actions among nations. In addition, when nations such as the US blatantly violate the charter and the UN declarations, it suggests the ignorance of global opinion. These events lead to greater tension between nations instead of increased pacifism, as the body is designed for.

No nation, due to the act of sovereignty, must abide by the laws of the UN. This is solely because if the rules of the UN were more heavily imposed than national law, prominent UN nations, the UK, US, France, etc., would have greater precedence in the domestic politics of smaller nations, such as Swaziland. This would lead to an almost imperialistic setting where global superpowers would be able to enact laws that colonized developing nations and poverished nations.

I hope this answers your question!

Answer 2

It is true that the United Nations has no real teeth but it can inform consensus and that consensus internationally can let out a big wake up call and initiate a call to action!

Those teeth could be had if more credit was give to the World Court but amoungst other even the United States has not respect for it.

Answer 3

Only when the covenants are absolutely necessary would the UN override a country's laws. Darfur, for example. Because of the genocide, the UN could send in peacekeeping forces and override decisions by that military, and they should.

Answer 4

Well, the UN is probably a hot bed for all kinds of rip offs like the oil for food program. Their effect is only as good as the diplomats running the place.

Answer 5

You are right. In theory, any country that ratifies a treaty must follow it. In practice, The UN is powerless & countries do as they please.
The UN is as useless as udders on a bull.

Answer 6

in a utopian society where everyone does exactly what they promise, the treaties and covenants work like a dream. in the real world, all countries are self serving and promises are made to be broken.

Answer 7

no, not really. The UN is an entity which has lost almost all credibility.

Answer 8

I would say that is an apt description.