International Bulletin - Spring 1997
7 reasons why the UN is for you
- Keeping the Peace when conflicts threaten international security - by providing a forum for negotiation, or sending blue-helmeted multinational forces to stabilize a crisis.
- Protecting the Environment by bringing governments together to prevent climate change, air and water pollution, extinction of species, depletion of natural resources and many other problems.
- Helping in Emergencies by organizing humanitarian relief and food supplies for millions of refugees and victims of famine and natural disasters - in Zaire, Ethiopia, Bosnia and around the world.
- Fighting Poverty by helping the poor to help themselves, through development projects. The gap between the rich and poor is growing worldwide, contributing to political instability.
- Standing Up for Human Rights by setting international standards for the rights of children, women and minorities monitoring abuses and letting governments know that "the whole world is watching."
- Improving Health and Education by helping poorer countries to provide more and better schools and health services, and working to prevent the spread of global diseases like AIDS.
- Building Democracy by helping countries conduct free and fair elections. UN observers have monitored elections in Haiti, South Africa, Nicaragua, Cambodia and other countries.
Last Modified: November 29, 2002
