Preamble
WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED
• to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has
brought untold sorrow to mankind, and
• 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, and
• to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties
and other sources of international law can be maintained, and
• to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
AND FOR THESE ENDS
• to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and
• to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and
• to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall
not be used, save in the common interest, and
• to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement
of all peoples,
HAVE RESOLVED TO COMBINE OUR EFFORTS TO
ACCOMPLISH THESE AIMS
Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city
of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due
form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish
an international organization to be known as the United Nations.
Article 1
The Purposes of the United Nations are:
1. To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective
measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of
acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and
in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of
international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace;
2. To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights
and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen
universal peace;
3. To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social,
cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights
and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion;
and
4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends.
Article 13
The General Assembly shall initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of:
promoting international co-operation in the political field and encouraging the progressive development
of international law and its codification;
promoting international co-operation in the economic, social, cultural, educational, and health fields,
and assisting in the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as
to race, sex, language, or religion.
The further responsibilities, functions and powers of the General Assembly with respect to matters
mentioned in paragraph 1 (b) above are set forth in Chapters IX and X
Article 55
With a view to the creation of conditions of stability and well-being which are necessary for peaceful
and friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-
determination of peoples, the United Nations shall promote:
a. higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and
development;
b. solutions of international economic, social, health, and related problems; and international
cultural and educational cooperation; and
c. universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without
distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.
Article 56
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.
