I. The purpose (objective) of the United Nations: The Charter indicates at the very beginning four broad objectives of the United Nations.They are;

(i) to maintain international peace and security through collective measures for suppression of aggression and through peaceful settlement of disputes.

(ii) to develop friendly relations among countries based on full respect for the principle of equality and self-determination.

(iii) to achieve international cooperation in the economic, social, cultural or humanitarian fields. and

(iv) to encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

II. Guiding Principles of the UN: In pursuit of the above objectives,both the United Nations and its member states are required to adhere to a set of important guiding principles.

(i) No interference in domestic affairs of member countries: The foremost among them is the principle of equality among countries whether big or small, strong or weak.The United Nations will not interfere in the domestic matters of the member countries.

(ii) Provision of table talk: The member states of the United Nations are expected to resolve their disputes with other states in a peaceful manner without endangering international peace and security.Further,the member states should refrain from threats or use of force against another member. It is the duty of the members to assist the United Nations in the enforcement of peace.

(iii) To stop immediately fighting and seek withdrawal of troops to pre-war location:

(a) The maintenance of international peace and security is a very important purpose of the UN. Other purposes are complementary to the purpose of peace. In discussing the role of the UN we should bear in mind one basic aspect of the world body: it is a political body serving its member governments in the context of global politics.

(b) Neither the preferences of governments nor the trends in international politics are static; they change from time to time. Hence, in the exercise of its powers, the UN cannot be rigid, mechanical or uniform.

(c) The role of the UN is marked, therefore, by flexibility and pragmatism. Generally, the UN preferred not to take harsh views or condemn the aggressor country whenever it received complaints of a breach of peace. Instead, it directed its efforts to stop the fighting immediately and to seek withdrawal of troops to pre-war locations.