United Nations Headquarters
UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.
24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
This year again, we saw the United Nations come together on armed conflict, human rights, the environment and many other issues. We continue to show what collective action can do. We can do even more. In a world that is more connected, we must be more united. On United Nations Day, let us pledge to live up to our founding ideals and work together for peace, development and human rights.
Evolution of human rights
Everyone should be protected under a set of natural or legal laws, but how has the definition of these rights changed since they were first conceived?
Read more❯Evolution of human rights
Modern slavery
This free course, Modern slavery, is designed to develop an understanding of the international system of human rights protection in relation to modern slavery, but also encourage an appreciation of the influence of International Human Rights Law on the development of the domestic system of human rights protection.
Learn more ❯Modern slavery
Saving Setrus: To Intervene or not to Intervene
A neighbouring state is falling into war. You're the Prime Minister - can you use your political capital to legally intervene? Should you even try?
Take part now ❯Saving Setrus: To Intervene or not to Intervene
Climate justice for the next generation
This free course, Climate justice for the next generation, frames global warming and climate change in terms of social justice, human rights and intergenerational equality and emphasises how children and those least responsible for climate change are the ones who suffer its most significant consequences. The course looks at the impact climate change has on children’s rights and considers the role the next generation has as activists and campaigners within their changing environments. It concludes with a look at the contemporary work being done on ‘plastic childhoods’. Transcript
Learn more ❯Climate justice for the next generation
Naked before the court?: The reality of human rights
Appearing naked before a judge, and voting while in prison: How far should respect for human rights go?
Listen now ❯Naked before the court?: The reality of human rights
War, Intervention and Development
How can we prevent a country from returning to civil war? When and how should external parties intervene in serious conflicts? This album looks at the decade of violence and destruction that occurred in Sierra Leone in the 1990's. Now that peace has finally come about through the efforts of the international community, it's time to debate whether the root causes of war have been adequately addressed, and what lessons can be learned. 50% of Sierra Leoneans are under 15 and unskilled. Lack of education, poverty and unemployment are still rife and it's this lack of development that gives rise to conflict. Views from all sides are presented, including those of women, disaffected youth, members of the RUF and the new peace-keeping forces, to provide an in-depth analysis of the complexities of the aftermath of a civil war. In the academic perspective, Helen Yanocopulos, Senior Lecturer in International Politics and Development at The Open University provides insight into the educational value of the Sierra Leone case study. This material is taken from The Open University course TU875 War, intervention and development.
Listen now ❯War, Intervention and Development
Can yoga help us achieve sustainable development goals?
Shonil Bhagwat explains the yogic way of understanding how individual actions relate to global challenges.
Read now ❯Can yoga help us achieve sustainable development goals?
Coexistence: tolerance and cooperation from plants to politics
Is there a lesson for politicians in the way plant species can live together?
Read now ❯Coexistence: tolerance and cooperation from plants to politics
Exploring the boundaries of international law
This module considers the complexities of international law in the twenty-first century by exploring the evolving role and function of international law in the modern world. You'll start by considering the nature and development of the principles of international law before examining the role played by international organisations and non-governmental organisations. You'll then focus on areas that challenge the application and effectiveness of the principles of international law such as security issues and humanitarian interventions and consider international law in its wider context. The module uses contemporary case studies to explore the boundaries of international law.
Learn more ❯Exploring the boundaries of international law
Modern Slavery Quiz: Would You Prosecute?
Slavery did not end with abolition in the 19th century; it still continues today in every country. Take a look at this scenario and decide whether you should prosecute in this interactive quiz...
Take part now ❯Modern Slavery Quiz: Would You Prosecute?
Rio+20 - United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Is it possible to eradicate poverty? What steps should be taken to ensure an environmentally sustainable future for our planet? Rio+20 is a United Nations conference that draws in participation from all over the world attracting members of governments, the private sector as well as NGO’s amongst the thousands of guests who attend. The primary reason being to develop strategies to reduce poverty, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection as we look to the future. In this collection Open University academics reflect on its progress and prospects, and demonstrate that international gatherings of political leaders are not (fortunately?) the only game in town.
Listen now ❯Rio+20 - United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
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