Charter of the United Nations

26 June 1945 (in force 24 October 1945) · San Francisco

Global: UN, law & climate

Background

Drafted at the San Francisco Conference (April–June 1945). It created six main organs: the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice and Secretariat. Its purposes include keeping international peace and security and promoting human rights.

Signed by

50 founding countries (Poland signed later as the 51st)

Why it matters

Created the United Nations. It came into force on 24 October 1945, now celebrated as UN Day. Pakistan joined on 30 September 1947.