Article 55

Definition

Article 55 of the United Nations Charter outlines the commitment of the UN to promote higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development. This article plays a crucial role in linking the UN's objectives to human rights provisions by emphasizing the importance of social and economic rights as essential components for achieving peace and security among nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article 55 underscores the link between economic development and human rights, indicating that both are necessary for maintaining peace and security globally.
2. This article emphasizes that promoting better living standards is a shared responsibility among member states of the UN.
3. The UN’s focus on social progress as outlined in Article 55 directly supports various initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and fostering equitable growth.
4. Article 55 sets the groundwork for further international agreements and declarations that seek to protect social and economic rights.
5. The implementation of Article 55 has been instrumental in guiding the work of the Economic and Social Council in addressing global challenges related to human rights.

Review Questions

• How does Article 55 connect the concepts of economic development and human rights within the framework of the UN?
  • Article 55 connects economic development and human rights by asserting that higher living standards and full employment are essential for peace and security. This connection emphasizes that sustainable economic progress must be aligned with respect for human rights to create stable societies. Therefore, efforts to enhance living conditions must incorporate respect for individual rights, ensuring that all people can benefit from economic advancements.
• Discuss how Article 55 has influenced the work of the Economic and Social Council regarding social progress.
  • Article 55 has significantly influenced the Economic and Social Council by providing a mandate to address issues related to social progress, such as poverty alleviation, education, and health. The Council uses Article 55 as a foundation for its initiatives, ensuring that discussions around economic growth include considerations for social equity. This approach aims to create policies that not only drive economic success but also enhance the overall quality of life for individuals globally.
• Evaluate the impact of Article 55 on the development of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to human rights.
  • The impact of Article 55 on the development of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is profound, as it lays the groundwork for integrating human rights into global development frameworks. The SDGs reflect principles found in Article 55 by addressing issues such as inequality, education, and health care—factors essential for human dignity. By promoting a holistic approach that includes both environmental sustainability and human rights considerations, Article 55 ensures that efforts toward achieving SDGs contribute to empowering individuals while fostering a just society.

Related terms

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A landmark document adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948 that outlines fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

Economic and Social Council: A principal organ of the UN responsible for coordinating economic, social, and related work among 15 UN specialized agencies, their functional commissions, and five regional commissions.

Sustainable Development Goals: A set of 17 global goals established by the UN in 2015 to address urgent environmental, political, and economic challenges and promote prosperity while protecting the planet.