UNHCR policy and practice: Confronting calls for change

The first half of the 20th century witnessed two World Wars. The victors of WWII, wanting to prevent such conflicts from occurring again, established an organization of nations based upon member state coordination and solidarity. The United Nations Organization would focus upon collective security by joining together in democratic global consensuses and acting as a semi-international governing force. In addition to security, the UN was to pursue, define and uphold human rights. Reflections from the post-war agreement still play a prominent role today, as the five member states with veto power are those who were the main victors of WWII