The Council oversees the social and economic work of the UN, such as development projects, housing, family planning, environmental protection and promotion of human rights. The Council has 54 members and meets for one month each year. Also known as the World Court, it settles legal disputes between Member States and gives legal advice to the UN and its agencies. To date, the court has delivered 60 judgements on disputes between States on issues such as maritime boundaries, land frontiers, hostage-taking and territorial sovereignty. Only countries can be parties to cases brought before the Court.
Judgements are final and there is no appeal.
If a party fails to comply with the decision, the other party can turn to the Security Council for assistance. The Trusteeship Council has the responsibility of supervising the administration of 'trust territories' and monitoring the political, economic, social and educational advancement of its people. The major goal of the Council was to encourage the development of the trust territories towards self-government or independence. On 1 October 1994, Palau, the last remaining UN trust territory, gained independence. Subsequently, on 1 November 1994, the Trusteeship Council suspended operation.