The work of the United Nations is described in summary form. Material is divided into sections on the origin, programs, purpose, principles, and structure of the United Nations; the United Nations at work for International Peace; the United Nations at Work for Economic and Social Development; The United Nations at Work for Decolonization; the United Nations at Work for Human Rights; the United Nations at Work for International Law; and Intergovernmental Agencies. Each section contains paragraph overviews of relevant issues, developments, and United Nations efforts. For example, the section on international peace contains short descriptions of peace efforts in Afghanistan, Kampuchea, the Middle East, Cyprus, South Asia, the Congo, and Korea as well as discussions on disarmament, outer space, and the law of the sea. The section on international law includes coverage of judicial settlements, codification of international law, and international trade law. Appendices include a list of abbreviations, United Nations membership, United Nations information centers, and additional readings. (LP)