Introduction

SAN FRANCISCO • 1945

WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED to=

• save succeeding generations from war
• reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and
• establish justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and
• promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

AND FOR THESE ENDS=

• to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and
• to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and
• to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples,

WE HAVE RESOLVED TO COMBINE OUR EFFORTS TO ACCOMPLISH THESE AIMS.

Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organization to be known as the United Nations.