STATUS: The Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November 1994, with the independence of Palau, the last remaining United Nations trust
territory, on 1 October 1994.
Background: In setting up an International Trusteeship System, the Charter established the Trusteeship Council as one of the main organs of the United
Nations and assigned to it the task of supervising the administration of Trust Territories placed under the Trusteeship System. Major goals of the System were
to promote the advancement of the inhabitants of Trust Territories and their progressive development towards self-government or independence. TheTrusteeship
Council is made up of the five permanent members of the Security Council --China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and United States. The aims of the
Trusteeship System have been fulfilled to such an extent that all Trust Territories have attained self-government or independence, either as separate States
or by joining neighbouring independent countries.
Functions and powers: Under the Charter, the Trusteeship Council is authorized to examine and discuss reports from the Administering Authority on the
political, economic, social and educational advancement of the peoples of Trust Territories and, in consultation with the Administering Authority, to examine
petitions from and undertake periodic and other special missions to Trust Territories.