The UN trusteeship system was established to help ensure that non-self-governing territories were administered in the best interests of the inhabitants and of international peace and security. Those numerous territories--most of them former mandates of the League of Nations or territories taken from enemy states at the end of World War II--have all now attained self-government or independence, either as separate nations or by joining neighboring independent countries. The last, Palau, became a member of the UN in December 1994. The Trusteeship Council has suspended its activities.