Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission
Course Author Mr. Julian Harston, Assistant Secretary-General to the United Nations (Retired)
Series Editor Harvey J. Langholtz, Ph.D.
Peace Operations Training Institute® Study peace and humanitarian relief any place, any time
Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission
Cover Photo: UN Photo #553835 by Devra Berkowitz. Wide view of the Security Council meeting on “women and peace and security”. 24 June 2013.
Course Author Mr. Julian Harston, Assistant Secretary-General to the United Nations (Retired)
Series Editor Harvey J. Langholtz, Ph.D.
Peace Operations Training Institute® Study peace and humanitarian relief any place, any time © 2015 Peace Operations Training Institute. All rights reserved.
Peace Operations Training Institute 1309 Jamestown Road, Suite 202 Williamsburg, VA 23185 USA www.peaceopstraining.org
First edition: 2001 by LCOL Christian Hårleman Second edition: 2003 Third edition: 2011 Fourth edition: 2015 by Mr. Julian Harston
The material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the views of the Peace Operations Training Institute (POTI), the Course Author(s), or any United Nations organs or affiliated organizations. The Peace Operations Training Institute is an international not-for-profit NGO registered as a 501(c)(3) with the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America. The Peace Operations Training Institute is a separate legal entity from the United Nations. Although every effort has been made to verify the contents of this course, the Peace Operations Training Institute and the Course Author(s) disclaim any and all responsibility for facts and opinions contained in the text, which have been assimilated largely from open media and other independent sources. This course was written to be a pedagogical and teaching document, consistent with existing UN policy and doctrine, but this course does not establish or promulgate doctrine. Only officially vetted and approved UN documents may establish or promulgate UN policy or doctrine. Information with diametrically opposing views is sometimes provided on given topics, in order to stimulate scholarly interest, and is in keeping with the norms of pure and free academic pursuit.
Versions of this course offered in other languages may differ slightly from the primary English master copy. Translators make every effort to retain the integrity of the material. Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission
Table of Contents
Foreword x
Method of Study xi
Lesson 1 Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present 12
Section 1.1 The Founding of the United Nations and its Charter 14
Section 1.2 Purposes and Principles of the United Nations 16
Section 1.3 Legal Framework and Authority 19
Section 1.4 Financial Principles and Budget of the United Nations 22
Section 1.5 The United Nations System 23
Section 1.6 Measurable Global Impact 29
Lesson 2 The Principal Organs of the United Nations 32
Section 2.1 General Assembly 34
Section 2.2 Security Council 37
Section 2.3 Economic and Social Council 41
Section 2.4 Secretariat and the Secretary-General 43
Section 2.5 International Court of Justice 47
Section 2.6 Trusteeship Council 50
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v Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission
Lesson 3 The Role of the United Nations in Global Peace and Security 54
Section 3.1 The Evolving UN Response to Global Conflict 56
Section 3.2 Mechanisms for Stronger Peace and Security 59
Section 3.3 The Guiding Principles of Peace Operations 61
Section 3.4 Multidimensional Components 65
Section 3.5 Types of Peace Operations 68
Section 3.6 Planning and Preparation 73
Section 3.7 Implementation 75
Section 3.8 Management Responsibilities 77
Section 3.9 The Peacekeeping Partnership 78
Lesson 4 The Role of the United Nations in Global Development and Humanitarian Action 82
Section 4.1 The Development Concept 84
Section 4.2 The Interface Between Disaster Relief and Development 88
Section 4.3 Humanitarian Imperatives 89
Section 4.4 Distinctions and Similarities between Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law 93
Section 4.5 Principles of International Humanitarian Law 94
Section 4.6 Principles of Human Rights 96
Section 4.7 Human Development and Climate Change 106
Lesson 5 The Dynamic Field Environment 110
Section 5.1 Social and Cultural Environment 112
Section 5.2 Mission Environment 116
Section 5.3 Civil-Military Cooperation 119
Section 5.4 Safety and Security Environment 120
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vi Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission
Lesson 6 Principles and Responsibilities of UN Field Personnel 126
Section 6.1 Service for Humanity 128
Section 6.2 Obligations and Duties 128
Section 6.3 Cultural and Social Demands 131
Section 6.4 Personal Demands 133
Section 6.5 Privileges and Immunities 135
Annex A: Ten Rules – Code of Personal Conduct for Blue Helmets 136
Lesson 7 Safety and Security for UN Field Personnel 140
Section 7.1 Responding to Threats Facing the UN System 142
Section 7.2 Main Principles and Structure of the UN Security Management System 143
Section 7.3 Responsibilities of UN Personnel 147
Section 7.4 Personal Safety and Precautions 149
Section 7.5 Travel Precautions 154
Section 7.6 Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault 157
Section 7.7 Special Security Precautions 158
Section 7.8 First Aid 163
Section 7.9 Coping with Stress 166
Lesson 8 Strategies and Techniques for Effective Fieldwork 172
Section 8.1 Participatory Methods 174
Section 8.2 Projects and Project Control 175
Section 8.3 Monitoring and Verification 177
Section 8.4 Transparent Communication 179
Section 8.5 Negotiation 183
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vii Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission
Section 8.6 Mediation 185
Section 8.7 Written Communications and Reports 188
Section 8.8 Communication with the Media 188
Lesson 9 Global Partners for Development and Peace 194
Section 9.1 Establishing Organizational Relationships in the Field 196
Section 9.2 UN Programmes and Funds 197
Section 9.3 UN Specialized Agencies 202
Section 9.4 International Organizations with Member States 204
Section 9.5 Non-Governmental International Organizations 206
Section 9.6 International Governmental Organizations 207
Section 9.7 Non-Governmental Organizations 209
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viii Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission
Appendices
Appendix A: List of Acronyms 214
Appendix B: Current Peacekeeping Missions 219
About the Author: Mr. Julian Harston 220
Instructions for the End-of-Course Examination 221
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ix Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission
Foreword
Welcome to this course, which will introduce you to the United Nations and its role in international peace and security. I’ve been in the business of peace and security and diplomacy most of my working life, and I really don’t remember a moment when the world faced such problems as it does today.
In order to meet the unique obligations placed on it by the world community, the United Nations needs people, both civilian and military, to work in the field around the world. It needs people, civilian and military, who understand the United Nations — its history and its activities, both past and present. Activities which make it a vital part of the process of mitigating and even from time to time solving some of the world’s greatest challenges.
The United Nations is not easy. It is a complex organization made up of many different parts which are independent but are expected to work together in the integrated operations which now form the largest part of what we do. What we must do together as you follow this course is equip you with some of the knowledge and background information that you will need in order to become a valuable member of a UN team.
The breadth of activities now carried out by integrated missions in the field require not just military and police and the more traditional civilian political and administrative components, but now include civil affairs, humanitarian work, communications, elections, security sector reform, rule of law, gender affairs, and a wide variety of peacebuilding and development activities. When I was serving in UNTAES, the mission in Eastern Slavonia in the former Yugoslavia, I had colleagues who were running the railways, who were running the sewage systems, who were running most of the government in that small place — a multitude of activities. The question of whether UN peace operations can take on more has to been seen in the fact that there are so few global alternatives. Of all the world’s organizations, the UN is least able to turn its back on people most in need of safety and security.
In 2000, the Brahimi Report called on the leaders of the world to “renew their commitment to the ideals of the United Nations, to commit as well as to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to fully accomplish the mission which is, indeed, its very raison d’être: to help communities engulfed in strife and to maintain or restore peace.” Today, as the United Nations celebrates its 70th anniversary in the year 2015, this call to action View a video introduction to this remains relevant and imperative. As observed by Mr. course at
—Mr. Julian Harston, 2015.
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x Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission
Method of Study
This self-paced course aims to give students flexibility in their approach to learning. The following steps are meant to provide motivation and guidance about some possible strategies and minimum expectations for completing this course successfully:
• Before you begin studying, first browse through the entire course material. Notice the lesson and section titles to get an overall idea of what will be involved as you proceed.
• The material is meant to be relevant and practical. Instead of memorizing individual details, strive to understand concepts and overall perspectives in regard to the United Nations system.
• Set personal guidelines and benchmarks regarding how you want to schedule your time.
• Study the lesson content and the learning objectives. At the beginning of each lesson, orient yourself to the main points. If possible, read the material twice to ensure maximum understanding and retention, and let time elapse between readings.
• At the end of each lesson, take the Practice Quiz. Clarify any missed questions by re-reading the appropriate sections, and focus on retaining the correct information.
• After you complete all of the lessons, prepare for the End-of-Course Examination by taking time to review the main points of each lesson. Then, when ready, log into your online student classroom and take the End-of-Course Examination in one sitting.
»» Access your online classroom at
• Your exam will be scored electronically. If you achieve a passing grade of 75 per cent or higher on the exam, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. If you score below 75 per cent, you will be given one opportunity to take a second version of the End-of-Course Examination.
• A note about language: This course uses English spelling according to the standards of the Oxford English Dictionary (United Kingdom) and the United Nations Editorial Manual.
Key Features of Your Online Classroom »
• Access to all of your courses;
• A secure testing environment in which to complete your training;
• Access to additional training resources, including multimedia course supplements;
• The ability to download your Certificate of Completion for any completed course; and
• Forums where you can discuss relevant topics with the POTI community.
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xi INTRODUCTION TO THE UN SYSTEM: ORIENTATION FOR SERVING ON A UN FIELD MISSION
LESSON Framework for a Global 1 Organization, Past and Present
In order to understand the United Nations and its field operations, it is necessary to have an awareness of the institutions that comprise the Organization, its general principles, and its structure.
UN Photo #64286 by United Nations.
In this lesson » Lesson Objectives »
Section 1.1 The Founding of the United • Explain the reasons for founding the United Nations and its Charter Nations.
Section 1.2 Purposes and Principles of the • Describe the purposes and principles of the United Nations United Nations.
Section 1.3 Legal Framework and Authority • Recognize the contents of the Charter of the United Nations, its founding document. Section 1.4 Financial Principles and Budget of the United Nations • Be aware of the legal framework for a peace operation, as well as basic financial guidelines. Section 1.5 The United Nations System • Identify the main bodies of the UN system. Section 1.6 Measurable Global Impact • Consider the extensive reach of the UN’s impact on global development, both historically and presently.
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12 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present
To mark United Nations Day, the UN family came together with the Rwandan battalion of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the community of Kapuri to volunteer in the construction of a new primary school facility. Other activities included a mobile health clinic coordinated by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health (WHO), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS). The refugee agency, UNHCR, coordinated a girls’ football match. The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and UN Development Programme (UNDP) also hosted events. 25 October 2014. UN Photo #610996 by JC McIlwaine.
By the end of this lesson, the student should be able to conceptualize the overall framework of the UN, as well as the basic principles that guide its global effort to maintain international peace and security.
Although some of the legal and financial principles are complicated, the student should strive to develop an understanding of the fundamentals. View a video introduction of this The lesson will also explore interrelations between lesson at
13 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present
Section 1.1 The Founding of the United Nations and its Charter
History
The United Nations was established in the shadow of two global conflicts with the major purpose of preventing the repeated tragedy. “To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”1 is expressly stated in the Organization’s founding document, the UN Charter. This ideal has guided the United Nations since its founding in 1945 and carries it forward to face the challenges of the twenty-first century.
In the aftermath of the First World War, a predecessor to the UN, the League of Nations, was established. Its primary goals included preventing future wars through collective security, disarmament, and settling disputes diplomatically through negotiation and arbitration. The League was fatally weakened by the reluctance of the United States to join and was unable to take action in the face of Italian aggression in Africa. Consequently, the League also failed to avert the Second World War.
Thus, the United Nations was brought into being through successive meetings and conferences among the Allied states, the victors of the Second World War. Between 1941 and 1944, a series of conferences were held where the Allies discussed the establishment of an international organization to maintain international peace and security.
Although many crucial questions were resolved at the Yalta Conference in 1944, it was not until the San Francisco Conference in April 1945, with the participation of 50 states, that the UN Charter was officially drafted.
As originally envisioned, the majority of the United Nations’ power would rest with these Allied nations, and they became the five major powers sitting permanently on the Security Council: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, during the United Nations Conference on International Organization (UNCIO) in San Francisco, the smaller states successfully argued for stronger roles through the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, and the International Court of Justice. As a result, the Charter was broadened, and these nations, now more truly “united”, were empowered to act in economic and social areas as well. At the conclusion of UNCIO on 26 June 1945, the Charter was signed by all participating nations and came into force 24 October 1945. The Charter was ratified by the present five permanent members of the Security Council and by a majority of the signatory Member States.
Aims
The United Nations Charter was, and still is, a bold prescription for maintaining international peace and security and promoting economic and social development. The founders were guided by the trauma of two world wars, the suffering of mankind, and a deep longing for lasting peace based on equality, dignity, and social and economic progress. Other themes throughout the document are peace, human rights, freedom, sovereignty, and respect for treaties and international law, all of which are to be achieved through tolerance, maintenance of international peace and security, and the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all people. The Charter presents the purposes and principles of the United Nations and sets out the structure of the United Nations, as well as the interrelations, principles,
1) Charter of the United Nations. Preamble.
14 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present
Miguel Angel Carcano, Ambassador of Argentina to the United Kingdom and Vice-Chairman of the delegation, signs the United Nations Charter at the San Francisco Conference. 26 June 1945. UN Photo #1288 by I. McLain. and rules forming its institutional framework. It begins with an inspiring Preamble, which expresses the aims and ideals of the United Nations and ends with a formal declaration by all the signatory States agreeing to the Charter and the establishment of an organization “to be known as the United Nations.”
One of the key differences from the Covenant of the League of Nations was the consideration of collective security. The UN Charter maintains that Member States were to place armed forces at the disposal of the Security Council toward the task of preventing war and suppressing acts of aggression, as stated in Article 43.2 The Statute of the International Court of Justice in Chapter XIV is a distinguishing part of the UN Charter as well, as it established the International Court of Justice, the official judicial body of the United Nations. This “World Court” as it is sometimes referred is unique because of its function to hear disputes between states.
Contents of the Charter
The Preamble is followed by 19 chapters, or 111 articles. The Chapters address four major areas: peace and security; economic and social issues; the trusteeship system; and the judicial organs. The articles describe the functions, rules, and procedures of the six principal organs, of which the General Assembly can be considered as the principal legislative organ and the Secretariat as the executive body. The Charter ends with Provisional Rules (among others, the privileges and immunities of United Nations officials), Transitional Arrangements (needed at the end of World War II), Amendments, and the Ratification and Signature.
Knowledge about the Charter is a prerequisite for understanding decision-making in international affairs, the interrelationship between Member States and the United Nations, as well as the relations between the Organization’s various entities. The United Nations family of organizations — known as the UN system — is complex, as it tries to address almost all global areas of political, economic, and social activity. The “system” consists of six principal organs, their subsidiary bodies, programmes and funds, research and training institutes, functional and regional commissions, expert and ad hoc bodies, as well
2) UN Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council. Charter of the United Nations. “E. Articles 43-47 – Command and deployment of military forces”.
15 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present
View the UN Charter online »
To read the entire founding document of the United Nations and to reference the articles mentioned in this lesson, access the Charter online at
UN Photo #84009 by United Nations.
as 15 specialized agencies, trust funds, secretariats of conventions, and other related organizations. In addition, there is a large number of other international, governmental, non-governmental, and civil society organizations which are in some way linked to the UN system. All of those actors, together with other entities outside the system that are concerned with international issues, constitute what is generally called the international community.
Section 1.2 Purposes and Principles of the United Nations
Purposes
According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes:
1. To maintain international peace and security;
2. To develop friendly relations among nations;
3. To cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights;
4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
Articles 1 and 2 are the most important articles of the Charter because they describe the overall objectives and principles of the United Nations. Article 1 sets out the primary purposes of the United Nations by authorizing the Organization to maintain international peace and security by the following actions:
“To take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of peace, and to bring by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of peace.”
16 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present
The article also mandates the Organization to develop friendly relations among nations and to achieve international cooperation in addressing economic, social, and cultural matters, and to address fundamental rights issues concerning groups and individuals. The United Nations is to bring the family of nations together to achieve these common ends.
Principles
According to the Charter, the UN has seven Principles:
1. Sovereign equality of all Member States;
2. All Member States should fulfil obligations in accordance with the Charter;
3. Peaceful settlement of international disputes;
4. No threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state;
5. All Members shall assist the UN in any action taken in accordance with the Charter; Henry Odein Ajumogobia, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, speaks with 6. Non-Member States should act in accordance with correspondents after chairing a Security these Principles related to the maintenance of Council meeting on “Optimizing the use international peace and security; of preventive diplomacy tools: Prospects and challenges in Africa”. 16 July 2010. UN Photo #442048 by Eskinder Debebe. 7. Non-interference in internal affairs.
Article 2 stipulates the principles behind the United Nations’ and the Member States’ actions in pursuit of the purposes of Article 1. The Article is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all Member States that fulfil in good faith their obligations to the Charter. States are to refrain from the threat or use of force against any other State, and international disputes are to be settled by peaceful means without endangering peace, security, or justice. Members shall give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter and shall not assist States against which the United Nations is taking preventive or enforcement action.
However, it should be stressed that traditionally these two articles have been secondary to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference or non-intervention in domestic affairs. Article 2.7 states, “nothing in the Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essential within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.” This principle is, however, not immune to the application of enforcement measures when authorized by the Security Council. The call for the unambiguous protection of humanity and human rights has since spurred the international community to act collectively and not always with the consent of the states concerned. In this way, the principles surrounding Right to Protect (R2P) are gaining more traction in recent times as an ethical argument for the justification of interference with a domestic situation, but this is not without controversy and struggle to interpret effective practice.3 This will be discussed further later in the lesson.
3) Princeton University. “Non-intervention.”
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Experiences
The architects of the United Nations envisioned a framework for relations between states, which would act through cooperation instead of force as a means of achieving foreign policy goals or settling conflicts. National sovereignty, non-intervention in the internal affairs of a Member State, andthe prohibition of the use of force in international relations are some of the Charter’s fundamental principles. The United Nations Charter permits a departure from these principles only when action is necessary to prevent a threat to international peace or to restore peace. The Charter calls on the Organization to assist in the settlement of international disputes and in maintaining international peace and security. This is the primary responsibility of the UN Security Council, which may, in fulfilling its duties, adopt a range of measures as provided for in Chapter VI (Pacific Settlements of Disputes), Chapter VII (Action with Respect to Peace), and Chapter VIII (Regional Arrangements).
Despite the Charter’s establishment of a framework for relations between states, the purposes and the principles of the United Nations were constantly challenged during the Cold War era. Those years witnessed competition between the superpowers, and their exercise of veto power in the Security Council significantly hampered the effective discharge of responsibilities by the United Nations’ chief security organ — the Security Council. The circumstances became an everyday political reality, and to a certain extent, this inertia carried over from the Security Council to the rest of the UN system.
With the end of the Cold War and the easing of superpower rivalries and tensions, the Charter’s relevance to the contemporary political environment improved. On the other hand, the end of the Cold War and the years to follow witnessed conflicts of more internal character, where states’ functions failed, did not exist, or were very limited, and consequently, the fundamental rights of the individuals became increasingly abused. The tragic events of 11 September 2001 in the United States, the issue of international terrorism, and the military and non-military aspects of security have further complicated the general perception of the UN’s role in maintaining international peace and security.
Because the Security Council is still grounded by the hegemonic powers of the World War era, some have questioned the relevance of the council structure for today’s world. Critics have pointed out that while the permanent five once spoke for 40 percent of the world’s population, these days they speak for only about 29 percent.4 This change can be explained by factors such as, at the time of the UN’s founding in 1945, only three African nations participated. Now there are more than 50 Member States from the African continent, yet none with veto power.5 Divisions in the Council and its paralysis in times of danger strengthen the arguments for reforms to its composition to better reflect the reality of the world in the present day.
Intervention and Use of Force
Following the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed in other internal conflicts, one of the Charter’s fundamental principles, “not to intervene in matters which are essential within the domestic jurisdiction of any state,” has come under scrutiny. In 2005, the UN General Assembly and the Security Council adopted respective resolutions on R2P, which stipulate
4) The Guardian Observer Editorial. “Don’t sideline the UN Security Council. Reinvent it for today”. 7 September 2013.
18 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present that in cases of the worst atrocities against civilian populations, the UN has not only the right, but the obligation to intervene.6 It is important to emphasize, however, that even in such cases, the intervention must be authorized by the Security Council in order to be legal. The application of R2P in practice has been highly controversial following the military intervention in Libya in 2011. This was the first case that the UN Security Council authorized military intervention citing R2P. Controversy ensued over the conduct and objectives of North Atlantic Treaty Organizaion (NATO) military intervention in Libya, with the consequences of a high number of civilian casualties and regime change. India’s UN Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri has been quoted as saying that: “Libya has given R2P a bad name.”7 Consequently, the Security Council has been divided over the application of R2P in the case of the Syrian Civil War.8 The development of an intervention norm, in favour of protecting civilians from the worst abuses, has no doubt challenged the expectations of the international community.
Article 2.4 of the UN Charter defines that the use of force is legal only in two instances: in self- defence or when authorized by the Security Council.9 Practical application and interpretation of this principle has been controversial. Some say that this Charter principle was challenged during the NATO military intervention against Serbia and Montenegro in 1999 and also during the US-led coalition military invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies in 2003 was strongly opposed by a large number of Member States who argued that invading the country was not justified in the context of the UN report of 12 February 2003 by the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and that it was not in accordance with the aims and principles of the UN Charter.10 Consequently, the Security Council did not agree to authorize military action taken by the United States and the United Kingdom. However, some have argued that specific interpretations of UN Security Council Resolution 1441 (2002) did provide the legal justification for military action.11 This uneven disagreement continues to fuel tension among the members of the Council.
Section 1.3 Legal Framework and Authority
The ratification of the Charter by the five major allies — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — and by a majority of the other signatory states provides the basis for its constituent authority.
The United Nations is an international body subject to international laws, treaties, and conventions. It is capable of possessing international rights and duties and it has the capacity to maintain its rights by bringing international claims. The development of conventions, treaties, and standards within the area of international law, which play a crucial role in economic and social development, human rights, international peacekeeping, and security, represents some of the UN’s most impressive achievements.
6) UN General Assembly Resolution A/Res/60/1. 2005 World Summit Outcome, par. 138-140. 24 October 2005.
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Eugène-Richard Gasana (left), Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the UN, addresses a meeting of the Security Council on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). At right is Khalida Rachid Khan, President of the ICTR. 06 June 2011. UN Photo #474947 by JC McIlwaine.
Courts and Tribunals
The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. All members of the United Nations are automatically parties to the Statute of the Court. Consequently, they and a few others can be parties to cases. The General Assembly and the Security Council can ask the Court for advisory opinions on legal matters, while other organs of the United Nations and specialized agencies can do so by authorization from the General Assembly.
The jurisdiction of the Court covers all questions that Member States may refer to and all matters as provided in the Charter or in treaties and conventions in force. This will be explained further in Lesson 2.
The serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda led the Security Council to establish two international tribunals with the power to prosecute those individuals responsible for such violations. Thus, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia was established in 1993 and the International Tribunal for Rwanda in 1994. Special courts were also set up for Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Cambodia, and East Timor.12
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent judicial body with jurisdiction over persons charged with genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The Court was established by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on 17 July 1998, when 120 States participating in the “United Nations Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court” adopted the Statute.13 The United States has not ratified the Rome Statute. However, the statute did not enter into force until 1 July 2002. In accordance with Article 2 of the Rome Statute, the relationship with the United Nations system is governed by an agreement between the two organizations.
»» Learn more about the International Criminal Court (ICC) at
12) United Nations, “International Law, Courts and Tribunals”.
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Principal Legal Bodies within the UN
The Sixth Committee of the General Assembly, one of the six Main Committees of the General Assembly, deals with legal items Treaties, not war » on the Assembly’s agenda. The decisions and resolutions of the Over the years, the United Assembly are based on the recommendations from this Committee. Nations has facilitated
Among the principal legal bodies is the International Law the important work of Commission, with its main objective of promoting the progressive bringing nations together in development of international law and its codification. The United diplomatic agreements. Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) A list of such treaties can develops conventions, model laws, rules, and legal guides in order be found at
Within the Secretariat, the Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice to the Secretary-General and acts on his or her behalf on legal matters. It also advises the Secretariat and other organs of the United Nations on matters related to international, public, private and administrative laws. The Office is also responsible for the registration and publication of treaties and conventions and, thus, publishes the United Nations Treaty Series.
»» Learn more about the Office of Legal Affairs:
Legal Framework for Peacekeeping and Other Similar Operations
Peacekeeping was not foreseen by the founders of the United Nations and, therefore, was neither mentioned nor provided for in the Charter. However, Article 29 of the UN Charter authorizes that the Security Council “may establish such subsidiary organs as it deems necessary for the performance of its functions.”14 Therefore, it has been concluded and generally accepted that the Security Council and the General Assembly are legally justified in creating and mandating peacekeeping forces — and other similar entities — as additional mechanisms toward fulfilling the UN’s task of maintaining international peace and security.
As peacekeeping increasingly becomes a normative mechanism in maintaining peace and security, it should be remembered that the Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) are the guiding principles of all peacekeeping operations. While performing peacekeeping duties, the United Nations must adhere to the Charter and the recognition of human rights as a fundamental means of promoting peace and security. International Humanitarian Law, or the law of armed conflict as it is also known, provides additional protection to those who do not participate in hostilities, known as “non-combatants”. This will be discussed further in Lesson 4.
Some additional legal relationships must be established in order to facilitate relations between the United Nations and the host country (the country where the operation is taking place), and also
14) UN Security Council. “Subsidiary Organs Overview”.
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Rwandan troops with the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) inspect an armoured personnel carrier at their base’s mechanical workshop, in Zam Zam, North Darfur. 07 February 2012. UN Photo #503847 by Albert González Farran. between the United Nations and the troop-contributing countries (those countries offering military forces to an operation, known as TCCs). These Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) and Status of Mission Agreements (SOMA) concern the way the mission or operation conducts itself legally and bureaucratically. The SOFA/SOMA regulates jurisdiction, taxation, status of UN personnel, freedom of movement, use of facilities, etc. The UN Police must follow the rules and regulations stipulated by the United Nations Criminal Law and Justice Branch in their assigned duties.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a similar agreement between the UN and the TCC. It addresses the TCC’s responsibilities to United Nations, such as the size, type, and duration of the contingents to be used, equipment, liability, claim, and compensation, administrative and budgetary matters, etc.
The Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations both define and provide the privileges and immunities deemed necessary for personnel working in connection with the Organization. The 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel serves as the legal instrument for protection and outlines duties to ensure safety and security, release and return of detained personnel, crimes, and exercise of jurisdiction.
Section 1.4 Financial Principles and Budget of the United Nations
Regular Budget
The regular budget of the United Nations covers two years’ cost for the staff, infrastructure, and activities of the principal organs, offices and regional commissions. The budget is submitted bythe Secretary-General and approved by the General Assembly after review by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), one of the most powerful committees in the UN
22 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present system. The main source of funds is the mandatory contributions from Member States, based on an assessment scale approved by the General Assembly. The maximum contribution is 22 per cent, which is paid by the United States. The minimum contribution is fixed at 0.001 per cent.15 As approved for 2014/15, the regular budget totalled approximately $5.53 billion.16
Extra Ordinary Budget
The extra ordinary budget makes up a large part of the funding acquired through voluntary contributions from Member States. The budget covers the cost for the operational programmes and funds: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and others. UN specialized agencies have separate budgets, which are voluntarily supplemented by states, but not all funding comes from the Member States. The United Nations sometimes receives grants from private institutions or foundations such as the Turner Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Peacekeeping Budget
The costs of the United Nations peacekeeping operations are covered by the Member States in accordance with the Special Scale of Assessments. Since 2001, the Member States’ regular assessment levels are adjusted according to their placement in one of ten levels, ranging from a premium payable by permanent Members of the Security Council (Level A) to a 90 per cent discount for Last Developed Countries (Level J). The total budget for the operations has increased from USD 2.5 billion in 2003 to USD 7 billion in 2015.17 The General Assembly approves this peacekeeping budget with the recommendations of its Fifth Committee and after review by the ACABQ.
Section 1.5 The United Nations System
The six principal organs of the United Nations, including the General Assembly and Security Council, are relatively well known. Though these entities have general oversight of the United Nations’ array of global activities, the UN system goes well beyond them. The work of the Organization is controlled and divided among many specialized entities known as funds, programmes, commissions, and agencies. This section describes the main actors, including the principal organs, who make up what is called the UN system, focusing on four main categories. Because of the complexity and comprehensiveness of the system, a number of entities are not listed in this section.
The coordinating body of these entities is the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB). It is chaired by the Secretary-General and meets twice a year.
The Principal Organs
The principal organs of the United Nations as provided for in the Charter of the United Nations are: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the Secretariat. These six organs, described in Lesson 2, form the core of the United Nations system. The principal organs are mainly located at UN
15) For more on the financing of UN peacekeeping operations, visit
23 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present
The United Nations System © 2019 United Nations. All rights reserved worldwide reserved rights All Nations. United © 2019 UN PRINCIPAL Subsidiary Organs Funds and Programmes1 Research and Training Other Entities Related Organizations ORGANS • Main Committees UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNIDIR United Nations Institute for ITC International Trade Centre (UN/WTO) CTBTO PREPARATORY COMMISSION Disarmament Research Preparatory Commission for the Comprehen- • Disarmament Commission • UNCDF United Nations Capital Development UNCTAD1,8 United Nations Conference on Trade sive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization Fund UNITAR United Nations Institute for and Development • Human Rights Council 1, 3 Training and Research 1 IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency • International Law Commission • UNV United Nations Volunteers UNHCR Office of the United Nations UNSSC United Nations System Staff UNEP8 United Nations Environment Programme High Commissioner for Refugees ICC International Criminal Court • Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) College GENERAL UNOPS1 United Nations Office for IOM1 International Organization for Migration • Standing committees and UNFPA United Nations Population Fund ASSEMBLY UNU United Nations University Project Services ad hoc bodies UN-HABITAT8 United Nations Human ISA International Seabed Authority 1 Settlements Programme UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works ITLOS International Tribunal for the Law Agency for Palestine Refugees in the of the Sea UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund Near East OPCW 3 Organization for the Prohibition of WFP World Food Programme (UN/FAO) 1 UN-WOMEN United Nations Entity for Gender Chemical Weapons Equality and the Empowerment of Women WTO1, 4 World Trade Organization
SECURITY COUNCIL • International Residual Mechanism for • Peacekeeping operations and political missions Subsidiary Organs Peacebuilding Commission HLPF High-level political Criminal Tribunals • Sanctions committees (ad hoc) forum on sustainable • Counter-Terrorism Committee • Military Staff Committee • Standing committees and ad hoc bodies development
ECONOMIC AND 8 1, 5 SOCIAL COUNCIL Functional Commissions Regional Commissions Other Bodies Specialized Agencies Communications Global of Department Nations United by the Published • Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice ECA Economic Commission for Africa • Committee for Development Policy FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of UNWTO World Tourism Organization • Narcotic Drugs ECE Economic Commission for Europe • Committee of Experts on Public Administration the United Nations UPU Universal Postal Union • Population and Development ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin • Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations ICAO International Civil Aviation WHO World Health Organization America and the Caribbean Organization • Science and Technology for Development • Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues WIPO World Intellectual Property Economic and Social Commission IFAD International Fund for Organization • Social Development ESCAP UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on for Asia and the Pacific Agricultural Development HIV/AIDS WMO World Meteorological Organization • Statistics ILO International Labour Organization Economic and Social Commission 7 ESCWA UNGEGN United Nations Group of Experts on WORLD BANK GROUP • Status of Women or Western Asia IMF International Monetary Fund SECRETARIAT Geographical Names • IBRD International Bank for • United Nations Forum on Forests IMO International Maritime Organization Research and Training Reconstruction and Development ITU International Telecommunication Union • IDA International Development UNICRI United Nations Interregional Crime and UNESCO United Nations Educational, Association Justice Research Institute Scientific and Cultural Organization • IFC International Finance Corporation 9 Office for the Coordination of Departments and Offices OCHA UNRISD United Nations Research Institute for UNIDO United Nations Industrial Humanitarian Affairs Social Development Development Organization EOSG Executive Office of the ODA Office for Disarmament Affairs Secretary-General OHCHR Office of the United Nations Notes: INTERNATIONAL DESA Department of Economic and High Commissioner for Human Rights Social Affairs UNISDR United Nations Office for Disaster 1 Members of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB). COURT OF JUSTICE OIOS Office of Internal Oversight Services 2 UN Office for Partnerships (UNOP) is the UN’s focal point vis-a-vis the United Nations Foundation, Inc. DGACM Department for General Assembly Risk Reduction 3 IAEA and OPCW report to the Security Council and the General Assembly (GA). and Conference Management OLA Office of Legal Affairs 1 UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs 4 WTO has no reporting obligation to the GA, but contributes on an ad hoc basis to GA and Economic and DGC Department of Global OSAA Office of the Special Adviser on Africa and Crime Social Council (ECOSOC) work on, inter alia, finance and development issues. Communications SRSG/CAAC Office of the Special UNOG United Nations Office at Geneva 5 Specialized agencies are autonomous organizations whose work is coordinated through ECOSOC (inter- Representative of the Secretary-General governmental level) and CEB (inter-secretariat level).
DMSPC Department of Management January 2019 18-00159—1 UN-OHRLLS Office of the High Representative 6 The Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November 1994, as on 1 October 1994 Palau, the last Strategy, Policy and Compliance for Children and Armed Conflict for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked United Nations Trust Territory, became independent. DOS Department of Operational Support SRSG/SVC Office of the Special Developing Countries and Small Island 7 International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Representative of the Secretary-General Developing States TRUSTEESHIP DPO Department of Peace Operations Agency (MIGA) are not specialized agencies in accordance with Articles 57 and 63 of the Charter, but are on Sexual Violence in Conflict part of the World Bank Group. 6 UNON United Nations Office at Nairobi COUNCIL DPPA Department of Political and 8 The secretariats of these organs are part of the UN Secretariat. SRSG/VAC Office of the Special 2 Peacebuilding Affairs Representative of the Secretary-General UNOP United Nations Office for Partnerships 9 The Secretariat also includes the following offices: The Ethics Office, United Nations Ombudsman and DSS Department of Safety and Security on Violence Against Children UNOV United Nations Office at Vienna Mediation Services, and the Office of Administration of Justice. This Chart is a reflection of the functional organization of the United Nations System and for informational purposes only. It does not include all offices or entities of the United Nations System.
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Headquarters in New York (UNHQ), except for the International Court of Justice, which is located in The Hague, Netherlands. The United Nations Offices in Nairobi (UNON), Vienna (UNOV), and Geneva (UNOG) — the latter located in the same building as the former League of Nations — are also all considered part of the United Nations’ Headquarters.
The Charter also provides for the establishment of subsidiary bodies as the principal organs may find necessary (e.g., various commissions, committees, temporarily constituted peacekeeping operations, as well as a variety of observer, verification missions, etc.).
Reporting to the ECOSOC and operating under the authority of the Secretary-General are the five Economic and Social Regional Commissions (Article 68). The basic mandate of these commissions is to facilitate the promotion of the regional economic and social development of each region and to strengthen the economic relations of the countries in that region both among themselves and with other countries of the world. The five Commissions, with their own structures and secretariats, are grouped as follows: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand; UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva, Switzerland; the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile; and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) in Beirut, Lebanon. These organs, offices, and commissions are financed through the United Nations Regular Budget.
Programmes, Funds, and Bodies of the United Nations
The core of the United Nations includes various programmes and funds, which are generally responsible for the operational development in programme countries. Today, there are 14 programmes and funds including: the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UNDP, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UNHCR, World Food Programme (WFP), and United Nations Volunteers (UNV).
Although these programmes and offices are effectively autonomous, they all report through ECOSOC to the General Assembly. They have their own governing bodies and set their own standards and guidance. Their budgets are in large part funded through voluntary contributions from governments and the private sector through the Extra Budgetary Resources.
In addition, there are a number of related programmes, such as the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and UN Institute for Disarmament Research. Other entities include the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), United Nations University (UNU), and the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), among others.
Specialized Agencies
These agencies provide support and assistance to the development programmes. They are all autonomous and work at the inter-governmental level through ECOSOC and at the inter-secretarial level through the Chief Executives Board.
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»» Major Specialized Agencies
The major specialized agencies and the Bretton Woods Institutions (the International Monetary Fund [IMF] and World Bank founded at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944) are separately established by governments and have their own constitutions, budgets, and governing boards and secretariats.
One group consists of five agencies: the International Labour Organization (ILO); the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); and the World Health Organization (WHO). These organizations have all been brought into agreement with the United Nations and, thus, are formally recognized under the Charter. Their budgets are raised by assessment from their Member States but not as part of the United Nations’ regular budget.
The Bretton Woods Institutions consist of the IMF and the World Bank Group. The World Bank is the lender of commercially raised capital for development projects, while the IMF, among other things, promotes monetary cooperation and expansion of international trade. The World Bank Group encompasses the main commercial-rate International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the soft-loan International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for Settlements of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Their budgets are raised through the usual capital market procedures. These two major organizations − IMF and the World Bank − have adopted a voting system where voting is weighted in accordance to the members’ shares.
The third group includes the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Conference on Disarmament (CD). The IFAD has a separate legal status within the system. In 1995, the WTO, replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) as the mechanism to help trade flow as freely as possible. The WTO does not fall under the Charter as a
The History of Bretton Woods »
Prior to the formation of the United Nations in June 1945, a number of meetings and events helped set the stage for the creation of the new international organization.
Forty-four United Nations and associated nations met in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, to discuss monetary stabilization as an aid to post-war trade. The United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference was held in July 1944. One subsequent result was the establishment of the IMF. Bretton Woods Conference, 01 July 1944. UN Photo #97323 by United Nations.
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Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon (at podium) speaks at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum “Why Trade Matters to Everyone”, in Geneva. The Forum this year highlights the connections between trade and people’s daily lives, demonstrating how trade impacts the day- to-day lives of citizens around the globe. 01 October 2014. UN Photo #605682 by Jean- Marc Ferré.
specialized agency but has cooperative arrangements with the United Nations. The International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO operates as the technical cooperation agency of the WTO. The CD is the single global negotiating forum and was established under the General Assembly’s Tenth Special Session. The Conference has a special relationship with the United Nations, since it reports to the GA and is funded from the regular budget.
»» Technical Specialized Agencies
The technical specialized agencies, with the same relations as those above, are some of the most important technical organizations in the world. All agencies except the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had predecessors under the former League of Nations. The Universal Postal Union (UPU), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) were established more than a century ago. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) were present before World War II, but after the war they were restructured into the existing organizations.
Outside Organizations Linked to the System
Non-government organizations (NGOs) have an important role in the United Nations’ activities. In order to avoid a political dependency, most of the NGOs stand outside the governmental system. Their experiences and technical knowledge are of great value to the United Nations, and, therefore, approximately 2,100 NGOs have some sort of consultative status with ECOSOC. They are divided into three categories: (i) NGOs concerned with most ECOSOC activities; (ii) NGOs with specific knowledge in specific areas; and (iii) NGOs for ad hoc consultations. The most eminent member of the NGO group is the International Committee of the Red Cross, which, in recognition of its formal mandate under the Geneva Convention, is invited to participate in the work of the General Assembly.
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Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) speaks at a joint press conference with the heads of major regional organizations, including the African Union (AU), the European Union, the League of Arab States, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), following their conference on Libya in Cairo, Egypt. Mr. Ban is flanked by Amre Moussa (left), Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and Jean Ping, Chair of the A.U. Commission. 14 April 2011. UN Photo #470224 by Paulo Filgueiras.
Additionally, there are a number regional organizations involved in peace, security, and social and economic development. Some of them have entered into a framework agreement with the United Nations, some are seeking observer status, and some have neither formal nor informal UN status. Their links to the United Nations may fall under Article 52 of the Charter, which states that “Nothing in the present Charter precludes the existence of regional arrangements or agencies for dealing with such matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security as are appropriate for regional action provided that such arrangements or agencies and their activities are consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations.”
Examples of regional organizations include African Union (AU), Organization of American States (OAS), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), etc.
Examples of inter-governmental organizations are the IAEA, which facilitates cooperation among governments on issues of technology and nuclear policy. The IAEA works in cooperation with the United Nations, submitting its reports to the General Assembly, Security Council, and other UN entities. However, it exists as a separate and independent organization.18
The Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations (CNGO) is Further reading » responsible to examine and report on the consultative relationship that Renewing the United ECOSOC should accord to NGOs. Nations System:
18) International Atomic Energy Agency. “The Statute of the IAEA,”
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Section 1.6 Measurable Global Impact
The United Nations celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2015. While the Organization has faced its share of criticism throughout that time, the world would be a much different place without the work it has achieved in the past seven decades. Reviewing the following facts and figures corroborates this in a very quantifiable way.
Since its beginning, the United Nations has assisted more than 80 countries in their transition to independence from colonialism.19 The United Nations Within the field of International Law, more Provides food to 90 million people in than 500 multilateral treaties have been 80 countries concluded.20 Vaccinates 58 per cent of the world’s Now more than ever, the United Nations children, saving 3 million lives a year is engaged in service to all the world’s nations and peoples. As of 2014, the Secretariat had Assists over 38.7 million refugees and people fleeing war, famine or persecution a staff of approximately 40,000 around the world.21 Works with 193 countries to combat climate change and make development sustainable Furthermore, the UN achieves these accomplishments at a fraction of the cost of UN Keeps peace with 120,000 peacekeepers in conflict. Costs of the UN system’s operational 16 operations on 4 continents activities for development are estimated at Fights poverty, helping improve the health USD 8 billion a year (excluding the World Bank, and well-being of 420 million rural poor International Monetary Fund, and International Protects and promotes human rights on site Fund for Agriculture Development). This is and through some 80 treaties/declarations equal to 0.60 per cent of world total military Mobilizes USD 22 billion in humanitarian aid expenditures of over USD 1.2 trillion.22 Seventy to help people affected by emergencies per cent of the work of the UN system is devoted to helping developing countries build Uses diplomacy to prevent conflict: assists the capacity to help themselves. This includes: some 60 countries a year with their elections promoting and protecting democracy and Promotes maternal health, saving human rights; saving children from starvation the lives of 30 million women a year and disease; providing relief assistance to United Nations - Department of Public Information - 2014/2015 refugees and disaster victims; countering global crime, drugs, and disease; and assisting countries devastated by war and the long-term threat of landmines.23
19) UN Department of Public Information (DPI). Sixty Ways the UN Makes a Difference. October 2005. 20) Ibid. 21) UN General Assembly Document A/62/292. Composition of the Secretariat: Staff Demographics. 29 August 2014. 22) Global Issues. “World Military Spending.”
29 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present End-of-Lesson Quiz »
1. Which world event inspired the founding 7. The principal judicial organ of the United of the United Nations? Nations is the:
A. The Great Depression A. International Court of Justice B. The Second World War B. International Criminal Court C. The Cold War C. Supreme Court D. The Israel-Palestine Conflict D. Security Council
2. The _____ was in many ways a 8. The International Criminal Court (ICC) predecessor to the United Nations. has jurisdiction over whom?
A. United States A. Nation states and territories, exclusively B. World Court B. Persons charged with genocide, crimes C. League of Nations against humanity, and war crimes D. Organization of American States C. Former colonies and territories D. Persons charged with civil suits in 3. Which Member State is NOT a Permanent international settings Member of the UN Security Council?
A. China 9. What is the main source of funds for the B. France United Nations? C. Nigeria A. Private donations D. Russia B. Voluntary contributions from Member States C. Mandatory contributions from Member 4. Name the four purposes for the United States, at a required flat rate Nations’ founding. D. Mandatory contributions from Member States, with payments based on a scale 5. Which of the following is one of the principles of the United Nations? 10. How many principal organs does the UN A. Interference in internal affairs system contain?
B. Use of force against the territorial integrity A. One or political independence of any state B. Four C. Sovereignty removed from all Member States C. Six D. Non-interference in internal affairs D. 193
6. Article 2.4 of the UN Charter defines that the use of force is legal in which two instances only?
A. In self-defence or when authorized by the Security Council B. As a pre-emptive means or in self-defence C. When authorized by the General Assembly or the Security Council D. When authorized by each nation-state’s Constitution
Answer Key provided on the next page.
30 LESSON 1 | Framework for a Global Organization, Past and Present End-of-Lesson Quiz »
Discussion Questions
1. What are the fundamental principles for relations between Member States stated in the UN Charter and how are they changing or being challenged today?
2. How do regionally focused development organizations relate to the work of the UN system?
3. How would you explain the UN’s impact on the world’s course of development to a friend?
No answers are provided for discussion questions. They are for reflection and consideration only.
Answer Key »
1. B 2. C 3. C 4. To maintain international peace and security; To develop friendly relations among nations; To cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights; To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
5. D 6. A 7. A 8. B 9. D 10. C
31 INTRODUCTION TO THE UN SYSTEM: ORIENTATION FOR SERVING ON A UN FIELD MISSION
Appendix A: List of Acronyms
Acronym Meaning
ACABQ Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions
AMR Annual Ministerial Review
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations
AU African Union
CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere
CD Conference on Disarmament
CEB Chief Executives Board for Coordination
CIMIC Civil-Military Cooperation
CMCS Civil-Military Coordination Section
CMO Chief Military Observer
CRS Catholic Relief Services
CSA Chief Security Advisor
CSFP Country Security Focal Point
CTC Counter-Terrorism Committee
DDA Department for Disarmament Affairs
DDR Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration
DESA Department of Economic and Social Affairs
DFS Department of Field Support
DGACM Department for General Assembly and Conference Management
DM Department of Management
DO Designated Official
DOS Department of Operational Support
DPA Department of Political Affairs
DPKO Department of Peacekeeping Operations
DPO Department of Peace Operations
DPPA Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
DSS Department of Safety and Security
DUF Directives on the Use of Force
EC European Commission
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ECA Economic Commission for Africa
ECE Economic Commission for Europe
ECHA UN Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs
ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
ECOSOC Economic and Social Council
ERC Emergency Relief Coordinator
ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
ESCWA Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
EU European Union
FAO Food and Agricultural Organization
FO Field Operator
FSCO Field Security Coordinator Officer
GA General Assembly
GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
HLCM High Level Committee on Management
HLCP High Level Committee on Programmes
HOM Head of Mission
HQ Headquarters
HR Human Rights
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
IASC Inter-Agency Standing Committee
IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
ICC International Criminal Court
ICJ International Court of Justice
ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross
ICSID International Centre for Settlements of Investment Disputes
IDA International Development Association
IDEA International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
IEFR International Emergency Food Reserve
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IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development
IFC International Finance Corporation
IFRC International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
IHL International Humanitarian Law
IHRL International Human Rights Law
ILO International Labour Organization
IMF International Monetary Fund
IMPP Integrated Mission Planning Process
INSARAG International Search and Rescue Advisory Group
IOM International Organization for Migration
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
ISAF International Security Assistance Force
ITU International Telecommunication Union
JLOC Joint Logistics Operations Centre
LSU Logistics Support Unit
LWF Lutheran World Federation
MCDLS Military, Civil Defence and Logistics Section
MCDU Military and Civil Defence Unit
MDG Millennium Development Goals
MIGA Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
MILOBS United Nations Military Observers
MLT Mission Leadership Team
MOSS Minimum Operations Security Standards
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MSF Médecins Sans Frontières
MSO Mission Security Officer
NAM Non-Aligned Movement
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NGO Non-governmental organization
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OAS Organization of American States
OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
OECD Organisation for European Cooperation and Development
OHCHR Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
OIC Organization of Islamic Conference
OIOS Office of Internal Oversight Services
OLA Office of Legal Affairs
OSCE Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
OSG Office of the Secretary-General
PAR Participatory Action Research
PBC Peacebuilding Commission
PFP Partnership for Peace Programme
RC Resident Coordinator
ROE Rules of Engagement
RRA Rapid Rural Appraisal
SC Security Council
SG Secretary-General
SHA Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit
SMT Security Management Team
SOFA/SOMA Status of Forces/Mission Agreements
SRSG Special Representative of the Secretary-General
SSFP Senior Security Focal Point
SSM Senior Security Manager
SSR Security Sector Reform
TAM Technical Assessment Mission
TCC/PCC Troop/Police-Contributing Country
UNAIDS Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS
UNCITRAL United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
UNCT United Nations Country Team
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UNDAC United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNFPA United Nations Population Fund
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHQ United Nations Headquarters
UNHRC United Nations Human Rights Council
UNHRD UN Humanitarian Response Depot
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
UNIDO UN Industrial Development Organization
UNITAR UN Institute for Training and Research
UNNY UN Headquarters in New York
UNOG UN Office in Geneva
UNON UN Office in Nairobi
UNOPS UN Office for Project Services
UNOV UN Office in Vienna
UNPOL United Nations Police
UNRWA UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
UNSSC United Nations System Staff College
UNU UN University
UNV United Nations Volunteers
UPU Universal Postal Union
USAID United States Agency for International Development
WFP World Food Programme
WHO World Health Organization
WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization
WMO World Meteorological Organization
WTO World Trade Organization
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Appendix B: Current Peacekeeping Missions
UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
MINUSMA MINURSO UNAMID UNMIK UNFICYP UNIFIL UNMOGIP Mali Western Sahara Darfur Kosovo Cyprus Lebanon India and Pakistan
MINUJUSTH MINUSCA MONUSCO UNMISS UNISFA UNTSO UNDOF Haiti Central African Republic Dem. Rep. of the Congo South Sudan Abyei Middle East Syria
Map No. 4259 Rev. 25 (E) UNITED NATIONS Department of Field Support April 2018 Geospatial Information Section (formerly Cartographic Section)
UN Peacekeeping Map from the UN Cartographic Section, April 2018:
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About the Author: Mr. Julian Harston
A retired Assistant Secretary- General to the United Nations, Mr. Julian Harston previously served as the Representative of the Secretary-General in Belgrade, Serbia in 2009, as well as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for MINURSO, Western Sahara from 2007 to 2009.
Photo by Anton Thorstensson/Swedish Armed Forces, used with permission of Mr. Harston.
Currently, Mr. Harston is an independent consultant on matters of international peace and security. For 25 years, he served as a member of the United Kingdom Diplomatic Service.
Harston was born in Nairobi, Kenya, son of Colonel Clive Harston of the King’s African Rifles. He attended the King’s School in Canterbury, England and earned a Bachelor of Science in Politics from the University of London as well as a degree in African Politics from the University of Rhodesia.
Harston has lectured all over the world to military and civilian audiences and has published several papers on peacekeeping and international diplomacy. He also takes part as a role player and mentor in NATO exercises. He lectures at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany and at the Polish Institute for Diplomacy in Warsaw.
His career highlights include various professorships, counsellorships and diplomatic postings in London and overseas in Malawi, Portugal, Switzerland, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. In addition to the positions mentioned, Harston has also held UN directorships and leadership appointments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Haiti, Serbia, and Timor-Leste.
Harston lives in Belgrade, Serbia. He is married with one son, and two stepdaughters. He is a member of the East India Club and Special Forces Club in London, the UK’s Goodwood Aero Club, and the Gremio Literario in Lisbon.
For more information, visit his website:
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Instructions for the End-of-Course Examination
Format and Material
The End-of-Course Examination is a multiple-choice exam that is accessed from the Online Classroom. Most exams have 50 questions. Each question gives the student four choices (A, B, C, and D), and only one is the correct answer. The exam covers material from all lessons of the course and may also include information found in the annexes and appendices. Video content will not be tested.
»» Access the exam from your Online Classroom by visiting
Time Limit
There is no time limit for the exam. This allows the student to read and study the questions carefully and to consult the course text. Furthermore, if the student cannot complete the exam in one sitting, he or she may save the exam and come back to it without being graded. The “Save” button is located at the bottom of the exam, next to the “Submit my answers” button. Clicking on the “Submit my answers” button will end the exam.
Passing Grade
To pass the exam, a score of 75 per cent or better is required. An electronic Certificate of Completion will be awarded to those who have passed the exam. A score of less than 75 per cent is a failing grade, and students who have received a failing grade will be provided with a second, alternate version of the exam, which may also be completed without a time limit. Students who pass the second exam will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
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