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African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group) - Objectives include: ensuring realisation of the objectives of the Lome Convention; defining a common stance for the ACP Group vis-à-vis the EEC; contributing to the development of greater and closer economic, social and cultural relations among developing countries and, to that end, cooperation between the ACP States in the fields of trade, science and technology, industry, transport and communications, education, training and research, information and communication, the environment, demography and human resources.
American Acedemy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) - Promoting service and study through analysis of critical social and intellectual issues and the development of practical policy alternatives, AAAS is an international learned society composed of leading scientists, scholars, artists, business people, and public leaders.
Amnesty International - A worldwide campaigning movement that works to promote internationally recognized human rights.
Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) - An autonomous regional Pan-Arab development finance organization, ("the Fund"). Its membership consists of all states who are members of the League of Arab States. Its function is to assist the economic and social development of Arab countries through (1) financing development projects, with preference given to overall Arab development and to joint Arab projects; (2) encouraging the investment of private and public funds in Arab projects; and (3) providing technical assistance services for Arab economic and social development.
Arab League (League of Arab States) - The organization itself has no direct relations with the citizens of its member states. Instead, the League's charter states that it shall coordinate economic affairs, including commercial relations, communication,; cultural affairs, nationality, passports, and visas, social affairs, and health affairs of member countries.
Bank Information Center (BIC) - A non-governmental organization that provides information and strategic support to NGOs and social movements throughout the world on the projects, policies and practices of the World Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). BIC advocates for greater transparency, accountability and citizen participation at the MDBs.
Bernan - A leading distributor of essential publications from the United States government and intergovernmental organizations, and a respected publisher of critically acclaimed reference works based on government data. Bernan is the largest private distributor of U.S. government publications. Additionally, Bernan also represents some of the largest and most prolific publishers in the world, including the United Nations, the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, The Stationery Office, the World Bank, the World Health Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, UNESCO, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and many others.
Bolivarian Alternative for the People of Our America (In Spanish: Alternativa Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América or ALBA) - An international cooperation organization based on the idea of social, political, and economic integration between the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is associated with socialist and social democratic governments and is an attempt at regional economic integration based on a vision of social welfare, bartering and mutual economic aid, rather than trade liberalization as with free trade agreements. The member nations are Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela. Official site here.
Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC) - Supports processes by which people, skills, technology, equipment, financial and economic resources are shifted from the military or the defense sector towards alternative, civilian purposes.
Charter of the United Nations - Full text. June 26, 1945, 59 Stat. 1031, T.S. 993, 3 Bevans 1153, entered into force Oct. 24, 1945.
Coalition for an International Criminal Court - Includes 2,500 civil society organizations in 150 different countries working in partnership to strengthen international cooperation with the ICC; ensure that the Court is fair, effective and independent; make justice both visible and universal; and advance stronger national laws that deliver justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Columbia International Affairs Online (CIAO) - A comprehensive source for theory and research in international affairs. It publishes a wide range of scholarship from 1991 onward that includes working papers from university research institutes, occasional papers series from NGOs, foundation-funded research projects, proceedings from conferences, books, journals and policy briefs.
Commonwealth Secretariat - The modern Commonwealth gradually evolved out of United Kingdom's imperial past, mainly through decolonisation, the effects of two world wars and changing patterns of international relations. From Africa to Asia, from Pacific shores to the Caribbean, the Commonwealth's 1.7 billion people make up 30% of the world's population.
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) - The CSCE, also known as the Helsinki Commission, is an independent U.S. Government agency created in 1976 to monitor and encourage compliance with the Helsinki Final Act and other OSCE commitments. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is engaged in standard setting in fields including military security, economic and environmental cooperation, and human rights and humanitarian concerns.
Commonwealth - An association of 53 independent states consulting and co-operating in the common interests of their peoples and in the promotion of international understanding and world peace. The Commonwealth's 2 billion citizens, about 30 per cent of the world's population, are drawn from the broadest range of faiths, races, cultures and traditions. The Commonwealth's structure is based largely on unwritten and traditional procedures and not on a formal charter or constitution. It is guided, however, by a series of agreements on its principles and aims. These are Declarations which have been issued by Commonwealth Heads of Government at various summits.
Conscience International - A a non-governmental, private voluntary organization (NGO-PVO), incorporated in the State of Georgia, USA. Its purpose is to implement humanitarian relief programs internationally through cooperative networking with agencies, organizations, and individuals.
Council of Europe (CoE) - An international organisation based in the French city of Strasbourg. Its main role is to strengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of law throughout its member states. Also see the COE Parliamentary Assembly. Also see COE Newsroom.
Court of Justice (EU) - It is the responsibility of the Court of Justice to ensure that the law is observed in the interpretation and application of the Treaties establishing the European Communities and of the provisions laid down by the competent Community institutions. To enable it to carry out that task, the Court has wide jurisdiction to hear various types of action. The Court has competence, inter alia, to rule on applications for annulment or actions for failure to act brought by a Member State or an institution, actions against Member States for failure to fulfil obligations, references for a preliminary ruling and appeals against decisions of the Court of First Instance.
CTBTO Preparatory Commission - The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO Preparatory Commission) is an international organization established by the States Signatories to the Treaty on 19 November 1996. It carries out the necessary preparations for the effective implementation of the Treaty, and prepares for the first session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty. The Commission's main task is the establishment of the 337 facility International Monitoring System and the International Data Centre, and the development of operational manuals, including for on-site inspections.
Economic and Social Council - The principal organ, under the authority of the UN General Assembly, to promote: (a) higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development; (b) solutions of international economic, social, health, and related problems; and international cultural and educational cooperation; and (c) universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.
EFTA Surveillance Authority - Monitors compliance with European Economic Area rules in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, enabling them to participate in the European internal market.
EURActiv.com - European Union news and policy positions. Also, access more than 100 EU Actors with their full details, including contacts in Professional and Federations, Corporations, NGOs, Media, Countries and Regions, and Professionals and Services.
EUROPA - EUROPA is the portal site of the European Union. It provides up-to-date coverage of European Union affairs and essential information on European integration. Users can also consult all legislation currently in force or under discussion, access the websites of each of the EU institutions and find out about the policies administered by the European Union under the powers devolved to it by the Treaties. Parliament, Council, Commission, Court of Justice, Court of Auditors and other bodies of the European Union (EU). Also see:
EuropaWorld - Reports on international development and humanitarian actions of European institutions, Governments and NGOs, including European based United Nations agencies.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) - EBRD uses the tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies in 27 countries from central Europe to central Asia. EBRD is owned by 60 countries and two intergovernmental institutions. But despite its public sector shareholders, it invests mainly in private enterprises, usually together with commercial partners.
European Commission -
Represents the general interest of the EU and is the driving force in proposing legislation (to Parliament and the Council), administering and implementing EU policies, enforcing EU law (jointly with the Court of Justice) and negotiating in the international arena. Some popular links here:
European Parliament (EUROPARL) - Full text and/or bibliographical references of a document adopted by Parliament, overview of the various documents relating to the European Union (EU) legislative process, information about members of the European Parliament, information about the EU institution.
Eurostat - Provides statistical information on the European Union and the euro-zone.
FIRST: Facts on International Relations and Security Trends - Database system containing documented information from research institutes around the world -- free-of-charge service for politicians, journalists, researchers and the interested public.
Foreign Governments - Annotated links to foreign governments and ministries, national constitutional courts, ministries of finance, defense, foreign affairs, and information, legislative assemblies, statistical offices, national banks, government document, maps and publications.
Foreign Policy Association (FPA) - Provides publications, programs and forums to increase public awareness of, and foster popular participation in, matters relating to foreign policy issues.
Framework Convention Alliance (FCA) - Alliance of non-governmental organisations around the world working to develop a strong Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and related protocols.
Global Policy Forum - Monitors global policy making at the United Nations. Also, see section on NGOs.
Global Youth Connect - Working to build a community of youth working to defend human rights and social justice and to inspire and empower a new generation of youth to act for meaningful social change.
Green Net - Supports a progressive community working for peace, the environment, civil rights and social justice, through the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs).
Group of 77 - As the largest Third World coalition in the United Nations, the Group of 77 provides the means for the developing world to articulate and promote its collective economic interests and enhance its joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues in the United Nations system, and promote economic and technical cooperation among developing countries (ECDC/TCDC).
InfoNation - Allows you to view and compare up-to-date statistical data for the Member States of the United Nations.
Inner City Press - Investigative journalism from the United Nations, including the World Bank, the IMF, the UN Development Program and the five continents.
InterAction - The largest alliance of U.S.-based international development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. With more than 160 members operating in every developing country, it works to overcome poverty, exclusion and suffering by advancing social justice and basic dignity for all.
International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) - IFES supplies world governments with election observation and analysis and has developed into one of the world's leading centers of election information and resources.
International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) - Humanist, ethical culture, rationalist, secularist and freethought groups: the IHEU is an international NGO with Special Consultative Status with the UN (New York, Geneva, Vienna), General Consultative Status at UNICEF (New York) and the Council of Europe (Strasbourg), and maintains operational relations with UNESCO (Paris).
Initiative on Conflict Resolution and Ethnicity (INCORE) - Set up in 1993 by the University of Ulster and the United Nations University to undertake research and policy work that is useful to the resolution of ethnic, political and religious conflicts.
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) - Information on national parliaments. Over a hundred national parliaments are currently members of the IPU. The IPU supports the efforts of the United Nations, whose objectives it shares, and works in close co-operation with it. It also co-operates with regional inter-parliamentary organizations, as well as with international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations motivated by the same ideals.
International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) - An NGO whose aim is to encourage and facilitate cooperation in all aspects of arctic research, in all countries engaged in arctic research and in all areas of the arctic region.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - An independent intergovernmental, science and technology-based organization, in the United Nations family, that serves as the global focal point for nuclear cooperation.
International Institute for Democracy & Electoral Assistance (IDEA) - An intergovernmental organization with member states across all continents, seeks to support sustainable democracy in both new and long-established democracies. IDEA draws on comparative experience, analyses democracy trends and assistance, and develops policy options, tools and guidelines relating to political participation, electoral systems, political parties, and post-conflict democracy building.
International Labor Organization (ILO) - UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights.
International Law Commission - Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1947 to promote the progressive development of international law and its codification. The Commission, which meets annually, is composed of 34 members who are elected by the General Assembly for five year terms and who serve in their individual capacity, not as representatives of their Governments.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) - An international organization of 184 member countries established to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange arrangements; to foster economic growth and high levels of employment; and to provide temporary financial assistance to countries to help ease balance of payments adjustment. Also see Bretton Woods Project, which works to scrutinise and influence the World Bank and IMF and Researching the Internatilnal Monetary Fund, a research tool for documents and statistics of the IMF.
IPENet (International Political Economy Network) - IPENet joins students, faculty, professionals, community workers, international bankers, trade unionists, development workers, and other people around the world interested in the workings of the global political economy.
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) - The role of ISAF, a NATO force mandated by the UN, is to assist in the maintenance of security to help the Afghan Transitional Authority and the UN in Kabul and its environs.
Local Government International Bureau (LGIB) - European and international arm of the Local Government Association for England and Wales (LGA). The Bureau also represents the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA). LGIB promotes the Associations' interests to policy makers in the EU and international organisations, and (supports councillors appointed to the Committee of the Regions and other bodies.
NAFTA Secretariat - The NAFTA Secretariat, comprised of the Canadian, U.S. and Mexican Sections pursuant to Article 2002, Chapter 20 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is responsible for the administration of the dispute settlement provisions of the Agreement.
National Peace Corps Association - The national alumni association for the people who have served as volunteers and staff in the Peace Corps whose mission is to continue to work for world peace, understanding, and well-being, with an emphasis on bringing the world back home.
Office of the High Representative (OHR) - The chief civilian peace implementation agency in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement designated the High Representative to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement on behalf of the international community. He is also tasked with co-ordinating the activities of the civilian organisations and agencies operating in the Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) - Groups 29 member countries in an organization that provides governments a setting in which to discuss, develop and perfect economic and social policy. For more than 40 years, the OECD has been one of the world's largest and most reliable sources of comparable statistics, and economic and social data. As well as collecting data, the OECD monitors trends, analyses and forecasts economic developments and researches social changes or evolving patterns in trade, environment, agriculture, technology, taxation and more.
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) - The largest regional security organization in the world with 55 participating States from Europe, Central Asia and North America. It is active in early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. The Organization employs about 3,000 staff in 18 missions and field activities located in South-eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. They work 'on the ground' to facilitate political processes, prevent or settle conflicts, and promote civil society and the rule of law.
Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) - An international organization grouping fifty seven States which have pooled their resources to secure the progress and well-being of their peoples and of all Muslims in the world.
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) - An international Organization of eleven developing countries which are heavily reliant on oil revenues as their main source of income. The current Members are Algeria, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which held its first session on 10 August 1949, can be considered the oldest international parliamentary Assembly with a pluralistic composition of democratically elected members of parliament established on the basis of an intergovernmental treaty. The Assembly is one of the two statutory organs of the Council of Europe, which is composed of a Committee of Ministers (the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, meeting usually at the level of their deputies) and an Assembly representing the political forces in its member states.
Partners of the Americas - The Americas is the largest volunteer-based organization in the western hemisphere engaged in social, economic, and cultural development.
PeaceWomen Project of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom - romotes the role of women in preventing conflict, and the equal and full participation of women in all efforts to create and maintain international peace and security. PeaceWomen facilitates monitoring of the UN system, information sharing and the enabling of meaningful dialogue for positive impact on women’s lives in conflict and post-conflict environments.
PENGON - The Palestinian envirnomental NGOs network.
Population Reference Bureau (PRB) - A leader in providing timely and objective information on U.S. and international population trends and their implications.
Publications Office of the European Union - The official publisher of the institutions and other bodies of the European Union: European Parliament, Council of Ministers, European Commission, Court of Justice, Court of Auditors, Economic and Social Committee (ECSC), Committee of the Regions, European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP), European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, European Investment Bank (EIB) and other agencies.
Research Tools: Political Science - Provides a broad range of political science and international relations resources to the Boston University community, emphasizing the best research-quality resources available in both print and electronic format.
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) - SAARC was established when its Charter was formally adopted on December 8, 1985 by the Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It aims to accelerate the process of economic and social development in Member States.
STRATFOR - A leading global intelligence firms, providing clients with geopolitical analysis and industry and country forecasts to mitigate risk and identify opportunities.
Third World Network (TWN) - International network of organizations and individuals involved in issues relating to development, the Third World and North- South issues. Its objectives are to conduct research on economic, social and environmental issues pertaining to the South; to publish books and magazines; to organize and participate in seminars; and to provide a platform representing broadly Southern interests and perspectives at international fora such as the UN conferences and processes.
Transnational Radical Party - A non-governmental organization in general consultative status with the United Nations.
Transparency International (TI) - TI, through its International Secretariat and more than 90 independent national chapters around the world, works at both the national and international level to curb both the supply and demand of corruption. This work This includes the monitoring of conventions concluded within the framework of the OECD, the Council of Europe, the European Union and the Organisation of American States. Special emphasis is placed on monitoring the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials.
Trilateral Commission - Formed in 1973 by private citizens of Japan, Europe (European Union countries), and North America (United States and Canada) to foster closer cooperation among these core industrialized areas of the world with shared leadership responsibilities in the wider international system. Originally established for three years, its work has been renewed for successive triennia (three-year periods), most recently for a triennium to be completed in 2012. See Membership. Also see Wikipedia article.
U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York -
The United States Mission to the United Nations is located in temporary quarters at 140 East 45th Street (between Third and Lexington Avenues) while permanent offices are being re-built across the street from United Nations Headquarters. From this building the United States delegation to the United Nations, along with a staff of more than 100 persons, carries out our nation's participation in the world body. Ambassadors represent the United States in meetings at the United Nations. They engage in direct consultation and negotiation with other United Nations delegations in efforts to gain support for the United States position on issues under debate. Almost all United Nations member nations maintain missions in New York City.
Union of International Associations - Clearing house for information on over 40,000 international non-profit organizations and constituencies.
UNESCO Libraries Portal - International information gateway for librarians and library users. Includes directory compilations for information on UNESCO, the United Nations, national, parliamentary and government organizations, academic organizations, regional organizations, and international organizations.
UN Alliance of Civilizations - The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and to mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions and polarization that militate against such a consensus. And it hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society.
UN and Civil Society - Gateway site to various elements of the UN involved in partnerships with civil society: business, the media, and NGOs.
UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) - Core legal body within the United Nations system in the field of international trade law. UNCITRAL was tasked by the General Assembly to further the progressive harmonization and unification of the law of international trade.
UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) - Established in 1964, UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. UNCTAD has progressively evolved into an authoritative knowledge-based institution whose work aims to help shape current policy debates and thinking on development, with a particular focus on ensuring that domestic policies and international action are mutually supportive in bringing about sustainable development. It functions as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations, supported by discussions with experts and exchanges of experience, aimed at consensus building. It undertakes research, policy analysis and data collection for the debates of government representatives and experts. It provides technical assistance tailored to the specific requirements of developing countries, with special attention to the needs of the least developed countries and of economies in transition.
UN Development Policy and Analysis Division - This is the main development research division of the UN secretariat. The Division’s research aims to contribute to a strengthening of international cooperation for the economic and social development of all countries and to foster their effective integration into the world economy in the context of the UN Development Agenda.
UN Development Program (UNDP) - At the United Nations Millennium Summit, world leaders put development at the heart of the global agenda by adopting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which set clear targets for reducing poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women by 2015. On the ground in 166 countries, UNDP uses its global network to help the UN system and its partners to raise awareness and track progress, while it connect countries to the knowledge and resources needed to achieve these goals.
UN Dispatch - An official blog providing commentary and coverage on UN issues.
UN Division for Sustainable Development - Promotes sustainable development as the substantive secretariat to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and through technical cooperation and capacity building at international, regional and national levels.
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) - Principal UN organ, under the authority of the General Assembly, to promote: (a) higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development; (b) solutions of international economic, social, health, and related problems; and international cultural and educational cooperation; and (c) universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) - Coordinates the work of the 14 UN specialized agencies, 10 functional commissions and five regional commissions; receives reports from 11 UN funds and programmes (click here for list of subsidiary bodies); and issues policy recommendations to the UN system and to Member States. Under the UN Charter, ECOSOC is responsible for promoting higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress; identifying solutions to international economic, social and health problems; facilitating international cultural and educational cooperation; and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. ECOSOC's purview extends to over 70 per cent of the human and financial resources of the entire UN system.
UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - This site describes UNESCO programs and activities (educational, sciences, culture, communication, etc.), current events, press releases and publications. It gives access to a bibliography of UNESCO documents and publications and to various databases and statistics.
Archives - Documents the organization’s history and provides access to all official correspondence, documents, publications, multimedia and electronic records.
Index Translationum - UNESCO's database of book translations. Books have been translated for thousands of years, with no central record of the fact. The League of Nations established a record of translations in 1932. In 1946, the United Nations superseded the League and UNESCO was assigned the Index. In 1979, the records were computerised.
Library - The UNESCO Library provides reference and information services, including research, to the Organization as a whole, as well as to the general public with an interest in UNESCO's fields of competence.
UNESDOC Database - Contains 120 000 free downloadable documents in six official languages covering all UNESCO fields of competence since 1945 and most of the publications edited by the Organization.
UNESCO Publishing - Presents titles currently for sale in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic published or co-published by UNESCO. These include books, multimedia (DVDs, CD-Roms, VHS videos), periodicals, and scientific maps for professionals.
NOTE: The Post-Conflict Assessment Unit (PCAU) extends UNEP's work in areas of the world where the natural and human environment has been damaged as a direct or indirect consequence of conflict.
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) - Provides parties, representatives of observer organizations, and others interested in the UNFCCC process, with a one-stop source of news, data, information and documents.
UN General Assembly - The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the United Nations. It is composed of representatives of all Member States, each of which has one vote. Decisions on important questions, such as those on peace and security, admission of new Members and budgetary matters, require a two-thirds majority. Decisions on other questions are reached by a simple majority.
UN Global Compact - UN compact with businesses worldwide to address principles in the fields of human rights, labour, the environment and corruption.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) - UN agency mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide.
UN Human Development Reports - Launched in 1990 with the single goal of putting people back at the center of the development process in terms of economic debate, policy and advocacy. Global, regional and national reports.
UN Human Rights Council - An inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year.
UN Information Centre (Washington, D.C.) - A public resource facility for the dissemination of current data about United Nations activities and a reference library of United Nations documentation.
UN Information Service - UN news update, events and activities, topical issues, education and documentataon, FAQ.
UN Information System on the Question of Palestine (UNISPAL) - The main collection contains the texts of current and historical United Nations material concerning the question of Palestine and other issues related to the Middle East situation and the search for peace.
UN International Labour Organization (ILO) - The ILO is the UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. The ILO formulates international labour standards in the form of Conventions and Recommendations setting minimum standards of basic labour rights: freedom of association, the right to organize, collective bargaining, abolition of forced labour, equality of opportunity and treatment, and other standards regulating conditions across the entire spectrum of work related issues. Also seeConventions Adopted by the International Labour Conference.
UN International Law Commission - Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1947 to promote the progressive development of international law and its codification. The Commission, which meets annually, is composed of 34 members who are elected by the General Assembly for five year terms and who serve in their individual capacity, not as representatives of their Governments.
UN Journal -
The Journal of the United Nations is published at Headquarters, New York, by the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM). The Journal contains the daily programme of meetings at Headquarters of the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council and other bodies scheduled to take place on a given day, as well as identifies the symbols of major documents to be considered at the meetings -- even when the documents may not yet have been officially released. It also summarizes treaty actions which have been undertaken at the previous day by States in respect of multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General. Such information appears under the heading "Signatures, Ratifications, etc."
See latest issue or archival issues.
UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) - Set up in 1949, UNMOGIP was deployed in January of that year to supervise the ceasefire agreed between India and Pakistan in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Since renewed hostilities in 1971, UNMOGIP monitors the ceasefire called for by the United Nations Security Council.
UN Millenium Development Goals (MDG) - 1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, 2) Achieve universal primary education, 3) Promote gender equality and empower women, 4) Reduce child mortality, 5) Improve maternal health, 6) Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, 7) Ensure environmental sustainability, 8) Develop a global partnership for development. Fact sheets, brochures, news and press releases, documentation and background.
UN Millenium Project - Commissioned by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2002 to develop a concrete action plan for the world to reverse the grinding poverty, hunger and disease affecting billions of people.
UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) - Created through the adoption of Security Council resolution 1284 of 17 December 1999. UNMOVIC replaces the former UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) and continues the latter's mandate to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological weapons and missiles with a range of more than 150 km), and to operate a system of ongoing monitoring and verification to check Iraq's compliance with its obligations not to reacquire the same weapons prohibited to it by the Security Council.
UN Network in Public Administration and Finance (UNPAN) - Serves as a portal in public administration and finance throughout the world. Provides information, advisory, training, conferencing and directory services for its users in the areas of public economic policies, institutional buildings, civil service/public sector reform, management innovation and development, public finance. Also see UNPAN QuickSearch.
UN NewsCentre - UN Journal, Daily Highlights, Briefing Room, U.N. Press Releases, and more.
UN Official Documents Search (ODS) - ODS covers all types of official United Nations documentation, beginning in 1993. Older UN documents are, however, added to the system on a daily basis. ODS also provides access to the resolutions of the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council and the Trusteeship Council from 1946 onwards. The system does not contain meetings coverage and press releases, UN sales publications, the United Nations Treaty Series or information brochures issued by the Department of Public Information. Also find more detailed information.
UN Peacekeeping -
Peacekeeping is a way to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for sustainable peace. UN peacekeepers—soldiers and military officers, police and civilian personnel from many countries—monitor and observe peace processes that emerge in post-conflict situations and assist conflicting parties to implement the peace agreement they have signed. Such assistance comes in many forms, including promoting human security, confidence-building measures, power-sharing arrangements, electoral support, strengthening the rule of law, and economic and social development. The Charter of the United Nations gives the UN Security Council the power and responsibility to take collective action to maintain international peace and security. For this reason, the international community usually looks to the Security Council to authorize peacekeeping operations. Most of these operations are established and implemented by the United Nations itself with troops serving under UN operational command. In other cases, where direct UN involvement is not considered appropriate or feasible, the Council authorizes regional and other international organizations such as the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or "coalitions of willing countries" to implement certain peacekeeping or peace enforcement functions. Also see List of Operations.
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues - Working on indigenous peoples' issues in economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
UN Population Fund (UNFPA) - Supports developing countries, at their request, to improve access to and the quality of reproductive health care, particularly family planning, safe motherhood, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. Priorities include protecting young people, responding to emergencies, and ensuring an adequate supply of condoms and other essentials.
UN Publications - Responsible for the marketing and sale of publications produced by the United Nations.
UN Pulse -
Just-released UN information, major reports, publications and documents. Created and maintained by a team of reference librarians at the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Library in New York, UN Pulse is updated as new information is published and received.
Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC), with 33 member states;
Western European and Others Group (WEOG), with 28 member states, plus 1 member state as observer.
UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) - Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees. UNRWA is unique in terms of its long-standing commitment to one group of refugees and its contributions to the welfare and human development of four generations of Palestine refugees.
UN Scholars' Workstation - Developed by the Yale University Library and the Social Science Statistical Laboratory. A collection of texts, finding aids, data sets, maps, and pointers to print and electronic information. Subject coverage includes disarmament, economic and social development, environment, human rights, international relations, international trade, peacekeeping, and population and demography
UN Statistics Division - The Statistics Division provides statistical outputs and services for producers and users of statistics worldwide.
UN System Pathfinder - Global studies and reports, handbooks and guides, bibliographies and indices, international statistical publications, compilations of treaties, resolutions and documents, annual reports of United Nations bodies and specialized agencies.
UN Treaty Collection - Every treaty and every international agreement entered into by any member of the United Nations.
UN Treaty Handbook - This Handbook has been prepared as a guide to the Secretary-General's practice as a depositary of multilateral treaties, and to treaty law and practice in relation to the registration function. It is designed for the use of Member States, secretariats of international organizations, and others involved in assisting governments on the technical aspects of participation in the multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General, and the registration of treaties with the Secretariat under Article 102. It is intended to promote wider State participation in the multilateral treaty framework. The Handbook commences with a description of the depositary function, followed by an overview of the steps involved in a State becoming a party to a treaty. The following section highlights the key events of a multilateral treaty, from deposit with the Secretary-General to termination. Section 5 outlines the registration and filing and recording functions of the Secretariat, and how a party may go about submitting a treaty for registration or filing and recording. The final substantive section, section 6, contains practical hints on contacting the Treaty Section on treaty matters, and flow charts for carrying out various common treaty actions. Several annexes appear towards the end of this Handbook, containing various sample instruments for reference in concluding treaties or performing treaty actions. A glossary listing common terms and phrases of treaty law and practice, many of which are used in this Handbook, is also included.
UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) - The UPR is a unique process which involves a review of the human rights records of all 192 UN Member States once every four years. The UPR is a State-driven process, under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, which provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations.
UN Webcast - United Nations-DPI/NMD-Radio and Television Service, Multimedia Resources Unit.
United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention - Established by resolution 1991/42 of the former Commission on Human Rights. It is mandated to investigate cases of deprivation of liberty imposed arbitrarily or otherwise inconsistently with the relevant international standards set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or in the relevant international legal instruments accepted by the States concerned. Also see UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Document Search, a collection of case opinions and reports the Working Group.
UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) -
A joint product of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the five United Nations regional commissions. It provides an overview of recent global economic performance and short-term prospects for the world economy and of some key global economic policy and development issues. One of its purposes is to serve as a point of reference for discussions on economic, social and related issues taking place in various United Nations entities during the year.
UN World Health Organization (WHO) - The United Nations specialized agency for health. It was established on 7 April 1948. WHO is governed by 192 Member States through the World Health Assembly. The Health Assembly is composed of representatives from WHO's Member States. Also see WHO Research Tools page.
UN World Heritage Centre - UNESCO's World Heritage mission is to encourage countries to sign the Convention and ensure the protection of their own natural and cultural heritage and to encourage States Parties to the Convention to nominate sites within their national territory for inclusion on the World Heritage List.
UN World Income Inequality Database -
Collects and stores information on income inequality for developed, developing, and transition countries. The database and its documentation are available on this website.
UN World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) - Currently there is no global system in place to produce a systematic, continuing, integrated and comprehensive global picture of freshwater and its management. The UN system, through the ACC/SCWR, has the mandate, credibility and capacity to take on the task of systematically marshalling global water knowledge and expertise to develop over time the necessary assessment of the global water situation, as the basis for action to resolve water crises. The WWAP, building on the achievements of the many previous endeavours, focuses on assessing the developing situation as regards freshwater throughout the world. The primary output of the WWAP is the periodic World Water Development Report (WWDR).
UNEP/WMO Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - The role of the IPCC is to assess the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate change. It does not carry out new research nor does it monitor climate related data. It bases its assessment mainly on published and peer reviewed scientific technical literature.
UNEP/GRID-Arendal - An official United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) centre located in Southern Norway, with out posted offices in Geneva, Ottawa and Stockholm.
Yearbook of the United Nations - The Yearbook is the principal reference work of the United Nations and provides a detailed overview of the organization's activities.
United Nations Research Guide - The Mitchell Memorial Library of Mississippi State University has been a United Nations depository library since July 2001. This is a selective guide designed to assist researchers and students in gaining access to United Nations materials available within the library's collections and databases, and via the Internet.
Western European Union (WEU) - A collective self-defence and economic, social and cultural collaboration between signatories that include: Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Italy.
World Bank - A vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Offers loans, advice, and an array of customized resources to more than 100 developing countries and countries in transition. Also see Bretton Woods Project, which works to scrutinise and influence the World Bank and IMF. Two related projects:
World Bank Conference on Land and Poverty - Annual conference "brings together representatives from governments, civil society, academia, the private sector and the development community to discuss issues of concern to land practitioners and policymakers worldwide. The conference aims to foster dialogue and sharing of good practices by showcasing the diversity of reforms, approaches and experiences that are being implemented in the land sector around the world."
World Bank eAtlas of Global Development - Maps and graphs more than 175 thematically organized indicators for over 200 countries, letting you visualize and compare progress on the most important development challenges facing our world. Most indicators cover several decades, so you can see, for example, how “life expectancy at birth” has improved from 1960 up through the latest year.
This online companion to the sourcebook Atlas of Global Development, Third Edition, allows you to visualize and analyze a wider variety of data in greater depth, over a longer time period.
World Bank: Mapping for Results - Provides mashed up Google Maps with World Bank data to give you a visual entry point to browse its projects, news, statistics and public information center by country.
World Bank Carbon Finance Unit (CFU) - CFU uses money contributed by governments and companies in OECD countries to purchase project-based greenhouse gas emission reductions in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The emission reductions are purchased through one of the CFU's carbon funds on behalf of the contributor, and within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) or Joint Implementation (JI).
World Economic Forum - Provides a collaborative framework for the world's leaders to address global issues, engaging particularly it corporate members in global citizenship.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - Responsible for the protection of intellectual property throughout the world and for the administration of various multilateral treaties dealing with intellectual property.
KWSnet is a human-edited subject directory of the web with special attention paid to U.S. national and international news, the arts, culture, media, politics, law, science and technology. It is based in San Francisco, California. KWSnet contains over 120,000 annotated links to resources worldwide. Use Search for, located on each page, to search within this site. Use Ctrl-F to search within individual pages. A Site Index provides a complete alphabetized listing of all pages.
KWSnet is intended for educational purposes, research, and personal use. It is regularly updated. Use the Refresh button located at the top navigation bar to make sure you are viewing its most recent update, not a cached page. If you subscribe to Google +1, Facebook or Twitter, please use the buttons located at the bottom of each page to share this resource with others. Additionally, KWSnet may be contacted via email with any comments, suggestions or link submissions at comments@kwsnet.com.
This webpage last updated on
Monday, May 14, 2012 10:57 AM
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