international

US drops measure on immunity for troops in UN peace operations

23 June 2004
The United States announced today that it would not proceed with a Security Council resolution that would have extended, for a third consecutive year, the immunity of some United Nations peacekeepers from prosecution by the world's first permanent war crimes tribunal.

Annan urges States to unite in support of international law

23 June 2004
The world's States must unite and strengthen their commitment to upholding international law and defending the principles of the United Nations Charter, or risk giving "the enemies of order and human rights" a victory, Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned today.

Top UN legal officer says some States are contemptuous of international law

24 February 2004
The impressive body of international law that United Nations Member States have developed can be handed down to coming generations, but some governments are trying to belittle international efforts, the UN Legal Counsel said today on the eve of his departure from the job.

UN trade body adopts model laws curbing potential for private-public corruption

11 July 2003
The United Nations body entrusted with harmonizing international trade law today adopted a set of model legislative provisions on privately financed infrastructure projects, including awarding concessions and contracts, aimed at curbing the potential for corruption between private investors and public authorities.

UN agency launches talks on new identification system for maritime workers

6 June 2003
The United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched negotiations on a new, more rigorous identification system for seafarers aimed at developing effective protection against terrorism, while at the same time ensuring the rights and freedoms of the world's 1.2 million maritime workers.

UN labour agency calls for global action to end poverty through decent jobs

6 June 2003
Stressing that work is the best route out of poverty in a world where nearly 3 billion people live on less than $2 a day, the United Nations labour agency today called for global partnerships between governments, employers and workers to provide decent jobs for the poor.

Head of UN labour agency re-elected, pledges to work for 'new social contract'

25 March 2003
The Director-General of the United Nations International Labour Office (ILO), Juan Somavia, was today re-elected to a second term and pledged to work towards a "new social contract" based on decent work for all and a globalization that leaves no one behind.
Hans Corell

Powerful States should lead effort to support international law: UN legal counsel

9 April 2001
Speaking to a group of lawyers in Washington, DC, the head of the United Nations legal office has stressed that international law must be followed fully, with powerful States taking a lead role in contributing to this common effort.