INTERNATIONAL LAW

Among the United Nations most pervasive achievements has been the development of international law - conventions, treaties and standards - that play a central role in promoting economic and social development, as well as international peace and security. Many of the treaties brought about by the United Nations form the basis of the law that governs relations among nations. While the United Nations work in this area does not always receive attention, it has a daily impact on the lives of people everywhere.

Over the years, the United Nations has sponsored over 500 multilateral agreements, which address a broad range of common concerns among states and are legally binding for the countries that ratify them.

Pioneering work

In many areas, the United Nations legal work has been pioneering, addressing problems as they take on an international dimension. It has been in the forefront of efforts to provide a legal framework in such areas as protecting the environment, regulating migrant labour, curbing drug trafficking and combating terrorism.

This work continues today, as international law assumes a more central role across a wider spectrum of issues, including human rights law and international humanitarian law. The primary United Nations organ for the settlement of disputes is the International Court of Justice. Popularly known as the World Court, it was founded in 1946.