20 November 2020 marked a milestone- the promulgation of the first revised United Nations Flag Code since 1967.

Flying at duty stations around the globe, the United Nations flag has served throughout the history of the United Nations as one of the symbols most powerfully associated with the Organization and the diverse aspects of its work.

From the provision of humanitarian assistance at times of need, through the protection of human rights to peacekeeping operations and special political missions, the UN flag has represented throughout the world the purposes and principles enshrined in The Charter of the United Nations.

The UN Flag Code serves as the principal normative and regulatory document governing the use of the United Nations flag.

While preserving the historic framework of the original document, the updated UN Flag Code takes into account the organizational, institutional and operational developments and processes that have evolved over the course of the past 50 to 70 years.

The updated United Nations Flag Code is available at the Official Document System (ODS) as ST/SGB/2020/4. Its scope has been expanded to encompass references to:

  • The separately administered funds, organs and programmes of the United Nations, Resident Coordinators, field missions, etc.

  • The use of the UN flag during bilateral meetings between officials of the United Nations or constituent organizations of the United Nations system with representatives of Member States or other international organizations

  • The use of the UN flag on the vessels and vehicles employed in the official service of the United Nations

  • Supplementary aspects related to the display of the UN flag and the lowering of the flag at times of mourning; etc.

For the first time, it contains guiding descriptive diagrams, adding informational value and enhancing the user-friendliness of the document.

This concluded a cooperative review process to which many departments such as DMSPC, OLA, DOS, DPPA, DPO, DSS and DCO contributed and which was led by the Protocol and Liaison Service of DGACM.

As a next step, the Protocol and Liaison Service and other departments commenced work on a “UN Flag Frequently Asked Questions” page for iSeek, which will supplement the UN Flag Code by providing answers to practical questions related to the use of the United Nations flag.