Part 3 The United Nations: What it Does, 25 Promotion of International Law

Abstract

The General Assembly is the most important organ for the promotion of international law. Article 13(1)(a) of the UN Charter provides that the Assembly ‘shall initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of: a. promoting international co-operation in the political field and encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification … ’. The General Assembly works closely with the International Law Commission (ILC) and its Sixth Committee, Ad Hoc Committees, the Secretary-General and specialist entities such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). This chapter discusses the role of the ILC, its relationship with the General Assembly, the Sixth Committee, and relationship with other bodies; the Sixth Committee and the promotion of international law; the Secretary-General and the promotion of international law; UNCITRAL; the Law of the Sea; promotion of treaties; legal resources and training; and promotion of themes relevant to the UN’s work.