UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Activities (UNRRA). The activities of the United Nations in the fields of relief and rehabilitation frequently originate with, and are commissioned by, resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, and constitute a special concern of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Vast relief programs have been initiated and implemented by various organs such as the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration by temporary United Nations Specialized Agencies such as the International Refugee Organization, by permanent Specialized Agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization. UNRRAs policy-making plenary body was the Council, which consisted of one representative from each member government or authority. It was to be convened in regular session at least twice a year, but it only met on six occasions. Policy decisions of an emergency nature between sessions of the Council were made by the Central Committee, which at first consisted of representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with the nonvoting Director-General presiding.