The role of the legal adviser in the United Nations: A testimony

This chapter introduces the UN’s constituent documents, powers, core organs, and system. It also provides an overview of the main legal and institutional questions that the Legal Counsel and the UN Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) deal with, including an examination of the specific roles and functions of the OLA’s six units. The author offers his personal views on the role of international civil servants and the OLA and provides a window into experiences gained whilst acting as UN Legal Counsel, making note of some key developments during his tenure, including the development of the international criminal tribunals, the ‘Oil-for-Food Programme’, negotiations with Saddam Hussain, the entry into force of UNCLOS, the administration of Kosovo and East Timor, the transfer of the Lockerbie suspects, issues concerning the Western Sahara, the Cumaraswamy case, and his involvement in procurement matters. Finally, the chapter highlights key OLA efforts to empower women and outlines the Office’s contributions to respect for the rule of law, human rights, international law dissemination, and the law of international organizations.