The Law of the United Nations: Core Documents

The United Nations (UN) is the world’s foremost international organisation. Its numerous bodies work on a broad spectrum of issues, including the most pressing challenges facing humankind. While the scope of the UN’s activities extends far beyond questions of international law, the UN is an entity that is grounded in the international legal system; it is both governed by the system’s norms and contributes to its progressive development. This volume brings together the key documents that define the UN’s legal framework. It includes foundational treaties such as the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, procedural instruments governing the principal organs, and a selection of landmark Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. The collection also features significant judicial decisions shaping the field of international institutional law.

Designed as a practical companion for students, researchers, and practitioners, this book provides a concise yet comprehensive foundation for those engaging with the legal dimensions of the UN and its work, as well as with the broader study of international institutional law.

Craig Eggett is Associate Professor of International Law at Maastricht University. He is Programme Coordinator of the LLM in International Laws and a member of both the Maastricht Centre for Human Rights and the Globalisation and Law Network.