Switzerland and the United Nations
Despite the approaching universality of the United Nations, Switzerland continues to be a non-member. Her traditional policy of permanent neutrality, which is theoretically incompatible with the United Nations collective security system, and an unsatisfactory experience as a member of the League of Nations largely explain this absence. Ironically enough, however, Switzerland has played in effect as active a role in the United Nations as have many actual members. Switzerland belongs to most of the specialized agencies and many of the Organization's ancillary organs. She has even involved herself in numerous peacekeeping activities. Geneva serves as the Organization's European headquarters. Thus, the Swiss freely participate in what they refer to as the “technical,” as distinguished from the “political” United Nations. The increased prestige of neutrality and neutral Austria's successful membership, approaching universality, the waning of collective security, and a desire to participate fully in international relations are encouraging a gradual reorientation towards the United Nations which may some day lead to formal Swiss membership.
How can FIFA be held accountable
Abstract The Federation Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA, is a non-governmental organization located in Switzerland that is responsible for overseeing the quadrennial World Cup football (soccer) competition in addition to its jurisdiction over other various international competitions and aspects of international football. The organization, long accused of corruption, has in recent years been increasingly criticized by observers and stakeholders for its lack of transparency and accountability. In 2011 FIFA initiated a governance reform process which will come to a close in May 2013. This paper draws on literature in the field of international relations to ask and answer the question: how can FIFA be held accountable? The paper's review finds that the answer to this question is “not easily.” The experience in reforming the International Olympic Committee (IOC) more than a decade ago provides one model for how reform might occur in FIFA. However, any effective reform will require the successful and simultaneous application of multiple mechanisms of accountability. The FIFA case study has broader implications for understanding mechanisms of accountability more generally, especially as related to international non-governmental organizations.
Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs
Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs Supplement No. 8 (Revised advance version, to be issued in volume IV of Supplement No. 8 (forthcoming) of the Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs) Volume IV ARTICLE 62 (1) CONTENTS Paragraphs Text of Article 62 (1) Introductory Note ...................................................................................................................... 1 3 I. General Survey ........................................................................................................... 4 37 A. Studies and reports ............................................................................................... 4 19 1. General .......................................................................................................... 4 10 2. Preparation and submission ......................................................................... 11 19 B. Recommendations .............................................................................................. 20 37 1. General ........................................................................................................ 20 22 2. To States ...................................................................................................... 23 31 3. To the General Assembly ............................................................................ 32 34 4. To the Specialized Agencies ....................................................................... 35 37 ** II. Analytical Summary of Practice