MANDATE AND ROLE OF UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL:
A PAKISTANI PERSPECTIVE

By:
*AHSAN YOUSAF CHAUDHARY

ABSTRACT

Established under the UN Charter, Economic and Social Council is one of the sixth vital organs of the United Nations. It primarily deals with the social, economic and cultural challenges the contemporary world happens to confront with from time to time. The relationship of Pakistan with the Economic and Social Council is of historic significance. Till to day, several times, Pakistan has been elected its member and more often than not, enjoys the privilege of presiding its annual and periodic sessions. The Council has undertaken multiple projects — both in the past and present— to help Pakistan make an effective member in the international community. Similarly, the State of Pakistan has — to a considerable extent — complied with the set goals of the Council. The council accounts for 70 % of the human resource and UN budget to meet its multi- dimensional mandate. It closely liaisons with the Specialized Agencies, Functional and Regional Commissions to promote respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide, ensures post-humanitarian emergency rehabilitation and development and fosters universal primary education, global health, climate change, gender equality and provides cohesively integrated response to natural and man made emergencies. Since Pakistan's submission to ECOSOC membership, the Council has, to its credit, undertaken a great deal of socio-economic development projects in the polity of Pakistan.

I.          INTRODUCTION:

Despite innumerable advances on many fronts, gross social and economic inequalities continue to characterize the globalised world. Alleviation of poverty, universal primary education, global public health, climate change, gender inequality, humanitarian emergencies, post-conflict peace-building and global food crises are some of the major challenges the Economic and Social Council is confronted with today. Established under UN Charter[1] as one of the sixth principal organs[2] of the United Nations[3], Economic and Social Council, primarily exists; to promote higher standards of living, full employment, economic and social progress; solutions to international economic, social and health problems; facilitate international cultural and educational cooperation; and to encourage universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms.[4] The Economic and Social Council is one of the three principal Councils of the United Nations, the other two being the Security Council and the Trusteeship Council. [5] The Council consists of fifty four member governments[6] elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three years term. [7] The Council closely coordinates with UN Specialized Agencies,[8] Functional Commissions,[9] Regional Commissions, [10] Standing Committees, [11] Expert Bodies of governmental experts, [12] and private experts, [13] ad hoc bodies[14] and miscellaneous bodies. [15] It also receives reports from 11 UN funds and Programs. It is also the central forum for discussing international Social and Economic issues and for formulating the policy recommendations. [16]

II          MANDATE OF THE ECOSOC:

The ECOSOC is empowered to make or initiate studies and reports with respect to international economic, social, cultural, educational, health, and related matters and recommends such matters to the General Assembly, Members of the United Nations, and to the specialized agencies concerned. [17] It makes recommendations for promoting respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.[18] It also prepares draft conventions[19] and calls international conferences. [20]

The ECOSOC can enter into agreements[21] with any of the agencies, co-ordinate the activities[22] and obtain regular reports from the specialized agencies. [23] It coordinates with the Security Council, [24] sets up commissions in Economic and Social fields and for the promotion of Human rights. [25] The ECOSOC can invite any member of the United Nations, [26] representative of the Specialized Agencies[27] to participate in its deliberations. It can also consult the Non-Governmental Organizations, both national and International, over matters it deems appropriate. [28] The Council is sovereign in adopting its rules of procedure and method of selection of president. [29]

III        SPECIALISED AGENCIES:

The specialized Agencies are the Inter-Governmental bodies constituted much like the United Nations itself — each with its own Charter, governing body, budget and offices. Moreover, the membership of the United Nations and the Specialized Agencies does not coincide. The relationship between the United Nations and the Specialized Agencies is rather fluid, though the United Nations has entered into an agreement with each agency separately. [30] Chronologically, the brief account of the each agency is furnished below:

1          The International Telecommunication Union (ITU):

Headquartered at Geneva, International telecommunication Union (ITU)[31] was established in 1865. From broadband Internet to latest-generation wireless technologies, from aeronautical and maritime navigation to radio astronomy and satellite-based meteorology, from convergence in fixed-mobile phone, Internet access, data, voice and TV broadcasting to next-generation networks, ITU, is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues, and the global focal point for governments and the private sector in developing networks and services.

2          The Universal Postal Union (UPU):

Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU),[32] with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne, is the second oldest international organization worldwide. The UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players. It helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. In this way, the organization fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and provides technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel and financial services volumes and improve quality of service for customers.

3          The International Labor Organization (ILO):

Established in 1919 in the wake of destructive WW I and headquartered at Geneva, The International Labour Organization (ILO)[33] is the tripartite UN agency that brings together governments, employers and workers of its member states in common action to promote decent work throughout the world.

4          The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO):

With its slogan "for a world without hunger" Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)[34] was established at Rome, Italy in 1945. It is one of the most significant inter-governmental organization which works towards hunger free world.

5          The International Monetary Fund (IMF):

Established in 1945, The International Monetary Fund (IMF)[35] is a Washington headquartered organization, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and to reduce poverty around the world.[36]

6          World Bank:

Established in 1945 with its Headquarters in Washington, The World Bank[37] is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Its stated mission is to fight poverty with passion and professionalism for lasting results and to help people help themselves and their environment by providing resources, sharing knowledge, building capacity and forging partnerships in the public and private sectors.

7          The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):

Established in 1945, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)[38] headquarters in Paris with stated goals to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and the human rights along with fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the UN Charter.

8          The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

Established in 1947, ICAO[39] is the only organization to be based in Montreal, Canada. It primarily envisages cohesive and harmonized aerial security, strives to foster friendship and understanding — by avoiding friction — among the people of the world. [40]

9          The World Health Organization (WHO):

Established in 1948 with its Headquarters in Geneva Switzerland, WHO[41] is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

10        The World Meteorological Organization (WMO):

Established in 1950, headquartered at Geneva, World Meteorological Organization[42] is the UN system's authoritative voice on the state and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources. WMO has a membership of 189 Member States and Territories (on 4 December 2009). Established in 1950, WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations in 1951 for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.

11        World Trade Organization (WTO):

Established on Jan. l, 1995 and headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland, World Trade Organization[43] is the sole global trade regulating body with many functions ranging from facilitation and Trade liberalization and comprehensive dispute settlement mechanism.

IV        FUNCTIONAL COMMISSIONS:

The Economic and Social council, given it mandate, extends 70 percent of Human and financial resource of the entire United Nations system. It has nine Functional commissions which operate within its jurisdiction to ensure efficient functioning. A terse introduction of each is provided hereunder:

1          STATISTICAL COMMISSION:

Supervised by UN Statistical Commission as the apex entity of the global statistical system, the Statistics Division of the ECOSOC is committed to the advancement of the global statistical system. It compiles and disseminates global statistical information, develops standards and norms for statistical activities, and supports countries' efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems.

2          COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT: [44]

Composed of 47 Member States elected for a period of four years on the basis of geographic distribution, the functional commission assists, advises the Council, monitors, reviews and assesses the implementation of the Programme of Action at the national, regional and international levels. The Commission arranges studies on: Population issues and trends, developmental policies, strategies and programmes vis-a-vis population assistance to developing countries and to countries with economies in transition.

3          COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:

Consisting of 46 members,[45] the Commission is the key UN body in charge of the follow up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Program of Action. [46] It, besides preparing reports arranging workshops, conferences and seminars, coordinates with Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organizations.

4          COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN:

Forty-five Member States[47] Commission on the Status of Women is dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. It is the principal global policy-making body. Every year, it evaluates progress on gender equality, identifies challenges, sets global standards and formulates concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women worldwide. The Commission also makes recommendations to the ECOSOC on urgent problems requiring immediate attention in the field of women's rights.

5          COMMISSION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS(CND):

The Commission on Narcotics and Drugs is on of the most important functional Commissions of the ECOSOC dedicated in the eradication of Corruption, Drug prevention treatment and Care, fatal diseases like AIDS, heinous crimes like Human Trafficking and migrant smuggling, criminal Justice, Prison reforms and Crime Prevention, Money Laundering, Organized Crime, Piracy and Terrorism prevention.

6          COMMISSION ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE (CCPCJ): [48]

Composed of 40 members, the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is the landmark contribution of the ECOSOC to the global criminal administration of justice. It works to prevent heinous crimes like Human Trafficking and migrant smuggling, criminal Justice. It has been instrumental in Prison reforms and Crime Prevention, Money Laundering, Organized Crime, Piracy and Terrorism prevention. [49]

7          COMMISSION ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT (CSTD):

Established in 1992, the Commission[50] exists to provide the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council with high-level advice on relevant issues through analysis and appropriate policy recommendations or options in order to enable those organs to guide the future work of the United Nations, develop common policies and agree on appropriate actions. The Commission is also mandated to assist the Economic and Social Council in the system-wide follow-up to the World Summit on the Information Society.

8          COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

The Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD) provides leadership and is an authoritative source of expertise within the ECOSOC. It promotes sustainable development through technical cooperation and capacity building at international, regional and national levels.[51]

9          UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON FORESTS:

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)[52] is the functional commission of the ECOSOC with the mandate of management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end... [53]

V         REGIONAL COMMISSIONS

1          ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA (ECA):

Established in 1958, as one of the ECOSOC's five regional commissions, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)[54] is fully mandated to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, achieve the MDGs with special emphasis on poverty reduction, sustainable development, good governance and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. Furthermore, the ECA closely liaisons with the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) [55] to harmonize membership, strengthen policy and build technical capacity to pursue regional integration.

2          ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP):

Established in 1947, The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)[56] is the regional development arm of the ECOSOC for the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP is the most comprehensive and biggest of all five regional commissions in terms of area and demographic composition. ESCAP seeks to overcome some of the region's greatest challenges. Its preferred areas, besides MDGs, include: macroeconomic policy and development, statistics, trade and Investment, environment, disaster risk reduction and social development. ESCAP carries out its activities tin cooperation with entities like, [57] Inter and non-governmental organizations academic institutions and civil society organizations.

3          ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (ECE):

Set up as one of the five regional commissions in 1947, The ECOSOC's Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)[58] primarily aims at promoting pan-European economic integration by promoting economic cooperation enhancing energy, environment, housing and land management, gender, population, statistics, trade, and transport.

4          ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN (ECLAC):

Established in 1948, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)[59] was founded with the purpose of contributing to the economic development of Latin America, coordinating actions directed towards this end, and reinforcing economic ties among countries and with other nations of the world. The promotion of the region's social development was later included among its primary objectives.

5          ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR WESTERN ASIA (ESCWA):

Established in 1985 with its headquarters at Beirut, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ECWA),[60] exists to support, economic and social development promote cooperation between the countries of region and encourage interaction to achieve regional integration.

VI        ROLE IN PAKISTAN:

Being one of the important members of the ECOSOC[61] - often elected[62] and served as president of the Council, [63] Pakistan remains the major area of concentration of the Economic and Social Council. The ECOSOC, through its specialized agencies, functional and regional commissions bodies of Governments and private experts and various funds, sedulously endeavors to steer Pakistan out of choppy waters by undertaking poverty alleviation programs[64] promoting gender equality, [65] helping fragile economy, [66] fledgling democracy, [67] assisting internally displaced people[68] and refugees, [69] redeeming and rehabilitating the calamity hit people and areas, [70] promoting education for all,[71] encouraging respect for and observance of Human rights and fundamental freedoms,[72] raising awareness about and protecting the laborers' and Children's rights. [73] In the recent decade, the role of ECOSOC in crime and drug prevention, [74] anti-money laundering[75] and women uplift has been unprecedented. In the field of commerce, ECOSOC has not fallen short. It has, through World Trade Organization (WTO)-led liberalized trade regime, unified and integrated the whole commercial world.

VII       ANALYSIS:

Since its post-independence membership, Pakistan has strongly adhered to the objectives of the UN Charter and been a major contributor in accomplishing the United Nations mission of global peace and security, [76] Social and economic development and respect for human dignity and fundamental freedoms. [77] In return, the Economic and Social Council, as one of the central arms of the United Nations has undertaken a great deal of projects — in the state of Pakistan — in areas of Social, economic and cultural importance. Being one of the biggest organs with seventy percent of the UN's human resource and finance, Economic and Social Council has successfully accomplished 65 arduous years of its global engagement while staying a puissant source of hope and inspiration for the oppressed and needy worldwide. It serves as powerful glue to bind together the national. Governments, specialized agencies, non-Governmental organizations, civil society and private individuals across the globe. Amid sever criticism, flagrant scandals and grossly alleged inefficiency of the ECOSOC on some fronts, there are no two opinions as to the quantum of laurels it has brought to the world in general and Pakistan in particular. Without ECOSOC — the United Nations and the world — is meaningless, abysmal and dreadful.

 



*.       The writer is an LLM student at University Law College, Punjab University Lahore. He can be reached at ahsan.y@live.com

[1]        UN Charter, San Francisco Signed, June 26, 1945, ratified on Oct. 24, 1945, Chapter X, arts. 61-72.

[2]        Ibid, Chapter III, art. 7 (1)

[3]        A world later-governmental Organization with 192 members; for further details, See the official website of the organization, www.un.org

[4]        Supra Note 1, Chapter IX, Art. 55.

[5]        W. Arthur Lewis, 'THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL" The United Nations the First Ten Years, B.A. Wortley p.35.

[6]        Initially the ECOSOC consisted of 18 members who were increased to 27 in 1965, following an amendment in Article 61 of the UN Charter. It was further increased to 54 members in 1973.

[7]        According to Article 61 (2) of the UN Charter; "Eighteen members of the Economic and Social Council shall be elected each year for a term of three years. A retiring member shall be eligible for immediate re-election."; Seats on the Council are allotted based on geographical representation with fourteen allocated to African States, eleven to Asian States, six to Eastern European States, ten to Latin American and Caribbean States, and thirteen to Western European and other States.

[8]        Supra Note 1, Chapter IX, Art. 57, ECOSOC closely liaisons with 14 Specialized Agencies at present; see post SPECIALIZED AGENCIES.

[9]        Currently there are 9 Functional commissions under the supervision of ECOSOC; see post FUNCTIONAL COMMISSIONS; For further details, visit http://www.un.org/en/ecosoc/about/subsidiary-shtml

[10]       The role of the regional commissions is extremely significant in the functioning of the ECOSOC. They are region specific commissions dedicated to regional economic and social advancement; see post the REGIONAL COMMISSIONS.

[11]       There are three Standing Committees, Viz. Committee on Negotiations with Intergovernmental Agencies, Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations & Committee for Program and Coordination.

[12]       There are four expert bodies composed of Governmental Experts, i.e. Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names & Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting.

[13]       Five bodies Currently are in existence, namely; Committee for Development Policy, Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, Committee of Experts on Public Administration & Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

[14]       Presently there is Ad hoc Open-ended Working Group on Informatics.

[15]       There are four other bodies which undertake to perform miscellaneous functions under ECOSOC. These are as follows: Executive Board of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women, International Narcotics Control Board, Committee for the United Nations Population Award & Program Coordinating Board of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS.

[16]       UN, United Nations Today, Department of Public Information, p. 151

[17]       See supra note 1, Chapter X, Art. 62 (1).

[18]       Ibid, Art. 62(2)

[19]       Ibid, Art. 62(3)

[20]       Ibid, Art. 62(4)

[21]       Ibid, Art. 63(1)

[22]       Ibid, Art 63(2)

[23]       Ibid, Art. 64(1)

[24]       Ibid Art. 65

[25]       Ibid, Art. 68

[26]       Ibid, Art. 69

[27]       Ibid, Art. 70

[28]       Ibid, Art. 71

[29]       Ibid, Art. 72

[30]       See e.g. Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs, Vol. III p.343 et seq.

[31]       ITU is composed of 192 member Countries and more than 700 Sector members and Associates for further insight into slogan "Connecting the World", functions, hierarchy & current status of ITU visit, http://www.itu.int/en/pages/default.aspx

[32]       As of 2010, the Organization has 191 Member Countries; for further information resort to official website of UPU at http://www.upu.int/

[33]       As of 2010, the ILO has 183 member Countries. For details on purposes and objectives of the ILO, see the original text of preamble to the ILO Constitution, 1919 with latest amendment in 1972; particularly see the Philadelphia Declaration May 10, 1944; for further details see, http://www.ilo.org/global/lang-en/index.htm

[34]       All the members of United Nations, i.e. 192 & 1 Associate member (Faroe Islands), are the members of the FAO; for more in-depth understanding visit, http://www.fao.org/

[35]       Also known as "Fund" was created through Articles of Agreement adopted at United Nations Monetary and financial conference, Breton Woods, New Hampshire, July 22, 1944 as one of the five Financial Institutions, the IMF currently is the Financial Institution of 187 Member States. For further information visit, www.imf.org

[36]       Ibid, Art. 1, Articles of Agreement 1945.

[37]       Ibid, WB differ with World Bank Group; the former comprises only two institutions i.e. the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) & the International Development Association (IDA), whereas the latter incorporates these two in addition to three more: International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), & International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). As 2010, WB has 187 member countries, see for more information on the subject by visiting, www.worldbank.org

[38]       UNESCO is the Successor of the League of Nations' International Commission on Intellectual Cooperation; it has 193 Member states and 7 Associate Members; see for further detail, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/

[39]       Established under Chicago Conference 1944, to secure international co-operation a highest possible degree of uniformity in regulations and standards, procedures and organization regarding civil aviation matters, the commission is a significant milestone in the field of aviation. For more details see official website of ICAO, http://www.icao.int/

[40]       Preamble of the Chicago Convention, December 7, 1944.

[41]       As of Dec.2010, WHO consists of 193 Member countries; also see the official website for comprehensive understanding, http://www.who.int/en/

[42]       Formerly it was International Meteorological Organisation (IMO), which was founded in 1873; till Dec.4, 2009 it has 189 member states and territories; it joined UN as specialized Agency in 1951. For further details see, http:// www.wmo.int/pages/index_en.html

[43]       Originated from a series of rounds particularly the Uruguay rounds (1986-1994), WTO is the successor of General Agreements on Tariff and Trade (GATT) Jan.1948, with current 153 member states; for further information see www.wto.org

[44]       Under ECOSOC Res. 3(III), October 3, 1946, it was named as "Population Commission"; later in Dec. 19, 1994, Under UN.G.A Res. 49/128 it was renamed as "Commission on Population and Development"; it has met every two or three years until 1994, after which it meets once in a year. Visit for further insight the official website of the commission, http://www.un.org/esa/population/cpd/aboutcom.htm

[45]       In view of World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, 1995, the mandate was reviewed and the membership expanded from 32 to 36; it meets once every year, in New York, usually in February. For more details visit; http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/csd/index.html

[46]       See e.g. the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in 1995.

[47]       The members are elected by ECOSOC on the basis of equitable geographical distribution.

[48]       Came into existence from a Ministerial meeting at Versailles in 1991; It was preceded by a more technically focused Committee on Crime Prevention and Control, formed in 1971 to replace an earlier expert advisory committee.

[49]       ECOSOC Res. 1992/1 & 1992/22

[50]       The Commission met for the first time in April 1993 in New York, USA. Since July 1993, the UNCTAD Secretariat has been responsible for the substantive servicing of the Commission.

[51]       Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the Barbados Program of Action for Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. See for comprehensive understanding http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/dsd/aow_areawork.shtml

[52]       Established through ECOSOC Res. 2000/35, Oct. 2000; it has universal membership of all UN and Specialized Agencies members. See for further information, http://www.un.org/esa/forests/about.html

[53]       Rio Declaration, "the Forest Principles" Chapter 11, Agenda 21; IPF/IFF Processes; and other key milestones of international forest policy

[54]       26 member commission , inter alia; promotes regional integration in support of African Union (AU) Vision and priorities, aims to provide significant technical support to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It is further assisted by five Sub-Regional Offices (SROs) each taking the lead in its respective sub-region; the sub-regional activities, particularly emphasis on advisory services and technical assistance aimed at capacity building of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to implement their agendas and, particularly, to promote regional integration; for further insight into the recent activities and accomplishments see, http://www.uneca.org/

[55]       These RECs include; The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), The Southern African Development Community (SADC), The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (C0MESA), The East African Community (EAC), The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), The Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), & the West African Economic and Monetary (UEMOA).

[56]       Headquartered at Bangkok Thailand, with 62 members, ESCAP closely liaisons with Regional Institutions namely; The Asian and Pacific Centre for Agricultural Engineering and Machinery (APCAEM), Asian and Pacific Training for Information and Communication Technology for Development(APCICIT), Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), Centre for Alleviation of Poverty through Secondary Crops Development in Asia and the Pacific (CAPSA) & United Nations Statistical Institute for Asia and Pacific(SlAP); it has proven record of accomplishments i.e. the establishment of the Asian Development Bank (1966), Mekong River Commission (1995) & Asia-Pacific Centre for Agricultural Machinery (2002); see for more information the website of ESCAP, www.unescap.org

[57]       Asian Development Bank (ADB), Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Council of Regional Organisations for the Pacific (CROP), Asian Clearing Union (ACU), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) & Mekong River Commission (MRC).

[58]       The commission consists of 56 member states, drawn from European Union, non-EU, Western and Eastern Europe, South-East Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and North American states; over 70 international professional organizations and other non-governmental organizations take part in UNECE activities; see for detailed information, www.unece.org

[59]       Earlier it was The Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) established through ECOSOC Res. 106(VI) Feb.25, 1948; by Res.1984/67 July 27, 1984, the scope of the Commission's work was broadened to include the countries of the Caribbean and similarly was named as Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC); it is Headquartered at Santiago, Chile, since its establishment; in June 1951, the Commission established the ECLAC sub-regional headquarters in Mexico City, which serves the needs of the Central American sub-region, and in December 1966, the ECLAC sub-regional headquarters for the Caribbean was founded in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. For further information visit, www.eclac.org

[60].      Under ECOSOC Res.1818 (LV), the Commission is the successor to the United Nations Economic and Social Office in Beirut (UNESOB); the commission comprises 14 Arab Countries in Western Asia; the commission has been on constant move from Beirut to Baghdad, Amman and finally to its Original Headquarters in Beirut in 1997; it collaborates with UN Specialized Agencies, international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. For further details see, www.escwa.un.org

[61]       Pakistan joined United Nations on Sept.30, 1947; also see supra note 6.

[62]       Pakistan has been elected to the ECOSOC in 1954, 1965-67, 1969-71, 1974-77, 1979-84, 1986-88, 1990-92, 1994-95, 1998-2003, 2005-2007, 2008-2010 and now consecutively for third term i.e. 2011-2013.

[63]       Pakistan served as President of ECOSOC in 1952, 1957, 1995 & last 2005

[64]       In collaboration with local and international NGOs and through specific funds and programs, like Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the ECOSOC has undertaken many projects of poverty reduction in Pakistan.

[65]       In pursuance to CEDAW, ratified in Feb. 1996, Pakistan, besides introducing radical amendments in its Constitution, has taken innumerable measures to reduce gender gap; see e.g. Pakistan being elected as member executive board of the newly created United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women); also see the Ministry of Women Development Pakistan, www.mowd.gov.pk

[66]       The World Bank, the IMF & the Asian Development Bank are helping Pakistan meet her balance of payments and financial deficits; currently Pakistan is receiving $ 451 Million IMF Emergency Assistance in the aftermath of Floods.

[67]       ECOSOC helps through United Nations Development Program (UNDP) & United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDF) etc. the latter is administered by the Secretary General and is given to the Civil Society Organizations working in the fields of Community development, Rule of law and human rights, Tools for democratization, Women, Youth and Media. So far following civil society organizations In Pakistan have received funding under UNDF; Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), Aasthan Latif Welfare Society and Citizens Commission for Human Development (CCHD). For further insight into projects and fund recipients visit the official website of the UNDEF at http://www.un.org/democracyfund/ worldwide_ASIA_projects.html

[68]       UNHCR has played a significant role in the IDPs crisis and has helped them settle.; See further fact sheet & Year in review 2009 of UNHRC Pakistan, also visit, http://www.unhcr.org.pk/

[69]       UNHCR has helped repatriate the Afghan refugees living in Pakistan; also see ibid.

[70]       Out of 18 million people affected by floods, UNHCR assisted .45 million with tents and other necessary household items; see ibid; also visit, http://www.unhcr.org.pk/ ; Also the UN portal has established "One Leader", a United Nations Country Team (UNCT) comprising of UN agencies, Programs and Funds coordinated by the Resident Coordinator (RC) that lead the One UN by consensus. To ensure cohesion and integration in the post-flood humanitarian crises in Pakistan, the UNCT has undertaken a great deal of projects. It has established, inter alia, the One UN Fund, a concerted effort to Flood Response. To view the latest response by the UNCT, visit the UN Pakistan portal at http://unportal.un.org.pk/sites/UNPakistan/UNRC/Pages/UNCT.aspx

[71]       See education in MDGs

[72]       The Government of Pakistan so far, has ratified Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide 1948, ratified in October 1957, International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) 1966, ratified in September 1966, International Convention on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ISESCR) 1966, ratified in April 2008, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1966, ratified in June 2010, Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) 1979, ratified in March 1996, Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) 1984,ratified in June 2010 and Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC) 1989, ratified in November 1990. Other Instruments, Pakistan has signed yet not ratified, include; International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of The Crime of Apartheid 1973, signed in 1986, Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Child on the involvement of Children in the Armed Conflict 2000, signed in 2001, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006, signed in 2008; for more details see, www.ohchr.org.

[73]       See the role of ILO; also see supra note 33; Pakistan is a signatory to CRC and has taken sufficient measures to protect the rights of children.

[74]       See e.g. the role of Functional commissions on Narcotic Drugs & Crime prevention; see supra note 47.

[75]       Ibid

[76]       E.g. Pakistan is the major contributor of the uniformed personnel to the UN Peacekeeping Operations. According to the official statistics of the UN Peacekeeping Mission, Pakistan stands as the top most contributor of uniformed personnel with 10, 764 to the UN Peacekeeping Operation, Peacekeeping Mission Year 2009, p.69.

[77]       See supra note 71; also see the corresponding implementing arrangements at home e.g. under CEDAW, the establishment of Ministry of Women Development, National Gender Reforms Action Plan (GRAP), Women centered legislation i.e. Criminal Law (Amendment) Act,2004 & 2009, Women Protection .Act, 2010 etc. furthermore, 10% and 33% quota is reserved for women in Central Superior Services and Legislative Assemblies respectively; under CRC, Pakistan has undertaken unprecedented measures to ensure maximum protection to the Children. The establishment of National Commission for Child Welfare & Development (NCCWD) and its provincial counterparts, establishment of National Child Protection Centre Islamabad and Turbat, establishment of National Rehabilitation Centers for Child Labour and Juvenile Justice System Ordinance 2000 and Article 25-A under 18th Amendment 2010. The major challenges encountered by Children have from time to time been being redressed by the Government of Pakistan, for instance, Health and Nutrition, Education, Child Labour, Birth Registration, Domestic and Child Abuse, Juvenile Justice System, Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, girl child, Trafficking and disabled children etc. see detailed fact sheet at http://www.nccwd.gov.pk/iudex.php?opuon=com_content&view=article&id=78