Books

This volume of the ICJ’s signature series includes all the decisions taken by the International Court of Justice in 1971. The I.C.J. Reports 1971 consists of one hard-bound volume with a comprehensive index.

This volume of the ICJ’s signature series includes all the decisions taken by the International Court of Justice in 1953. The I.C.J. Reports 1953 consists of one hard-bound volume with a comprehensive index.

In accordance with Article 102 of the Charter and the relevant General Assembly Resolutions, every treaty and international agreement registered or filed and recorded with the Secretariat since 1945 is published in the United Nations Treaty Series. At present, the collection includes about 30,000 treaties reproduced in their authentic languages, together with translations into English and French, as necessary.

In accordance with Article 102 of the Charter and the relevant General Assembly Resolutions, every treaty and international agreement registered or filed and recorded with the Secretariat since 1945 is published in the United Nations Treaty Series. At present, the collection includes about 30,000 treaties reproduced in their authentic languages, together with translations into English and French, as necessary.

In accordance with Article 102 of the Charter and the relevant General Assembly Resolutions, every treaty and international agreement registered or filed and recorded with the Secretariat since 1945 is published in the United Nations Treaty Series. At present, the collection includes about 30,000 treaties reproduced in their authentic languages, together with translations into English and French, as necessary.

This volume of the ICJ’s signature series includes all the decisions taken by the International Court of Justice in 1954. The I.C.J. Reports 1954 consists of one hard-bound volume with a comprehensive index.

This volume of the ICJ’s signature series includes all the decisions taken by the International Court of Justice in 1952. The I.C.J. Reports 1952 consists of one hard-bound volume with a comprehensive index.

This volume of the ICJ’s signature series includes all the decisions taken by the International Court of Justice in 1951. The I.C.J. Reports 1951 consists of one hard-bound volume with a comprehensive index.

Urbanization is reshaping the global landscape. Since 1950, the share of people living in urban areas has surged—and is projected to continue rising through 2050. This report presents highlights from the 2025 Revision of the World Urbanization Prospects, offering a concise overview of global, regional, and country-level trends from 1950 to 2050. At the center of this edition is the Degree of Urbanisation—a harmonized, spatial approach enabling meaningful international comparisons, alongside national definitions. The dataset includes estimates of urban and rural populations for 237 countries or areas from 1950 to 2025, with projections to 2050, and population figures for all cities with at least 50,000 inhabitants in 2025. Annex tables provide data on land use, population distribution, and change over time for rural areas, towns and cities. With clear visuals and accessible analysis, this report is a vital resource for understanding urban trends and supporting efforts to achieve sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.

Ce rapport a pour objectif d'informer les décideurs politiques, qu’ils travaillent dans le secteur de l'eau ou pas, du potentiel des solutions basées sur la nature (SBN) pour relever les défis de la gestion de l'eau dans tous les secteurs, en particulier en ce qui concerne l'eau pour l'agriculture, les zones urbaines, la réduction des risques de catastrophe et la qualité de l'eau. La gestion de l'eau reste fortement dominée par les infrastructures traditionnelles construites par l'homme (c'est-à-dire «grises») et l'énorme potentiel des SBN reste sous-utilisé. Les SBN incluent des infrastructures vertes qui peuvent remplacer, augmenter ou travailler en parallèle avec des infrastructures grises de manière rentable. L’objectif est de trouver la combinaison la plus appropriée d’investissements verts et gris pour maximiser les bénéfices et l’efficacité du système tout en minimisant les coûts et les compromis. Les SBN pour l’eau sont essentiels pour la réalisation du Programme de développement durable à l’horizon 2030, car ils engendrent également des effets sociaux, économiques et environnementaux co-bénéficiaires comprenant la santé humaine et les moyens de subsistance, la sécurité alimentaire et énergétique, la croissance économique durable, des emplois décents, la réhabilitation et le maintien des écosystèmes et la biodiversité. Bien que les SBN ne soient pas une panacée, ils joueront un rôle essentiel dans l’économie circulaire et dans la construction d’un avenir plus équitable pour tous.

Since the establishment of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation by General Assembly resolution 913 (X) of 3 December 1955, the mandate of the Committee has been to undertake broad assessments of the sources of ionizing radiation and its effects on human health and the environment. In pursuit of this mandate, this report presents the deliberations of the Committee at its Sixty-fifth session (11-14 June 2018).

This is the annual report submitted to the General Assembly by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions on the proposed programme budget for the year 2021.

This is the annual report submitted to the General Assembly by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions on the proposed programme budget for the year 2025.

This is the annual report submitted to the General Assembly by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions on the proposed programme budget for the year 2023.

The Trafficking in Persons Data in the Economic Community of West African States Region: Standardizing and Leveraging Administrative Data for Evidence provides a comprehensive analysis of trafficking trends and patterns across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. Developed in collaboration with the African Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), ECOWAS and IOM, this report marks a significant step towards standardizing trafficking in persons (TIP) administrative data to enhance regional and national responses to trafficking. The report highlights key findings, including the predominance of child victims, gendered patterns of exploitation and the diversification of trafficking types, such as forced labour, sexual exploitation and other emerging forms. It also examines the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anti-trafficking efforts, including delays in case processing and challenges in victim identification. Through the use of the West Africa TIP questionnaire, aligned with the International Classification for Administrative Data on Trafficking in Persons, the report offers actionable insights and recommendations to improve data collection, reporting and coordination across ECOWAS member States. These efforts aim to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, enhance victim protection and ensure a more effective regional response to TIP. This report is an essential resource for policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders working to combat human trafficking in West Africa, providing a foundation for future data-driven interventions and regional cooperation.

In accordance with Article 102 of the Charter and the relevant General Assembly Resolutions, every treaty and international agreement registered or filed and recorded with the Secretariat since 1945 is published in the United Nations Treaty Series. At present, the collection includes about 30,000 treaties reproduced in their authentic languages, together with translations into English and French, as necessary.

Launched at the COP30 Belém Climate Summit, the Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems 2025 report provides a snapshot of progress in the implementation of the UN’s flagship Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, which aims to protect every person on Earth with an early warning system by 2027. The report reveals measurable progress, with 119 countries, or 60% of all countries, now reporting the existence of a Multi-Hazard Early Warning System. This is a 113% increase over the past 10 years. However, coverage gaps persist, especially among small island developing States, as only 43% of them reported having systems in place. Comprehensiveness scores for system capabilities have increased by an average of 45% across all regions. Africa has seen the greatest progress since 2015, with a 72% increase in the comprehensiveness, but it remains the region with the lowest scores. It also places special focus on emerging hazards that are intensifying, including extreme heat, wildfires, and glacial lake outburst floods, which pose new threats that many existing warning systems are not equipped to handle. The report urges governments to unite around achieving universal early warning protection by accelerating targeted financial investments, strengthening risk governance, and ensuring that all systems are co-developed with local communities to ensure no one is left behind.

Consistent with previous editions of this Global Status Report, evidence continues to suggest that concrete progress has been made by countries to improve the coverage and comprehensiveness of MHEWS. Countries have also taken actions to reduce the negative impacts of disasters through investment and capacity development in MHEWS globally, bringing direct benefits in reducing the human cost of disasters. In the first half of 2024, natural hazards have brought death and destruction to every part of the world and, at the same time, the human and economic impact of disasters continues to grow. These disaster impacts have been caused majorly by hazards like flood, storms and cyclones, drought, wildfire, heatwaves, besides landslides and earthquakes. They manifest regularly over the years, resulting in heavy loss of life and affecting large populations.

This comprehensive study explores the multifaceted role of forests within the environment, economy, and society, with a specific focus on the ECE region. It begins by defining and presenting the global distribution of forests, followed by a detailed examination of their diverse biomes and typical forest types within the ECE region. The document tracks forest development, including area and growing stock dynamics, and highlights key tree species. It then delves into critical aspects such as the health and vitality of forests, their management practices (including ownership and functions), and their vital protective functions for both humans and the planet. Further sections are dedicated to the immense biodiversity found in ECE forests, their crucial role as carbon reservoirs in climate regulation, and their significant economic contributions through timber and non-wood forest products. Finally, the overview addresses the profound social dimensions of forests, recognizing their value for recreation and cultural heritage.

This report warns that climate shocks are undermining chances of recovery, increasing humanitarian needs, and amplifying the risks of repeated displacement. By mid-2025, 117 million people had been displaced by war, violence and persecution. Three in four of them are living in countries facing high-to-extreme exposure to climate-related hazards. Over the past 10 years, weather-related disasters have caused some 250 million internal displacements – equivalent to around 70,000 displacements per day. Whether it is floods sweeping South Sudan and Brazil, record-breaking heat in Kenya and Pakistan, or water shortages in Chad and Ethiopia, extreme weather is pushing already fragile communities to the brink. Environmental degradation is deepening the challenges communities are facing. New data in the report reveals that three-quarters of Africa’s land is deteriorating, and more than half of the continent’s settlements for refugees and internally displaced people are located in areas under severe ecological stress. This is shrinking access to food, water and income. In parts of the Sahel, communities report that climate-linked livelihood losses are driving recruitment into armed groups, showing how environmental stress can fuel cycles of conflict and displacement.

In accordance with Article 102 of the Charter and the relevant General Assembly Resolutions, every treaty and international agreement registered or filed and recorded with the Secretariat since 1945 is published in the United Nations Treaty Series. At present, the collection includes about 30,000 treaties reproduced in their authentic languages, together with translations into English and French, as necessary.

This report analyses how digital trade evolved in 2020–2024. It finds robust growth driven by online orders of goods and services delivered over the internet, with participation widening but persistent gaps in connectivity, payments, logistics, and compliance. The report examines shifts in markets, policy, technology, and inclusion, and highlights the influence of artificial intelligence and innovation in online retail. Priorities include helping small firms sell abroad through platforms, expanding services exports, simplifying customs and taxes, enabling secure and interoperable payments and trusted data sharing, strengthening cross-border delivery, and investing in digital skills and finance for women-led and developing-country businesses.

At the Fifth High-level Meeting on Transport, Health and Environment (Vienna (online), 17–18 May 2021), member States agreed to develop a comprehensive pan-European strategy on transport, health and the environment, including a clear pathway for its implementation, to achieve the agreed vision, and to guide the further work of the Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP). THE PEP Steering Committee adopted the strategy at its twenty-second session (Geneva, 28–30 October 2024) and requested the secretariat to issue it as a publication in English, French and Russian.

The International Law Commission was established in 1947 with a view to carrying out the responsibility of the General Assembly, under article 13(1)(a) of the Charter of the United Nations, to “initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of ... encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification.” Since its first session in 1949, the Commission has considered a wide-range of topics of international law and made a number of proposals for its codification and progressive development, some of which have served as the basis for the subsequent adoption of major multilateral treaties. The Yearbook contains the official records of the Commission and is an indispensable tool for the preservation of the legislative history of the documents emanating from the Commission, as well as for the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of the efforts undertaken by the Commission in the progressive development of international law and its codification. Volume II (Part Two) reproduces the edited version of the annual report of the Commission to the General Assembly.

The International Law Commission was established in 1947 with a view to carrying out the responsibility of the General Assembly, under article 13(1)(a) of the Charter of the United Nations, to “initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification.” Since its first session in 1949, the Commission has considered a wide-range of topics of international law and made a number of proposals for its codification and progressive development, some of which have served as the basis for the subsequent adoption of major multilateral treaties. The Yearbook contains the official records of the Commission and is an indispensable tool for the preservation of the legislative history of the documents emanating from the Commission, as well as for the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of the efforts undertaken by the Commission in the progressive development of international law and its codification. Volume II (Part Two) reproduces the edited version of the annual report of the Commission to the General Assembly.