What is the UN and what should we consider in evaluating the information it produces?
The United Nations is an international organization of 193 Member States. It seeks to keep peace throughout the world and to help nations work together to improve the lives of poor people; to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy; and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms. The UN provides a forum for members to express their views to various committees. UN documents are the result of the research and meetings held by these committees.
When evaluating information from the UN, consider its authors and what national/personal biases they may have that will impact the committees' documents. Authors from UN committees may have a doctorate, medical, or law degree... or they may have a college degree, so authority of writers on particular topics varies. That said, those working with the UN are considered to be representative of their countries; positions with the UN are extremely competitive, so the quality of research is likely to be high.
UN Bodies
Thematic Issues
International Courts and Tribunals
Other Resources
Past Conferences