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Electoral Division

S-1939 contains the records of the Electoral Division of the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA). The Electoral Division was established following the expansion of UNOMSA’s mandate through UN Security Council Resolution 894, adopted on 14 January 1994, to include international observation of South Africa’s election, held on 27 April 1994. The records in S-1939 contain correspondence, memoranda, faxes and reports documenting the work of UNOMSA staff and electoral observers.

Under the expanded mandate, the Electoral Division was responsible for observing the actions of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC); noting the ability of South African political parties to campaign freely; verifying that qualified voters were not denied identification documents or temporary voter cards (TVCs); and ensuring that voting stations were free of intimidation. Any violations observed were reported to the IEC. The Electoral Division consisted of four sections dedicated to carrying out specific parts of the mandate: Voter Education Section, Operations Analysis Section, Adjudication Section, and the Public Information/Media Analysis Section.

S-1939 contains the records of Reginald H. F. Austin, Director of the Electoral Division. These files were maintained at UNOMSA headquarters in Johannesburg by Austin and Michael Maley, Deputy Director and document the work of the different sections of the Electoral Division, as well as other divisions within UNOMSA, including the Peace Promotion Division (PPD) and the Joint Operations Unit (JOU). These records consist of correspondence and memoranda from Electoral Division section chiefs; policy documents; and reports on electoral observations and security situations. Observation reports were initially produced by electoral observers deployed to each of the nine provinces and distributed through the hierarchy of UNOMSA: first to team leaders, then to Provincial Coordinators and Area Coordinators before being sent to headquarters, where they were delivered to the Director and Deputy Director and distributed among the sections of the Electoral Division.

Records in S-1939 also document the work of the Adjudication Section and Public Information/Media Analysis Section. The Adjudication Section was tasked with observing how the IEC handled violations of the Independent Electoral Commission Act, which mandated free and fair elections, while the Public Information/Media Analysis Section was responsible for monitoring major national, regional and local press and weekly and monthly magazines. The records consist of case reports on violations that were sent to the IEC; daily press analysis reports; and weekly reports of the sections’ activities and sent to Austin at UNOMSA headquarters.

Austin’s records also include subject files containing correspondence and memoranda, meeting minutes and agendas, press releases, faxes, and reports concerning International Electoral Observers (IEOs), diplomatic observer missions, and South African political parties, including the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Party (DP) and the Inthanka Freedom Party (IFP). These records also contain the IEO manual and information kit. Other files contain reference materials maintained by the Electoral Division, including press articles from South African newspapers, reports and studies on South Africa, and drafts of bills and legislation.

S-1939 also contains records created and maintained by the Voter Education Section and Operations Analysis Section of the Electoral Division, based at UNOMSA headquarters in Johannesburg. The records of the Voter Education Section, headed by Tatiana Androsov, contain meeting summaries, correspondence, and weekly and special reports by IEOs observing voter education initiatives of the IEC and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the various provinces. The records also contain the “African National Congress (ANC) Election Monitoring Manual.”

The Operations Analysis Section was responsible for the creation of electoral policy documentation, development of operational forms and reports, and analysis of IEC activities. The records consist of operational circulars, correspondence and memoranda, and handbooks and manuals issued by the IEC. These files also include daily and weekly reports, lists of voting stations, reports on voting stations preparedness, and fortnightly reports on the issuance of TVCs which were sent to Robert Drew, Chief of the Operations Analysis Section, from Provincial and Area Coordinators. Many records contain annotations, highlighting, and comments from UNOMSA staff of these sections.

The Electoral Division worked closely with the PPD to coordinate electoral observers stationed in the field. S-1939 contains records originating from the nine provincial offices of UNOMSA in Eastern Cape; Eastern Transvaal; KwaZulu-Natal; Northern Cape; Northern Transvaal; North West Province; Orange Free State; Pretoria, Witwatersrand and Vaal (PWV); and Western Cape. Each province was overseen by a Provincial Coordinator of the PPD who reported on peace promotion and electoral observations to an Area Coordinator responsible for multiple provinces. The records include administrative memoranda, daily observer reports, weekly reports, and voter observation forms. A majority of records are from the Northern Cape and contain operational circulars, press articles, and reports from observer teams in the province, as well as records of Sliman Bouchuiguir, Provincial Coordinator and Khalid Zaied, Deputy Provincial Coordinator.

The records in S-1939 also document the work of NGO Liaison Officer Raymonde Martineau who was responsible for coordinating and maintaining relations with domestic and foreign NGOs. Also included are correspondence and reports related to the deployment of NGOs; coordination with the National Electoral Observer Network (NEON); and reference material on South African political parties and the National Peace Accord.

S-1939 also contains records of the Joint Operations Unit (JOU) which was established in February 1994 as a joint centre for day to day coordination of efforts of the four Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs) in observing the elections in South Africa. The four IGOs consisted of representatives from the United Nations Mission Observers (UNMOs); European Union (European Union Election Unit to South Africa, EUNELSA); Organisation of African Unity (Organisation of African Unity Observer Mission in South Africa, OAU-OMSA); and the Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth Observer Mission to South Africa, COMSA), that worked together in March and April 1994. The records contain outgoing faxes which document daily responsibilities including the preparation and planning for the final deployment of additional observers and logistics related to transportation, communications, conference facilities and accommodations. The records also contain forms completed by observer teams, following visits to voting stations; organization of the arrival and deployment of IEOs prior to the elections; induction, training and briefing sessions in the Johannesburg area to acquaint observers with the electoral system of South Africa and with their roles in the elections; transportation to provinces where they were given further briefings on local conditions; and schedules of their departure.

S-1939 also contains the records of Jorge Espinal, Provincial Logistics Officer in Klerksdorp, North West Province. In each of the nine provinces, an UNOMSA Electoral Observer was appointed as a Provincial Logistics Officer (PLO) to serve as a JOU focal point and liaise directly with the JOU Headquarters in Johannesburg. The PLO worked closely with the Provincial Coordinator in each province to obtain and compile information relevant to the deployment of IEOs; liaise at the provincial level with the other IGOs represented in the JOU; and help coordinate the work of the United Nations Volunteers’ (UNV) Observation Support Officers. The records document the daily activities of Espinal through memoranda and reports contained in outgoing and incoming faxes. The records also include maps that were used by the JOU to assist in the logistics of and planning for the election.

Processing Archivists: Virginia Pastor, Corinne O’Connor
Volume: 56 boxes

Peace Promotion Activities

S-1938 encompasses an integration of records that document UNOMSA’s peace promotion activities under Security Council Resolution 772 (1992) and UNOMSA’s expanded mandate under Security Council Resolution 894 (1994). The function of S-1938 is derived from PKO.POL of the Peacekeeping and Political Operations Retention Schedule (PORS) through the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department of Field Support, dated 1 August 2011. The records in S-1938 run primarily from 1992 to 1994, with reference to documents from as early as 1970. Records are arranged by location and subject.

Under the establishment of UNOMSA through Security Council Resolution 772 (1992), Chief of Mission (COM) Angela King oversaw the United Nations Mission Observers (UNMOs) that were deployed in all eleven regions of South Africa, with headquarters in Johannesburg and a regional office in Durban. S-1938 documents the responsibilities of UNMOs under this mandate such as observing demonstrations, marches, and other forms of mass action; investigating instances of intimidation, violence and related complaints; noting the conduct of all parties and obtaining information indicating the degree to which the parties’ actions were consistent with the principles of the National Peace Accord (NPA) and the Goldstone Commission guidelines. Observers supplemented their field observations by establishing and maintaining informal contacts at all levels with existing government structures, political parties, and organizations, as well as with civic associations.

S-1938 records regarding UNMOs’ observations include: situation reports covering special or significant events and meetings, real or potential flashpoints, and important breakthroughs in the NPA structures or objectives; weekly operational statistics focusing on regional activities for monitoring trends; weekly chronologies providing essential facts such as event, venue, date, parties involved, and significant outcome (if any). In addition, there are monthly trend analysis reports focusing on the functions of NPA structures; progress in dispute resolution and peace-building; progress of Social and Economic Reconstruction and Development (SERD) projects; and UNOMSA’s working relationship with other international observers.

The NPA built consensus by creating peace structures that were divided at the national, regional, and local levels. These structures included the National Peace Committee (NPC) and the National Peace Secretariat (NPS). The NPC established and administered regional and local structures including the Regional Peace Committees (RPCs) and the Local Peace Committees (LPCs). The RPCs and LPCs acted as mediators and were tasked with recording and monitoring violence and breaches of the NPA. UNMOs attended LPC and RPC meetings as neutral observers providing mediation when necessary. S-1938 records contain correspondence, meeting summaries and meeting minutes. Separated primarily by location, these records also document the interaction of UNOMSA with the NPS including attendance at the NPS chairpersons meeting; UNOMSA proposals supporting the NPA; and reports about the activities of the regional peace secretariats.

Security Council Resolution 894 (1994) expanded the mandate and size of UNOMSA, creating the Peace Promotion Division (PPD) and the Electoral Division. One significant change with Security Council Resolution 894 was the geographical organization, abandoning the recognition of the eleven regions and adhering to a stipulation from the Interim Constitution that there will be nine provinces. In addition, the PPD and its UNMO teams expanded its network of contacts to include the monitoring branch of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and continued to respond to the provisions of Security Council Resolution 772.

Prior to the expanded mandate, Ismat A. Steiner was the Deputy Chief of Mission and head of the regional office in Durban. He was named Director of the PPD as a result of the new mandate and directed all facets and areas, relating to peace promotion and violence monitoring, falling within the competence and mandate of UNOMSA, including the preparation of weekly, quarterly, and other reports which are submitted to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Steiner was assisted by four Area Coordinators who were based respectively in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pietersburg. The four Area Coordinators were supported by nine Provincial Coordinators. The Provincial Coordinators were based respectively in one of the nine Provincial Headquarters located in Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vaal (later known as Gauteng), KwaZulu/Natal, Northern Transvaal (later known as Limpopo), Eastern Transvaal (later known as Mpumalanga), North West, and Orange Free State (later known as Free State). The nine Provincial Headquarters were staffed by teams of UNMOs. As a result of the new mandate, observers’ activities expanded to include observing and reporting on voter education, issuance of temporary voter’s cards and following IEC attempts to select sites for and establish voting and counting stations.

Steiner’s records in S-1938 include chronological files, correspondence with the Commission of Inquiry Regarding the Prevention of Public Violence and Intimidation (The Goldstone Commission), coordination with the anniversaries of the assassination of Chris Hani. There are correspondence between the PPD and the Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, addressing United Nations Volunteers issues, statements to the UN Security Council, IEC, letters from the South African Department of Foreign Affairs, invitations to gatherings and events, letters from the Electoral division, Electronic Data Processing (EDP) equipment requests, and a Human Rights International report. Executive summaries of UNOMSA contain weekly summaries of significant issues facing UNOMSA such as: major political developments, activities of senior officials, rallies and meetings attended, operational activities of the Electoral Division and the Public Information/Media Analysis Section. Daily and weekly reports on election updates concerning ballot papers, lights, ink, illegal voting stations, temporary voters’ cards, the activities of political parties, encounters with police, deployment of international observers, specific reports of events such as a Nelson Mandela speech, an Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) rally and security coordination meeting. Minutes and notes document meetings between the PPD and the following organizations: Coordinating Committee, Local Peace Committees, Security Coordination Committee, National Peace Secretariat (NPS) and International Observers.

Records also include briefing materials covering a variety of UNOMSA activities including: election information; voter education; voting stations; temporary voter cards; voting observation forms; deployment of IEOs; incidents of violence; observer issues; historical backgrounds of South Africa covering social, economic, and political issues; and weekly press analyses. The materials were delivered as memoranda, newspaper clippings, and reports through faxes and cables.

S-1938 contains records showing the issue of security within UNOMSA. These records include evacuation plans; safety instructions; police issues; reports on security issues and incidents with observers being attacked or carjacked; and discussions about guidelines for observers. There is also correspondence with South African Police (SAP), notes and minutes of meetings, reports, directives and guidance for UNOMSA staff operating within South Africa. Examples of reports found in the security files of UNOMSA are, “Coming to Grips with Covert Operations: Who Does What and Where?” by the Coalition Against Sate Murder and Corruption (CASMAC), and “Regional Unrest and Crime Related Statistics,” produced by the Wits/Vaal Regional Dispute Resolution Committee Monitoring Workshop Programme.

S-1938 contains runs of incoming faxes from the different regions/provinces in South Africa which cover all aspects of the operation of UNOMSA and the PPD and are directed to or received from: Angela King, COM and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General; Leona Forman, Chief Public Information and Analysis Section; Kevin Kennedy from Public Information and Media Analysis; Timour Dmitrichev, Area Coordinator of Western Cape, Northern Cape and North West; Reginald H.F. Austin Director Electoral Division; Hamish Cameron Deputy Mission Security Coordinator; John Mullen Chief, Procurement Officer; Charles Wyse, Special Advisor; G Zuliani Mission Security Coordinator; UNOMSA observers. These records include an example of a “very good” observer report dispersed to all observers, and a “Statement by Ms. Angela King, (COM) at the UNOMSA Press Reception in Johannesburg, 11 July 1993.”

Though the PPD was separate from the Electoral Division, the mandate highlights that “violence-monitoring activities of the PPD are indistinguishable from the campaign observation activities,” and this holds true with sections of S-1938 concerning election information. S-1938 contains records on election information such as memoranda and reports about the role of observers, restrictions on political campaigning, strategies for monitoring voter education, explanation of acronyms, election statistics of South Africa, newspaper clippings, election observer training, and the European Community Observer Mission in South Africa (ECOMSA) handbook for observers of elections.

In addition, S-1938 also contains records concerning voter education which identify who can vote, what does a voter need to vote, where is the voting, when is the voting, possible extension of voting days, moving of ballot boxes, updates on electoral readiness, notes on polling stations, voting station summary with provisional map, Temporary Voter Cards (TVC) reports, and voter education report forms. The voter education report forms detail the observations from voter education events which were a standard form that lists nineteen questions ranging from date, demographics, subject of the presentations, and descriptions of the teaching methods. There are additional records of vote counting and the setup of voting stations which cover coding of polling stations; reports of counting directives which are guidelines and instructions on counting votes; lists of voting stations; and a summary of polling stations. There were a number of organizations that were conducting voter education in South Africa including The Malta Trust, the Institute for a Democratic Alternative in South Africa (IDASA), and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).

Processing Archivsits: Matthew Aull, Corinne O'Connor
Boxes: 60

The records in S-1930 contain memoranda, correspondence, and reports created or received by the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA)’s Chief of Mission (COM) Angela King who served from 23 September 1992 to 27 June 1994. UNOMSA was established through United Nations Security Council Resolutions 772 and 894, adopted on 17 August 1992 and 14 January 1994, respectively, and operated from September 1992 until June 1994 to observe and report on the transition from apartheid South Africa to a non-racial, democratic society. Ms. King was appointed Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for South Africa in December 1993. The function of S-1930 is derived from PKO.HOM001 and PKO.POL004 of the Peacekeeping and Political Operations Retention Schedule (PORS) through the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department of Field Support, dated 1 August 2011.

The records in S-1930 document the activities and responsibilities of Angela King in both roles and highlight her involvement with UNOMSA’s peace promotion activities during the first mandate through Security Council Resolution 772, which was to monitor activities and promote an end to violence in South Africa; strengthen and reinforce the structures of the National Peace Accord (NPA); and focus on the resumption of negotiation processes in South Africa. The records demonstrate the collaboration between UNOMSA and the National Peace Accord (NPA) structures, including the National Peace Committee (NPC) and the National Peace Secretariat (NPS). Meeting summaries and minutes, memoranda, cables, and faxes document trends in South Africa, detail the progress of United Nations Mission Observers (UNMOs) and other international observer missions in South Africa, and propose modifications as ways to strengthen the NPA by, for example, the establishment of a peace corps and the expansion of responsibilities for the Regional Peace Committees (RPCs), Local Peace Committees (LPCs), and Regional Peace Secretariats (RPS).

S-1930 also contains records exchanged between UNOMSA and one of the NPA structures at the regional level, the Social and Economic Reconstruction and Development (SERD) Committees, which consist of cables, proposals for development projects, and updates from SERD through the RPCs and the NPA. SERD also submitted funding proposals for other United Nations projects, including teacher and education training, assistance to homeless populations, and small business opportunities such as brick building and sewing projects. There was a strong effort by SERD to create economic development in order to stabilize and reconstruct the areas affected by violence.

The Joint Operations Communications Centre (JOCC) was created by the RPC, LPC, and the police to monitor violence by deploying mediators and security to report violence. The JOCC records consist of cables, memoranda, briefings, press releases and reports, and the subjects include administrative details; security arrangements; conditions at the JOCC; reports of violence; end of mission debriefings; meeting summaries; notes from meetings with foreign ambassadors; set up logistics and location of voting stations; staffing requirements; and guidelines.

The Commission of Inquiry Regarding the Prevention of Public Violence and Intimidation, commonly referred to as the Goldstone Commission, is also documented in S-1930. Created by South African President F.W. de Klerk and chaired by Justice Richard Goldstone, the Goldstone Commission investigated political violence which occurred between July 1991 and the general election on 27 April 1994. The Commission produced reports on various topics, including the activities of the NPS, violence and intimidation in the meadowlands, taxi industry, hostels, and on trains, preliminary investigations into the activities of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA), and the violence at Mooi River.

Angela King was in regular contact with the South African government and its officials. S-1930 contains meeting notes and cables between Ms. King and government officials including President de Klerk, the Minister of Home Affairs and Environment, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Law and Order, Minister of Local Government and Housing, Minister of Defence and Justice, Minister of Regional and Land Affairs, and Minister of Constitutional Development. Issues addressed in the meetings include logistical issues around the transition from apartheid to a non-racial democratic society and arranging voter observation to ensure the safety of South African citizens. Ms. King was also in contact with South African political parties such as the African National Congress (ANC), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), South African Communist Party, Afrikaner Volksfront, Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB), the Conservative Party/Konserwatiewe Party (KP), and the Democratic Party. Correspondence documents security planning for the election; meeting summaries; constitutional proposals put forth by political parties; complaints between political parties; efforts at resuming the negotiation process; condolences of deaths; party manifestos; speeches; and press releases by political parties.

S-1930 contains daily reports, bill drafts, resolutions, press releases, statements and notes from meetings of the Transitional Executive Council (TEC). On 7 December 1993, TEC was established to assist with facilitating, transitioning, and preparing for the implementation of a democratic government in South Africa. TEC covered issues such as finance; state employees; incidents of violence and managing states of emergency; determining the rights of citizens to vote; ensuring issues would be addressed after the election; and monitoring independent media coverage.

S-1930 records document communication between Angela King and her Special Advisor Charles Wyse through cables and faxes containing memoranda and reports on a variety of subjects including voter registration, observation of violence, coordination of observers, election results, meeting notes, training, UN role in the elections, deployment of observers, press articles, training, visits, briefings, code of conduct, and meetings.

Other records document Angela King’s work with international observer teams operating in South Africa including: European Community (European Community Observer Mission in South Africa, ECOMSA); Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth Observer Mission to South Africa, COMSA); and the Organisation of African Unity (Organisation of African Unity Observer Mission in South Africa, OAU-OMSA). S-1930 contains cables, press releases and reports exchanged between these organization and UNOMSA related to coordinating observation and sharing information on developments inside South Africa. S-1930 also contains a number of official reports including: “Survey Report on the Proposed Expansion of UNOMSA: Administrative and Logistic Support Matters,” issued by the Field Office Division (FOD)/Department of Peacekeeping Operations; “Violence in South Africa: The Report of the Commonwealth Observer Mission to South Africa Phase II: February 1993 - May 1993," by COMSA; “Report to the Commission of Inquiry Regarding the Prevention of Public Violence and Intimidation,” produced by the Multinational Panel to Inquire into the Curbing of Violence and Intimidation During the Forthcoming South African Election; and "International Monitoring as a Mechanism for Conflict Resolution in Southern Africa," by Douglas Anglin.

With the expanded mandate in 1994 through Security Council Resolution 894, Angela King oversaw all activities of UNOMSA’s two newly created divisions: 1) the Peace Promotion Division (PPD), which continued to respond to the provisions of Security Council Resolution 772 and expanded its network of contacts to include the monitoring branch of the IEC; and 2) the Electoral Division which observed the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC); monitored the ability of South African political parties to campaign freely; verified that eligible voters were not denied identification documents or temporary voter cards (TVCs); and ensured that voting stations were free of intimidation.

The records in S-1930 that relate to the PPD consist of daily, weekly, observer, and situation reports, meeting summaries and press articles from the UNMO teams operating in the newly established provinces. S-1930 also contains reports and summaries about conferences produced by the Electoral Division including the Conference on Election Monitoring and Observing, the Election Planning Conference, the Panel of Religious Leaders for Electoral Justice, and the Conference on Violence: Free and Fair Elections in South Africa. The records also contain correspondence between the Electoral Division and various agencies in South Africa such as the Centre Against Apartheid, National Election Commission, and the Interim Electoral Division.

The records document UNOMSA’s collaboration with the IEC through correspondence, memoranda on elections, meeting summaries, election readiness plans, agendas, locations of voting stations, instructions on how to administer elections, and the role of a monitor in an election. In addition, there are also notes detailing various conferences and meetings such as the IEC conference on Technical Assistance, the Interim Committee of the National Conference on Election Monitoring and Observing, Coordination of International Assistance and Support to IEC, and the Sub-Committee on Monitoring of the IEC.

S-1930 also contains records from the Liaison and Protocol Office, which was located within the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Africa. Headed by the Senior Liaison and Protocol Officer Ala Almoman, the Liaison and Protocol Office generated documents to assist with arranging workshops, coordinating visits, and contacting agencies and governments outside of South Africa. Records related to the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid (UNSCAA) and the IEC have great significance because they include cooperation service agreements between the UN and foreign governments as well as reports from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The active records from the Liaison and Protocol Office run from 1 January to 6 June 1994, with reference material dating from 1 January 1993.

Processing Archivist: Matthew Aull, Corinne O’Connor
Volume: 75 boxes

The records in S-1927 document the policies, procedures and best practices of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) that was established through the United Nations Security Council Resolution 619 on 9 August 1988. The function of S-1927 is derived from PKO.MAT001 of the Peacekeeping and Political Operations Retention Schedule (PORS) through the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department of Field Support, dated 1 August 2011.

S-1927 records include Administrative Instructions and Information Circulars from the Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), T.F. McAndrew and Johann Steinbacher; located in Tehran headquarters. These records document the policies and procedures to be carried out or followed by the United Nations Military Observers (UNMOs) and UNIIMOG staff.

Records also contain policies, procedures and regulations for: medical services, medical outbreaks, UNMOs dress, visits, travel, security plans, and photography. In addition, there are manning lists and policies, strength location reports, and efficiency reports of UNMOs.

The records in S-1918 document the military operations of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) which was established through the United Nations Security Council Resolution 619 on 9 August 1988. The function of S-1918 is derived from PKO.MIL005 of the Peacekeeping and Political Operations Retention Schedule (PORS) through the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department of Field Support, dated 1 August 2011. S-1918 records date primarily from August 1988 to February 1991, however there are materials referenced that fall outside this date range. Most notable is the 1975 Algiers Agreement signed by Iran and Iraq on 6 March 1975 that settled previous border disputes.

UNIIMOG was established along with an agreed upon ceasefire between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq in August 1988, ending almost eight years of war. UNIIMOG was mandated in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 598 dated 20 July 1987, “to verify, confirm and supervise the ceasefire and withdrawal of the forces to the Internationally Recognized Boundary (IRB) and the cooperation of Iran and Iraq in mediation efforts to achieve a peace settlement.”

UNIIMOG’s area of operations were along the ceasefire lines (CFLs) in Iran and Iraq, in No Man’s Land (NML) between the CFLs, and as far into each country as was necessary to monitor the ceasefire. UNIIMOG was headquartered in Tehran, Iran and Baghdad, Iraq. For the purpose of UNIIMOG’s military operations, each country was divided into sectors along the IRB. Each sector was responsible for a number of team sites located closer to the IRB where observations were made. Iran was divided into four sectors from north to south: Saqqez, Bakhtaran, Dezful and Ahwaz. Each of these sectors controlled four team sites except Dezful which controlled three. Iraq was divided into three sectors from north to south: the Northern/Sulaymaniyah, the Central/Ba‘qubah (which moved to Mansuriyah on 27 September 1990), and the Southern/Basra Sector. It appears these sectors controlled their own team sites as well.

S-198 contains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which outline the structure, operations, and administrative functions of UNIIMOG. The SOPs give job descriptions for staff, locations of UNIIMOG facilities, define acronyms, and give insight towards the overall functioning of UNIIMOG.

Major-General Slavko Jovic (Yugoslavia) was appointed Chief Military Observer (CMO) and served in this position until November 1990. Upon his departure, Brigadier-General S. Anam Khan (Bangladesh) took command of UNIIMOG as the Acting Chief Military Observer (A/CMO). The CMO and the senior staff spent alternate weeks at each UNIIMOG headquarters. An Assistant Chief Military Observer (ACMO) was permanently stationed in each capital and directed UNIIMOG's operations in each country, under the overall command of the CMO.
S-1918 records contain concise monthly reports by the CMO sent to Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs Marrack Goulding in UNHQ. The CMO records also include monthly mandate reports, general monthly reports and briefings of UNIIMOG operations.

The Chief Military Logistics Officer (CMLO) was responsible for consolidating, coordinating, projecting, and developing logistical support requirements of sectors and military branches with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and civilian staff. In addition the CMLO acted as liaison between the sectors, military branches and civilian staff on important issues. The records of the CMLO, documented through cables, memoranda, faxes and reports; include the reorganization of UNIIMOG headquarters, sectors and team sites, logistical planning, deployment of staff, sector commander’s conferences, inspection reports and meeting summaries between UNIIMOG and the Iranian and Iraqi governments.

In addition, S-1918 contains UNIIMOG Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which outlined the CMO’s directives, military operations, and administrative arrangements. The SOPs include guidelines for general concepts and conduct, as well as instructions for reporting, meetings, training, awarding of UN medals, and other administrative issues.

The records also comprise of patrol reports, situation reports (SITREPS), violation records, major incidents, and monthly reports. Patrol reports were daily observations recorded by United Nations Military Observers (UNMOs) and were the first step in a series of reporting on ceasefire compliance. Patrol reports contained: sector name; team site name; patrol route; new violations observed; old violations investigated or closed; and special observations which included flooding, mines, and refugee interviews. Patrol reports also covered any restrictions of movement and/or denial of access of UNMOs by Iran and Iraq.

SITREPs were daily reports created to inform the next higher level Headquarters (HQ) about the operational situation, new violations, progress on old violations, administrative and civil matters, communications state, and any other matter requiring the attention of the next higher HQ. For example, a sector HQ would forward a SITREP to their UNIIMOG HQ (Tehran or Baghdad, for example), while the UNIIMOG HQ would forward a SITREP to United Nations HQ.

Violation records documented allegations of ceasefire violations which were classified into nine categories: firing; new defences; activities in the NML; kidnapping, abductions, defectors or hostages; engineering works; additional weapons; improvement of defences; reinforcements; and miscellaneous. Examples of violation records include the construction of bunkers, roads, walls, and defensive positions, as well as Iranian or Iraqi armed forces participating in firing practice too close to the CFL, planting mines, filming the opposing side, conducting night patrols, insurgent attacks, and digging trenches.

Major incidents are defined as violations that are of a serious nature and include: live firing, reinforcement or construction at forward defensive locality; activity in NML; deliberate flooding on the CFL; flights across the CFL; taking captives; deliberate destruction of economic assets of the other party; and road building in the other’s occupied territory. Records relating to major incidents are documented in cables, faxes and reports.

Monthly reports containing collected patrol reports, situation reports, violation records and major incidents, were used to highlight issues and track progress over the course of UNIIMOG. Monthly reports were created by both UNIIMOG headquarters and included summaries of: general situations in each sector; operational matters such as withdrawal or advancement to the IRB; patrols deployed; flag or border meetings; incidents and allegations; restrictions of movement; repatriation of refugees; prisoners of war and the war dead; disputed positions communications; administration summary reports; and personnel summary or strength reports. The purpose of a monthly report was to summarize the operational and administrative activities of each sector in order to report back to the United Nations Headquarters in New York (UNHQ), and to initiate necessary follow up action at UNIIMOG HQs.

S-1918 records also document flag meetings which took place in NML. Members of UNIIMOG, Military Organization for the Implementation of Resolution 598 (MOIR), and the Cease Fire Committee (CC) participated in flag meetings and covered subjects such as: the resolution of issues from the previous flag meeting, communication problems, visa issues, planning future meetings (including the location, date and time of the next meeting), allegations of violations, confirmed violations, accidents, road work, repatriation of war dead, deaths, redeployment, refugees, patrols, restriction of movements, logistics, radios, transportation, and the coordination of liaison officers.

MOIR consisted of members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards who were liaisons between UNIIMOG and the Iranian government. S-1918 contains records that document MOIR’s involvement in UNIIMOG meetings to discuss UN directives, violations, allegations, and progress.

The CC was the Iraqi organization that acted as the liaison between UNIIMOG and the Iraqi government. The CC attended meetings, addressed issues and negotiated terms between the Iraqi government and UNIIMOG. The records describe meetings that the CC attended and contains reports on violations, allegations, troop movements, forward defensive lines and the CFL.

The records of S-1918 document a number of lines regarding the border between Iran and Iraq including defensive lines, CFLs and the IRB. Defensive lines detail where troops are located and changed over the course of UNIIMOG with troop movements, generally away from the IRB. They included New Defensive Lines (NDL), Forward Defensive Lines (FDL), Areas of Separation (AOS), and the Separation of Forces (SOF). The CFLs were mutually agreed upon by Iran and Iraq and constituted the temporary border until complete resolution could be achieved. There are two CFLs, one for each country, which runs along the forward edge of manned defences on each side at the ceasefire agreement of 20 August 1988. Lastly, the IRB was established by the Algiers Agreement of 6 March 1975 and was used to settle border disputes and conflicts between the two sides. These lines and boundaries were discussed in flag meetings via cables, faxes and reports by UNIIMOG, CC, and the MOIR.

S-1918 also contains records coordinating the repatriation of war dead and captures discussions pertaining to logistics and ceremonies for performing the repatriation which allowed war dead to be repatriated to their homeland so they could be buried in accordance with local and national customs. Communications occurred through cables and faxes and at flag meetings, where the repatriations took place.

The general operations correspondence in S-1918 contains cables, memoranda and faxes and was between UNIIMOG headquarters and sectors, as well as direct correspondence between the sectors. Records in the general operations correspondence discuss sector commanders’ conferences, monthly reports, visits, logistical issues, coordinating the delivery of maps, identifying the IRB, and other issues related to situation reports.

The Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs Marrack Goulding visited UNIIMOG twice, first from 13-21 May 1989 and second from 14-22 September 1989. During these visits, Goulding travelled through the UNIIMOG territory and held meetings with high level officials to discuss the mission of UNIIMOG. There are briefings, reports and visit coordination documents in S-1918 for the trips. Visit documentation also includes information about arrangements, itineraries, agendas and schedules.

S-1959 · Series · 1999 - 2017
Part of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (2007-2016)

"The records in S-1959 document the coordination of work between the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) and the United Nations System from 2011 through 2016. In 2011, a new records classification scheme was implemented by the EOSG and records were organized according to the following 30 functions described below. The vast majority of EOSG records from 2011 through 2016 are found in this series. For records from 2007 through 2010 see the other eight series in subfonds AG-069-003 which are arranged thematically. Administration of Executive Office of the Secretary-General (ADM) Administrative records of the EOSG contain official notes, correspondence, concept notes, and memoranda regarding the delegation of responsibilities; travel authorizations; planning of meetings; and the coordination, implementation and establishment of policies and procedures. In addition, the records address personnel matters, such as job postings, appointments, and promotions. Budget and Finance (BUF) Budget and finance records address the management and implementation of funding, budgets, escrow accounts, trust funds, and audits of the United Nations System for programmes, funds, specialized agencies, and peacekeeping operations. Records disclose information regarding unforeseen and extraordinary expenses; travel expenses; and budgets for appointments and new posts. The records are comprised of memoranda, correspondence, official notes, and draft and final reports. In addition, budget and finance records document the work of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly. The major functions of the ACABQ are to examine and report on the budget submitted by the Secretary-General to the General Assembly; advise the General Assembly concerning any administrative and budgetary matters referred to it; examine the administrative budgets of the specialized agencies and proposals for financial arrangements with such agencies; and consider and report to the General Assembly regarding auditors' reports of United Nations and specialized agencies accounts. Children and Armed Conflict (CAC) Children and armed conflict records document monitoring, reporting, and coordination and partnerships with the EOSG; Member States; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); the Security Council Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict; and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Armed Conflict (OSRSG/CAAC). The OSRSG/CAAC seeks to end the killing, torture, and abduction of children as well as attacks on schools and hospitals and the denial of humanitarian access to children in need. The records focus primarily on countries such as Syrian Arab Republic, Republic of South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and contain official notes; correspondence; memoranda; draft and final reports of the Secretary-General; Global Horizontal Notes; recommendations from the Security Council Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict; and mission update notes and reports from the SRSG/CAAC. Communications and Public Information (COM) Communications and public information records are mostly comprised of invitations to the Secretary-General from internal and external entities requesting his attendance to deliver speeches, remarks, introductory/closing statements, or provide video messages at commemorative events; global conferences and meetings; award ceremonies; and inaugural events. Invitations from external entities include Member States; NGOs; intergovernmental organizations (IGOs); and civil, religious, private, and academic institutions. These records generally include responses from the Secretary-General, as well as written messages delivered by a representative on his behalf. A portion of these invitations were addressed to the Deputy-Secretary General or the Chef de Cabinet. These records also contain correspondence and memoranda from the following entities providing support and coordination to the Secretary-General: Department of Public Information (DPI); Speechwriting Unit; and the Scheduling Unit. The records also document the United Nations Messengers of Peace and Goodwill Ambassadors programmes, including correspondence and official notes between the Secretary-General, Chef de Cabinet, and DPI, nominating individuals to those positions. United Nations Messengers of Peace and Goodwill Ambassadors are distinguished individuals, carefully selected from the fields of art, literature, science, entertainment, sports or other fields of public life, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations. The Secretary-General appoints the Messengers of Peace, while Goodwill Ambassadors are designated by the heads of United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies. In addition, the records contain weekly press reviews produced by the News and Media Division of DPI. These records generally contain an official note to the Secretary-General from a DPI officer highlighting key points from the weekly press review. Conference Management (CFR) Conference management records detail administrative matters relating to the planning of conferences and sessions of the General Assembly. The records contain correspondence regarding General Assembly delegations; requests for meetings with the Secretary-General; nomination of candidates; and accreditation of delegates. Other records include requests for conference services; arrangements for appointing representatives to meet on behalf of the Secretary-General; meeting summaries; procedures for circulating documents to the General Assembly and the Security Council; and contain submission guidelines. In addition, there are reports regarding the management of documentation throughout the United Nations System. Crisis Management (CRM) Crisis management records document the efforts of the United Nations to address man-made and natural disasters, including economic crises and earthquakes. The records contain meeting notes, agendas, and updates of the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC); official update notes; invitations from the Secretary-General to events and conferences including the Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction; letters of appreciation; requests for assistance; and draft reports of the Secretary-General on the "International Strategy for Disaster Reduction." Development (DEV) Development records primarily chronicle efforts of the United Nations to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); Post-2015 Agenda; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; as well as initiatives such as Global Compact; Global Pulse; Sport for Development and Peace; and others related to water, sanitation, migration, wildlife, and youth. These records include official update notes to the Secretary-General; memoranda regarding the preparation and planning of meetings; meeting summaries; updates and annual reports from Resident Coordinator/United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative; and talking points of the Secretary-General. Correspondence includes letters of support and contributions from Member States and external entities, including private businesses. The records also contain meeting invitations to the Secretary-General and his responses. In addition, there are records documenting the planning of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, 20-22 June 2012; letters of support from Member States regarding the outcome of Rio+20; and activities of work as a result of Rio+20. The records also document development in the African region through official notes, correspondence, and memoranda including the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Sudan and South Sudan; review of the Ten-Year Capacity Building Programme (TYPCBP) for the African Union; and the African transformative agenda. Disarmament (DIS) Disarmament records document the work of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and coordination and partnership with the EOSG and the United Nations System. UNODA provides substantive and organizational support for norm-setting in the area of disarmament through the work of the General Assembly and its First Committee; the Disarmament Commission; the Conference on Disarmament; and the Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters. Disarmament records document the Secretary-General and his staff's participation in global conferences, summits, and committee meetings. These records include invitations; planning notes; logistical travel information; official update notes; background material; delegation compositions for trips; and conference summaries. The records also include correspondence between the Secretary-General and United Nations officials providing representation on his behalf; letters of gratitude for attending events or participating in panels; and letters from the Secretary-General to the Security Council forwarding updates and reports. In addition, records include summaries and correspondence documenting the sessions of the Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters and the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC). Beginning in 2013, the Syrian Arab Republic became a focus region for disarmament affairs particularly concerning the inquiry into the use of chemical weapons. United Nations Security Council resolution 2118 (2013) imposed on Syria responsibilities and a timeline for the destruction of its chemical weapons and chemical weapons production facilities. Records from 2013 to 2016 reflect the measures taken by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)-UN Joint Mission in Syria and include final mission and progress reports; Security Council resolutions; correspondence; and official update notes. The records also contain reports and correspondence from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In addition, there are records documenting efforts to encourage a peaceful nuclear programme in Iran; efforts to halt North Korea's long-range missile testing and nuclear programme; and the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and its ratification by Member States. Environment and Climate Change (ECC) Environment and Climate Change records pertain to the efforts and actions taken by the United Nations System and the wider community to combat climate change. The records include invitations to and from the Secretary-General to attend conferences, forums, summits, or panels, including the high-level signing of the Paris Agreement, 22 April 2016. Additional correspondence includes requests for meetings; letters of support; letters of gratitude; and petitions. There are also official notes providing meeting summaries and updates to the Secretary-General on the progress made by Member States in adapting greener sources of energy; the regulation of greenhouse emissions; and financing of environmental causes. External Relations (EXR) External relations records document interactions between the EOSG; the United Nations Permanent Missions; United Nations Permanent Observers; politicians; NGOs; IGOs; civil, religious, private, and academic institutions; and the general public. The records consist primarily of correspondence and detail issues such as human rights abuses, humanitarian needs, and natural disasters; military activities; and recommendations and actions taken regarding conflict resolution. The records also contain requests and petitions addressed to the Secretary-General for the support of the United Nations regarding policies, projects, and requests for assistance in the dissemination of information on issues and abuses. The records also contain correspondence conveying well-wishes, holiday wishes, appreciations, congratulations, and invitations. In addition, there are letters of condolence from the Secretary-General addressed to United Nations Permanent Missions, United Nations Permanent Observers, and Heads of State after the death of an individual or catastrophic event. Facilities Management and Capital Improvements (FAM) Facilities management and capital improvement records pertain to the enhancements on buildings and structures of the United Nations. Most notably, the records document the Capital Master Plan (CMP), a six-year renovation project beginning in 2008 to bring the United Nations compound into the twenty-first century, with goals to produce a safer, more modern, and more energy-efficient Headquarters complex for delegates, staff and visitors. These records contain building plans; progress reports; and correspondence from delegations. Finance (FIN) Finance records include the Weekly Report on the Financial Situation of the United Nations; financial statements for the United Nations escrow account established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1958 (2010); annual financial statements of the United Nations peacekeeping operations; and official notes to the Chef de Cabinet regarding banking services for certain Permanent Missions to the United Nations. The records also contain correspondence from the Secretary-General to Member States requesting funding for tribunals such as the Special Tribunal for Lebanon; United Nations refugee programmes, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA); and humanitarian aid. In addition, records document the work of the Committee on Contributions through correspondence, memoranda, and reports. Health (HEA) The majority of health records contain memoranda, correspondence, official notes, and reports that document the work of the EOSG and the United Nations System regarding health initiatives. Health initiatives include: the Movement for Scaling up Nutrition (SUN), Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM) and the Global Action Framework for TB, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1998 and 2015, respectively; and an initiative to help eliminate cholera in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, launched in 2012. In addition, records reflect United Nations work regarding the health of women and children, such as Every Woman Every Child (EWEC), a global movement, launched during the Millennium Development Goals Summit in September 2010, that mobilizes and intensifies international and national action by governments; multilaterals; the private sector; and civil society to address the major health challenges facing women, children and adolescents around the world. The health records also document the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic and the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), established on 19 September 2014. UNMEER was set up as a temporary measure to meet immediate needs related to the unprecedented fight against Ebola. These records include update notes; funding documentation; contributions from Member States; and staffing strategies. Other health epidemics such as polio, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria are documented in the records through correspondence from Member States; reports and update notes; and outcome documentation and background material from conferences, meetings, and health related committees. In addition, the records pertain to annual international observances relating to health as proclaimed by the General Assembly, which include World Water Day (22 March); the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26 June); and World AIDS Day (1 December). Human Resources and Management (HRM) Human resources and management records deal with United Nations personnel matters, including appointments of United Nations staff and resident coordinators; internal disputes and disciplinary matters; staff complaints; classification of new and existing posts; legal opinions; and staff reform. The documents contain personnel records such as employment history forms and applications; terms of reference; nominations; letters of recommendation; letters of resignation and retirement; condolence letters from the Secretary-General to staff's next of kin; congratulatory messages and acknowledgements from the Secretary-General; travel authorization requests; requests to the Ethics Office to accept awards, honours, appointments, and other outside activities; petitions from staff members addressing complaints; and correspondence and official notes between the EOSG, United Nations Staff Union, or the Staff Management Committee. In addition, there are records that document the work of the United Nations Internal Justice System that handles internal disputes and disciplinary matters. These records include official notes, correspondence, and memoranda regarding the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT) and the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT); and drafts of reports of the Secretary-General on the administration of justice. Human Rights (HRT) Human rights records document the efforts of the Secretary-General, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Human Rights Council and other bodies within the United Nations System in promoting and strengthening respect for human rights throughout the world. The records include correspondence from Member States addressing concerns, reporting human rights violations, and requesting funding; correspondence and petitions from the public addressed to the Secretary-General highlighting various human rights violations and requesting the intervention of the United Nations. There are also reports, memoranda, correspondence and official notes regarding investigations of human rights violations; monitoring states' compliance with international human rights treaties; and updating the Secretary-General on recent developments. Topics in these records include: refugees fleeing the Middle East and Africa to resettle in Europe; violence in the Republic of South Sudan; and human rights abuses in Kashmir. In addition, there are post-mission reports; draft reports to the General Assembly; statements and remarks delivered at Human Rights Council sessions; and meeting summaries of official meetings and visits of the Secretary-General; the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; and other representatives of the Secretary-General. Humanitarian Affairs (HUM) Humanitarian affairs records primarily document the coordination of work between the Secretary-General; Deputy Secretary-General, Chef de Cabinet; Director of Political, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Affairs in the EOSG; the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); and other entities in the United Nations System. OCHA is responsible for coordinating responses to emergencies through the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, whose members include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR); United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); World Food Programme (WFP); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); World Health Organization (WHO); and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The records cover a wide range of issues such as climate change; global food security; humanitarian response coordination; human rights; human security; human settlements; impact of sanctions; internally displaced persons; famine; access to clean water; and the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The records include official notes and mission reports sent to the Secretary-General from officers of OCHA and the Director of Political, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Affairs, providing updates on humanitarian situations in countries such as Syrian Arab Republic, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of Niger, Republic of Burundi, Republic of Iraq, Republic of Yemen, and Ukraine; and background information provided to the Secretary-General prior to visits of areas affected by humanitarian crises. There are also petitions from the public requesting the United Nations take action in areas in need of humanitarian relief, mostly concerning the aftermath of natural disasters. In addition, the humanitarian affairs records also contain official notes; updates; correspondence; and memoranda on topics such as sustainable fisheries; the humanitarian response to the Syria crisis; the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS); the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF); impact of nuclear weapons; and updates on the work of the Human Rights Council and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Information Management (INM) The bulk of information management records consist of daily itemized lists documenting incoming correspondence addressed to the Secretary-General or other officials in the EOSG. The lists provide a brief description of the correspondence; the date the correspondence was written and received; the name of the sender; and handwritten notes with recommendations of action to be taken. Correspondence includes political updates; requests for action to address humanitarian issues; responses to requests from the Secretary-General; letters of acknowledgement; invitations; letters of condolence; and thank-you letters. The records also contain official notes, correspondence, memoranda, and progress reports regarding the implementation of Umoja, the Enterprise Resource Planning system, and the work of the Umoja Steering Committee. Additionally, there are records that contain correspondence, memoranda, and official notes between the EOSG and the Archives and Records Management Section (ARMS); Permanent Missions to the United Nations; government officials; and researchers addressing access requests to United Nations Archives including requests to declassify files. Internal Relations (INR) Internal relations records pertain to the coordination of work between the EOSG, specialized agencies, programmes, funds, councils, committees, training institutes, offices, and other entities of the United Nations System, specifically, United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA); United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG); United Nations at Nairobi (UNON); United Nations Office in Vienna (UNOV); United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); World Health Organization (WHO); Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UNHABITAT); the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM); United Nations International School (UNIS), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women); United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC); World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); International Organization for Migration (IOM); Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), World Food Programme (WFP); Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC); Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP); United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA); Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC); United Nations University (UNU); and the University for Peace (UPEACE). These records contain correspondence; official notes; reports of meetings and conferences; and Security Council and General Assembly documents. The records also document the work of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB). The CEB is the longest-standing and highest-level coordination forum of the United Nations System focusing on inter-agency priorities and initiatives while ensuring the independent mandates of the entities in the United Nations System are maintained. Meeting biannually and chaired by the Secretary-General, the CEB is comprised of executive heads of the United Nations System including funds, programmes, and specialized agencies. The CEB carries out its role through three high-level committees: High-Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP); High-Level Committee on Management (HLCM); and the United Nations Development Group (UNDG). These records contain correspondence; briefing notes; official notes; and invitations. Internal relations records also comprise documents of the Policy Committee (the Committee), a decision-making mechanism of the Secretary-General on key thematic and geographic issues with a transparent and predictable preparatory process. The Committee, established in 2005, is the highest-level internal decision-making body of the United Nations on policy matters, providing a strategic agenda corresponding to the Secretary-General's priorities. The Committee usually meets several times a month and issues signed decisions of the Secretary-General with clear tasks and deadlines. The records include copies of these decisions as well as summary records of discussion. In addition, the records contain talking points of the Secretary-General for Committee meetings; submission papers that provide background information on meeting topics; and resulting recommendations. Legal Affairs (LEG) Legal affairs records document the coordination of work between the EOSG and the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). OLA provides a unified, central legal service for the Secretariat and organs of the United Nations and contributes to the progressive development and codification of international public and trade law. It also provides advice and support, as appropriate, to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and assists the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY); the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR); the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL); the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC); the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL); the International Criminal Court (ICC); as well as the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of OLA. The records contain correspondence, memoranda, and official notes exchanged between the EOSG; the Under-Secretary General for Legal Affairs and the United Nations Legal Counsel; the Assistant Secretary-General in charge, as well as the Department of Political Affairs (DPA). These records document internal and external investigations; claims; lawsuits; recommendations for the acceptance of awards and honours; requests and assignments of Full Powers for United Nations Officials; recommendations regarding agreements with host-countries and other entities; and legal advice and opinions. In addition, there are records concerning the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations that was responsible for settling, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted by Member States and providing advisory opinions on legal questions referred by United Nations entities. These records contain case updates from the Under-Secretary General for Legal Affairs and the United Nations Legal Counsel; official notes providing summaries of judgments and advisory opinions on the nominations of judges to be elected to the ICJ from Member States; and correspondence between the Secretary-General and the President of the ICJ. There are also records documenting the ICC, which investigates and tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when warranted. The records contain official update notes to the Secretary-General on the progress of cases; reports to the prosecutor of the ICC; official court documents, including applications and decisions; and letters of transmittal and court documents sent from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council. These records are also composed of correspondence between the Secretary-General, the President of the ICC, and Member States regarding the nominations, elections, and extensions of judicial appointments. Legal records also document the work of the international tribunals and special courts: ECCC, ICTY, ICTR, SCSL, and STL and contain correspondence between the EOSG, the tribunals or courts, and Member States regarding appointments and extensions of judges and staff; requests for funding; and reports and updates regarding cases. Oversight (OVE) Most oversight records originate from the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), which assists the Secretary-General in fulfilling his oversight responsibilities through the provision of audit, investigation, inspection, and evaluation services. The bulk of records documents the work of the Investigations Division of OIOS and contains reports on assessments and investigations of violations of United Nations staff including peacekeepers, Secretariat personnel, and contractors. These records also contain closure notices for cases that did not have substantial information to warrant further investigation. There are also reports; official notes; correspondence and memoranda documenting the work of the Internal Audit Division of OIOS, which performs risk-based audits to assist management in establishing and strengthening risk management, internal control and governance using a combination of assurance and advisory services. Other records detail the work of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU), the independent external oversight body of the United Nations System mandated to conduct system-wide evaluations, inspections, and investigations. These records contain correspondence between the JIU and Secretary-General, as well as transmittal letters of reports from the JIU to the Secretary-General. Oversight records also pertain to the work of the Board of Auditors (BOA), which is responsible for the external audit of United Nations entities or projects, including funds and programmes. The BOA reports its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly through the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ). These records primarily contain correspondence between the EOSG and the BOA, with the bulk of the correspondence containing drafts of official notes written on behalf of the Secretary-General for the transmittal of BOA reports. Other records document the Oil-for-Food Programme (OFFP); Senior Managers' Compacts; and the Financial Disclosure Programme. Peacebuilding (PEB) The peacebuilding records document the coordination of work between the EOSG, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO). The PBC, PBF, and PBSO comprise the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture. The PBC is a key intergovernmental advisory body that supports peacebuilding efforts in countries emerging from conflict. The PBSO assists and supports the PBC with strategic advice and policy guidance; administers the PBF; and serves the Secretary-General in bringing UN entities together to advance their peacebuilding efforts. The PBF is the Secretary-General's Fund and supports activities, actions, programmes and organizations that seek to build a lasting peace in countries emerging from conflict. The records contain correspondence, official notes, and reports exchanged between the Secretary-General; Deputy Secretary-General; Chef de Cabinet; the Director for Political, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Affairs; and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support; and Member States. The records also document the work of advisory groups, including the Advisory Group of Experts for the 2015 Review of the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture and the Peacebuilding Fund Advisory Group. Other records include: funding requests from Member States; responses from the Secretary-General declaring eligibility for support from the PBF; draft reports of the Secretary-General; mission reports; and official update notes and correspondence. Peacekeeping (PKG) Peacekeeping records focus on efforts to stop, prevent, investigate, or prosecute cases of violence through assistance to Member States provided by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the intercession of the Secretary-General and his representatives. The records contain: official notes, memoranda, and correspondence providing the Secretary-General with overviews of recent political and security developments where violence or

S-1957 · Series · 1970 - 2011
Part of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (2007-2016)

"The records in S-1957 document the coordination of work between the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and the regional economic commissions; funds; programmes; specialized agencies; research and training institutes; councils; committees; and other entities of the United Nations System. The series contains records from a variety of internal and external agencies and organizations including: United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA); United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); World Health Organization (WHO); Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UNHABITAT); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); United Nations International School (UNIS); Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); World Food Programme (WFP); Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC); Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP); United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA); United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC); United Nations University (UNU); and the University for Peace (UPEACE); United Nations System Chief Executive Board for Coordination (CEB); International Criminal Court of Justice (ICJ); International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR); International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM); United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA); United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); Joint Inspection Unit (JIU); United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA); United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE); World Trade Organization (WTO); International Criminal Court (ICC); International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The records date from 2007 through 2010, and are arranged chronologically and therein by subject. The records of S-1957 contain correspondence; memoranda; official notes; invitations and responses; requests for meetings; summaries and updates concerning meetings, conferences, and the progress of work. In addition, there are records pertaining to United Nations commemorations, medals and recognition programmes, such as the International Day of Peace and the Nobel Peace. Within this series, the Resident Coordinator System (RCS) records are distinctive from the others because it is managed by UNDP, and its function is carried by the UNDP Resident Representative on behalf of the entire United Nations System. As the designated representative of the Secretary-General, the Resident Coordinator is the leader of the UN Country Team (UNCT) and plays a central role in coordinating the development operations of the United Nations and ensuring alignment with national priorities. At the end of the calendar year, each UNCT reports on the results it has achieved based on its annual work plan, using the Resident Coordinator's Annual Report format. S-1957 contains these reports, which usually include a letter to the Secretary-General summarizing the team's work and highlighting significant achievements, a results table and an annual work plan for the following year. In addition, there are also letters to Heads of State concerning the designation of Resident Coordinators/UNDP Resident Representatives from the Secretary-General; and correspondence pertaining to the selection of United Nations Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative positions. In 2011, the EOSG adopted a new records classification scheme that contains records for the remainder of the Secretary-General's term. Records similar to those in S-1957 are also found within S-1959: Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) - Central Files (2011-2016). Processing Archivist: Corinne O'Connor Volume: 31 boxes"

S-1956 · Series · 1961 - 2011
Part of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (2007-2016)

"The records in S-1956 document interactions between the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and Member States; politicians; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); intergovernmental organizations (IGOs); civil, religious, private, and academic institutions; and the general public. The records mostly date from 2007 to 2010 and detail issues, primarily through correspondence, such as the United Nations' response to human rights abuses, humanitarian needs, and natural disasters; involvement in military activities and conflict resolution; political negotiations and matters related to elections; and United Nations' initiatives such as Millennium Development Goals (MDGS). They frequently document major events and efforts such as the attempts to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia; assistance provided in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake in Haiti; armed conflict between Russia and Georgia; independence of Kosovo; the crisis in Darfur; and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In 2011, the EOSG adopted a new records classification scheme that contains records for the remainder of the Secretary-General's term. Records similar to those in S-1956 are also found within S-1959: Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) - Central Files (2011-2016). The records also contain: petitions; press releases; speeches and remarks made by the Secretary-General; reports; reference material; official United Nations documents; official notes; talking points; and internal correspondence and memoranda from the Secretary-General, Chef de Cabinet, and officers from the Department of Political Affairs (DPA). Incoming and outgoing correspondence include invitations to and from the Secretary-General or a member of the EOSG staff to meet with delegates and representatives of Member States and other organizations; and to participate in conferences, seminars, dinners, anniversary celebrations, and other events. They also contain requests for the Secretary-General's support for a wide variety of policies and projects, andfor assistance in dissemination of information on issues and abuses to a wider audience such as advocating the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children, and specific requests to assist refugees created by the crises in Darfur and the conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians. In addition, some of the correspondence includes nominations for United Nations posts and endorsements of candidates by independent groups; letters of gratitude to and from the Secretary-General; letters of condolences; requests for financial assistance; congratulatory letters to newly elected or appointed individuals; and mission updates. Frequently documents attached to correspondence include lists of individuals who will attend meetings, their CVs, itineraries, background notes, and talking points. The records also contain a large number of update notes, memoranda, and reports which describe and analyse world events and provide suggestions and recommendations on the action to take; mission progress reports and after-mission reports; progress reports detailing the peace process; implementation of agreements and summaries of meetings and impressions garnered; as well as notes generated from meetings of the Secretary-General and members of the EOSG. Processing Archivist: Virginia Pastor, Alex Gelfand Volume: 116 boxes"

Issues (2007-2010)
S-1955 · Series · 1990 - 2010
Part of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (2007-2016)

"The records in S-1955 document the work of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and the United Nations System regarding issues of armed and political conflict, human rights situations, and terrorism, as well as social matters. The records date from 2007 through 2010, and are arranged chronologically and by subject. The records consist primarily of correspondence; memoranda; official notes; invitations; statements of the Secretary-General; and reports. In 2011, the EOSG adopted a new records classification scheme that contains records for the remainder of the Secretary-General's term. Records similar to those in S-1955 are also found within S-1959: Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) - Central Files (2011-2016). The records focus on trouble areas in the following regions, countries, and territories: African region; Central America; Republic of Cyprus; Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Eritrea; Republic of Iraq; Kashmir; State of Kuwait; Korean Peninsula; the Middle East; and Western Sahara. A majority of records address peace talks, negotiation of peace agreements, and confidence-building measures (CBMs), including talks between the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA); Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders; Syria and Israel; and Iraq and Kuwait. In addition, some records pertain to border, territorial, and diplomatic disputes, such as those between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon; Eritrea and Djibouti; Republic of Guatemala and Belize; Republic of Colombia-Republic of Ecuador-Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Lebanese Republic and Syrian Republic; State of Palestine and State of Israel; Gaza Strip and southern Israel; and the Government of Morocco and Frente Polisario, regarding Western Sahara. The records also document security and humanitarian situations in eastern Chad and the northeastern Central African Republic, including movements of refugees and of internally displaced persons and detail progress in creating security conditions conducive to their voluntary repatriation; the transfer of Kuwaiti prisoners of war (POW), and the return of property from Iraq. Records documenting human rights situations focus on countries such as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK); Republic of Cyprus; and Republic of Cuba. Documentation associated with the Middle East contain the records of United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF); United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL); United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO); United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC); and United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC). In addition, there are records pertaining to the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE); United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP); and United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). Some records in this series document terrorism and contain summaries of meetings of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning Counter-Terrorism and of the earlier Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities; as well as the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF). In addition, there are condolence letters to the Secretary-General regarding the Algiers bombing, 11 December 2007. A small portion of records detail the investigation and provide updates related to the bombing. S-1955 contains records on social matters including the advancement of women and gender equality; climate change; Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); sustainable development; ageing; disabled persons; and youth. These records concern the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC); Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW); United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW); conferences, forums, and summits regarding youth; Commission on Sustainable Development; United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD); Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation; and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). Processing Archivist: Corinne O'Connor Volume: 14 boxes"