Role Played By International Organizations Politics Essay

Role Played By trans bailiwick Organizations Politics Essay world-wide compositions leave a forum for world(prenominal) co-operation in environsal issues as they play two all-important(prenominal) roles environmental policy making and the breeding of internationalistist environmental virtue. Every organization is endowed with environmental responsibilities as those involved in international environmental police force ar naturalized at the regional global, regional and sub-regional and bilateral aims. Almost all international organizations today have some competency or responsibility for the increment, application or the enforcement of international environment obligations including those related to standard setting. The decentralized nature of international organizations in the international environment sketch figure outs it difficult to assess their roles by reference to some(prenominal) functional, sectorial or geographical criteria. They can be divided into th ree categories global organs associated with the fall in Nations and its redundantised agencies, regional organizations outside the united Nations system and organizations established by environmental and opposite treaties. Within these categories thither ar of course everyplacelaps since many organizations established in the categories were created by acts of the United Nations or its specialized agencies. biography of planetary OrganizationsPrior to 1945 there were no international organizations dealing with environmental personal business but the tip after World War II saw the emergence of a number of international organizations grow. They were established at global, regional and sub-regional levels to deal specifically with environmental issues or to adapt to the existing organizations by having competence in the area of environmental issues. The Stockholm Conference recognized that the global and regional environmental problems mandatory extensive co-operation among n ations and put to death by international organizations in pursuit of common interest for the protection of the environment.1 similarly enounces were called upon to check up on that international organizations play a coordinated, efficient and dynamic role for the protection and improvement of the environment.2Functions and Roles of International OrganizationsThey perform a number of different functions and roles seeing on their constituent documents in relation to environmental af decorouss ranging from judicial, administrative to legislative roles. The functions they perform relate mostly to five areas which will be discussed shortly.Forum for co-operation and co-ordination among states and non state actors on environmental management matters. As they act as a forum where in nominal and formal ideas are shared which builds on international consensus for regional and global action to be taken.Provides discip get international organizations receive and disseminate instruction a nd facilitate for the ex pitch of information with formal or intimate consultations in the midst of states.Contribute to the learning of legal obligations much(prenominal) as soft rectitude by playacting as a catalyst informally outside the organization or formally indoors the organization where the organization adopts acts or decisivenesss which create legal binding obligations.Ensures implementation and compliance with obligations by receiving information from parties on an informal basis or receiving regular reports or periodic communications from parties to international environmental treaties as a means of reviewing progress in implementation.Act as an independent forum or chemical mechanism for the settlement of disputes between states. Through the compute of bodies with general competence to an environmental agreement or by reference of an issue to a body specifically created to assist with dispute settlement much(prenominal) as the International Court of Justice o r the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. ball-shaped Organizations skilful general throngThe United Nations specialized agencies and its subsidiary organs are regarded as the focal points for international fairness in the fields of environment law.3Through, the shape of the jumper lead organs such as the General Assembly which has interpretated and utilise broad principles such as the onward motion of sustainable development and the protection of the environment. The General Assembly is regarded as the principal decision making organ and has the power to discuss any question or matters within the scope of the United Nations Charter or make recommendations to member states or the protective cover Council.4Furthermore, promote international co-operation in political social, cultural, gentilityal, health fields plus the codification and development of international law.5There is no specific mention of the General Assembly having competence in environmental affairs but low order of business 21 it was recognized as the principal policy making and appraisal organ having a regular review function with respect to Agenda 21. The study role played by the General assembly has been the creation of bodies that have been instrumental in environmental law such as the UNEP which is the of import voice of the United Nations by bringing rising issues before the international companionship so as to reach global and regional consensus on such matters. The CSD and the UNDP which seek to help ontogenesis countries and those in modulation pass on sustainable development in line with environmental principles and standards.United Nations surround ProgrammeThe United Nations Environment Programme is the United Nations designated body for masterminding issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to co-ordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment review by bringing emerging issues to the attention o f governments and the international community so as to pursue action. This is the United Nations body exclusively focalization on international environmental matters. The constituent instrument which the platform adheres to commits it to the provision of policy guidance and co-ordination of environmental programmes within the United Nations among its roles.6The creation of the programme is testimony of the General Assemblys powers granted to it to a lower place the Charter so as to delay environmental matters are dealt with collectively since they affect everyone.Provision of informationUNEP has been promoting access to information on environmental law in order to incr fill-in the level of world-wide knowledge and to provide actors immediately involved in the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental law, with the information they need. According to the Stockholm declaration7provision of such information is education on environmental matters, for the younger generation as well as adults, in order to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises and communities in protect and improving the environment. The basic premise being enhancing the knowledge of environmental law issues by carrying out environmental law studies through the development of websites, and producing environmental law publications to build capacity in environmental law globally. For instance, on Studies in environmental law matters UNEP devotes great attention to the strengthening and promotion of environmental law by chthonictaking legal studies on different areas identified in the Montevideo Programme ternion and in subsequent Governing Council decisions. Secondly, establishing a website which provides information on all its environmental activities such as UNEPs environmental law programme is intended to be an instrument for conveying non only information about UNEPs activities, but also to work as a resource tool for all those aro enjoyment in environmental law world-wide. UNEP ensures that information on environmental matters is known fully especially to the least(prenominal) developed and ontogenesis countries sop that they routine the environment sustainably with the information published.Provision of skilful assistance to developing countries and in transitionTechnical assistance is very vital as few countries are fully capable to deal with environmental matters as they are today. This was recognized in the UNCED Agenda 21 and the WSSD invent of implementation which recognized the short comings in the environmental legislation in effecting the integration of environment and development policies and practices especially in the developing countries. UNEPs role is to strengthen national and institutional bodies so as to be able to translate sustainable development policies and strategies into action with respect to developing countries and those in transition.In line with Agenda 21 w hich underscores the importance of implementing international obligations through enactment of the laws at regional, national or municipal level. UNEP in line with Agenda 21 has focused on technical assistance with respect to build the capacity of legal stake holders such as decision makers, legal professionals and academics. The provision of Technical service is guided by the Montevideo Programme II in which the Governing Councils decision 17/25 paragraph 2 stated its objective provision of technical assistance to least developing countries and countries with economies in transition to develop and implement environmental law. Which ensures the UNEP plays its role in assisting governments strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks through cooking the capacity of decision makers and legal stakeholders in environmental matters so that they strengthen, implement and develop environment law.The role of UNEP is to ensure that the least developed and developing countries in te rms of the Rio8declaration enact rough-and-ready environmental legislation so that it is in line with the environmental and development standards. Meaning the laws enacted have to conjecture in their domestic laws international environmental law and in line with the developments in environmental law.United Nations Development ProgrammeThe United Nations established the United Nations Development Programme in 19659as the principal channel for multilateral technical and investment assistance to developing countries apart from integrating the millennium development goals with environmental matters. It is active in all frugal and social factors which are highly valuable under environmental law as they are interlinked with environmental sustainable development as stated in the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development10economic development, social development and environmental protection are interdependent and mutually reinforcing with respect to sustainable development which is th e framework to achieve a higher fictional character of life for all people. Therefore, the work of the United Nations Development Programme is linked directly to poverty decrement by removing the social and economic barriers by empowering the poor so that they will be able to practice sustainable use of the environment in line with its mandate. As there can be no achievement of sustainable development without clear focus on the reduction of poverty as good conditions must be present some(prenominal) socially and economically to ensure development and sustainable use of the environment. This is in line with the Rio Declaration11which clearly envisions eradication of poverty so as a indispensableness for the sustainable use of the environment by decreasing the disparities of living standards in line with the people in the world.The UNDPs role is to help developing countries strengthen their capacities to deal with environmental challenges at global, national and community level s eeking and sharing the best practices by providing policy advice, management of important programmes and institutions such as the Global Environment Facility. This introduced the lowly Grants Programme which aims at strengthening local capacity in the community by providing enabling conditions. As for instance, the Small Grants Programme works with communities around the world to combat the most unfavorable environmental problems and support communities in their efforts to achieve more sustainable livelihoods. SGP supports projects of non-governmental and community- floord organizations in developing countries to demonstrate that community action can dally both human needs and environmental sustainability.12UNDPs role in developing countries is to ensure in force(p) participation of women in environmental affairs. As according to the Rio Declaration13women have a vital role in environmental management and development. Their full participation is therefore essential to achieve su stainable development. Since local actors, especially women, are excluded from meaningful participation in environment and energy policy-making processes. Exclusion has served to weaken the impact, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of initiatives, funding mechanisms, and programmes implemented by international development agencies and national governments.14This is attributable to the Small Grants Programme which enhances the capacity of local actors, especially women, to access environmental finance so as to ensure they are fall apart equipped to act responsibly. focusing on sustainable DevelopmentThe United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established by the UN General Assembly and ECOSOC in 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the commonwealth Summit. The Johannesburg Plan of writ of execution recognized the CSD as a high level forum on sustainable development and it ha s specific roles which are. Review progress at the international, regional and national levels in the implementation of recommendations and commitments contained in the (UNCED) namely Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.15Follow up the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and achieve sustainable development.16Promote dialogue and build partnerships for sustainable development with governments, the international community and the study groups identified in Agenda 21.The Earth Summit recognized capacity-building as the means of implementation for Agenda 21 with particular focus on national mechanisms and international co-operation. The Division for Sustainable Development provides targeted consultative services at the request of individual governments. These services support specific policy initiatives and the requisite institutional development and capacity-building.Technical support is specifically designed to accelerate the formulation of policies for sustainable development and provide substantive support for their implementation at national and international levels in line with the Johannesburg Plan of implementation.17The Divisions technical expertise enables it to support developing countries and countries with economies in transition in their realization of sustainable development. The role of the CSD is to better equip developing countries to develop in line within the framework of environmental law principles as each country has its specific needs especially developing countries.United Nations Institute for Training and interrogationIs an autonomous body within the United Nations with the mandate to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations through training and research. The role of UNITAR is to strengthen the capacity of portion States, Organizations and individuals to address environmental challenges and reach sustainable goals through modernistic training access codees and methods.18In line with the Rio declar ation which promotes access to information, public participation, and access to justice in environmental matters and the Aarhus convention which is a major initiative to strengthen environmental democracy it acknowledges that achieving sustainable development requires the sake of all stakeholders.The role played by UNITAR is to ensure full participation of all the stakeholders under environmental law through proper training, being given a better understanding of how environmental law operates which in effect is capacity building of both developed and developing countries with respect to environmental matters. For instance, the Environment Unit deals with four core areas chemical management, humour change, biodiversity and environmental governance and law. All these areas are important to environmental law and the participation of all stakeholders ensures that there will be meaningful progress in the development of Rio Declaration Principle 10, the Aarhus Convention with respect t o environmental law. Especially for governments, international organizations, developing countries and those countries in transition it will help them at a national level to adhere to multilateral agreements by addressing the gaps and weaknesses they have by involving the relevant stake holders at all levels necessary.Further, the role played by UNITAR is to be a haven of knowledge and expertise in my view with respect to international law and environmental law issues. This can be amicably seen in the international law programme it has which targets the relevant stakeholders in environmental law such as governments, international organizations, private lawyers, diplomats and government lawyers to ensure that they have full access to the information they need and participate fully by upholding the global respect for international principles.Security CouncilUnder the Charter of the United Nations it has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.19I ts mandate does not spell out the protection of the environment but due(p) to its binding legal resolutions20it plays a material role under international environmental law by promoting its development. The Security Councils start encounter with environmental matters was in 1991 when it adopted a resolution holding Iraq liable for damage to the environment resulting from the invasion of Kuwait.21It would be wrong to say that the Security Council has not played a role in environmental affairs as peace is very vital to ensure that there is development and sustainable use of the environment. As outlined in the Rio declaration22peace, development and environment protection are interdependent and indivisible. In nerve the role played by the Security council is to ensure that as peace prevails so does the environment develops due to the preservation of peace by the Security Council. Protection of the environment has al expressive styles been the duty of the Council as under the Rio dec laration23warfare is inherently destructive for sustainable development as states should respect international law which protects the environment in times of armed conflict. Therefore, the Security Council has played a role in the promotion of environmental law by advocating for peaceful settlement of disputes and banning of wars so that there can be development of the environment as stipulated under international environmental principles.Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)establish in Rome established in 1945 and has a specific mandate to deal with environmental issues namely to promote the conservation of natural resources and the adoption of improved methods of agricultural production.24FAO leads international efforts to defeat thirst the first MDG, reducing global hunger and poverty by half by the year 2015. Helping both developed and developing countries, by acting as a neutral forum where all nations knock against as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy.25FAO s role is to support global environmental targets as Priorities for reducing hunger cannot be separated from those for sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems. There is a close link between hunger, poverty and environmental degradation which underscore the need for multidimensional approaches to their reduction. FAOs Strategic Framework (2000-2015) specifically highlights sustainable production and natural resource conservation. FAOs role is to help countries and regions develop coherent policies and programmes for efficient and socially suited sustainable management of resources. The strategy also aims for the conservation, improvement and sustainable utilization of natural resources for food and agriculture, with special emphasis on fragile ecosystems and environments at greatest risk as in developing countries which are mostly affected. FAO works in broad partnership with governments, national, international and non-governmental institutions and civil society to broaden the base of understanding and increases the chances for success in addressing existing and future sustainable development and environmental priorities.Provision of technical personnelIn line with its objective of reducing hunger which has the capability of causing social and economic problems if not checked fully. The organization has skilled expertise in the field who will serve to ensure that a boost in food production and sustainable methods of doing so are exchanged. FAOs experts are in different fields which help collectively to achieve the objectives within the spirit of co-operation as outlined in international instruments. The experts include Agriculture, Economic and Social Development, Fisheries, Forestry, Natural Resources Management and Environment. And since it has global and regional offices allows it to address the environment problems accordingly when they meet to ensure amicable solutions are given at high level forums in order to solve the problems p lo seuing the countries.Provision of knowledgeFAO serves as a knowledge network through the use of experts foresters, fisheries and livestock specialists, nutritionists, social scientists, economists, statisticians and other professionals to collect, analyse and disseminate data that aids development. In providing knowledge to countries FAO recognizes that environmental issues cannot be handled without effective information within the hands of relevant stakeholders to ensure they have an understanding of what they are dealing with. Especially Online databases, thematic knowledge networks and new practices as websites disseminate information to help policy-makers and individuals make better informed decisions, strengthen links and facilitate sharing and exchange of information.26United Nations Educational scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)Established in 1945 its role is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science an d culture while conserving and protecting historic and scientific monuments.27Its role has been in line with the Earth Summit which advocated for sustainable development which meets the needs of present generations without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own. In essence sustainable development cannot be dealt with without educating the relevant actors in environmental law match with scientific knowledge. Therefore UNESCOs role is to educate and ensure knowledgeable citizens, informed political and economic decision makers are able to solve emerging environmental issues. For instance, UNESCO has a Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development Programme as education is an essential element of the global response to climate change. In line with the Stockholm declaration principle 19 education helps young people understand and address the impact of global warming, throw outs changes in their attitudes and behavior and helps them adapt to climate chan ge-related trends. UNESCO aims to make climate change education a central part of the international response to climate change. By strengthening the capacity of its Member States to provide quality climate change education encouraging innovative teaching approaches to integrate climate change education in school and by raising awareness about climate change as well as enhancing non-formal education programmes through media, networking and partnerships.28Furthermore, UNESCO promotes environmental law through its intergovernmental oceanic citizens committee through capacity development. By developing leadership capacity such as fund-raising, team building, and decision-making skills for directors of maritime and coastal sciences institutes to strengthen scientific, legal and institutional structures.29Special attention is given to developing, tropical and small island states where livelihoods depend heavily on marine resources. The Stockholm declaration in principle 20 clearly outli nes such assistance to developing countries Scientific research and development in the context of environmental problems both national and multinational must be promoted in all countries especially developing countries. Environmental techonologies should be do available to developing countries which would encourage their wide dissemination. The objective of the programme is to empower developing countries to sustainably use their coastal and marine resources by through self driven capacity development. Due to the degradation and loss of life-sustaining ocean resources is accelerating, one of the greatest challenges is to develop capacity rapidly enough to protect and preserve these resources. The capacity-building approach aims to reduce the continuous dependence on aid by empowering countries to address their own problems through science-based strategies.30International Maritime Organization (IMO)The major role of the International Maritime Organization is to provide machinery for cooperation among Governments in the field of governmental regulation and practices relating to technical matters of all kinds affecting shipping engaged in international trade, to encourage and facilitate the general adoption of the highest practicable standards in matters concerning maritime safety, efficiency of navigation and prevention and interpret of marine pollution from ships.31Therefore the major role of the maritime organization is to ensure the safety of ships at sea so that they do not discharge pollution into the sea oil or any other substance plus there is no unnecessary dumping of wastes which causes damage to the marine environment. In having such high safety standards on ships which converge the ocean in essence they are trash against pollution from such ships and are advocating for liability of pollution in the ocean as a way to ensure high standards of safety and security procedures for ships. For instance as a result of the Torrey canyon happening in 1967 a legal committee was established which became a permanent subsidiary organization. The swiftness of the action is admirable and only serves to show that the organization is concerned with the safety and security of ships as they travel over the ocean ensuring they do not cause marine pollution. In promoting the safety and security of ships as they treat the ocean the IMO as mandated by its convention provides an Integrated Technical Co-operation Programme which ensures there are safe, watertight and effective shipping services further protecting their waters and coasts from the environmental degradation caused by ships and other maritime associated activities.International Labour Organization (ILO)The role of the International Labour Organization is to promote its programme decent work for all as work is central to the well being of people. By providing work one gets income paving the way for social and economic advancement through strengthening of families and communities.32Theref ore the major purpose of the ILO is to eradicate underdevelopment as stated in the Stockholm declaration which has caused many developing countries to lag behind. By securing decent work for all creates jobs as people can live sustainable livelihoods and ease pressure on the environment. The basic thrust of the programme in environmental affairs is to forge international consensus among governments, employers, workers and civil society that productive employment and decent work are key elements to achieving a fair globalization, reducing poverty and achieving equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development.33