Quest for Statehood: Kosovo’s Plea to Join International Organizations

Author(s):  
Ermira Mehmeti

The State represents a central concept and a basic subject of international law. In order to function and engage in treaties and relations with other states in a growing globalized world, the State must be accepted and treated as independent by other states. But independence alone is not enough. Declaring independence is typically a unilateral act undertaken by one entity. Hence, there are states in the world today that are independent; however, their international subjectivity is not recognized. This makes their position and ability to engage in the international sphere more complex. As a result, authorities look into ways of bypassing formal recognition. Joining international organizations becomes one alternative. This article explores the quest of Kosovo to join international organizations as a way to secure recognition and statehood. It begins with the United Nations, and briefly analyses the diplomatic efforts of Kosovar governments to accede. The focus of this article however, will be more specifically on Kosovo’s application to join UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural organization, the Council of Europe and international sports federations, for this process will shed light on several important legal and political aspects of recognition: the application procedure, the political interests of states, the lobbying and securing of states’ support in an entity’s bid to obtain a seat at the organization. Membership in UNESCO is rightfully seen as a gateway to reach to a seat at the United Nations, while bypassing unilateral recognitions granted by states individually. While membership in international organizations will not imply recognition of international subjectivity for a new entity, in practical terms, it offers to achieve what recognition promises. Kosovo has been able to sit at the same table with its regional counterparts and has been able to participate and share in various regional initiatives. As an initial phase of normalization of relations with Serbia, this represents a solid step forward. At a later stage, it could serve as an incentive, or even better as a catalyst to speed up securing full-fledged statehood.

International Organizations - *1.La Belgique et les Nations Unies. (New York: Manhattan Publishing Company, 1958. Pp. xi. 372. $3.00.) - 2.Jorge Castaneda: Mexico and the United Nations. (New York: Manhattan Publishing Company, 1958. Pp. xi, 244. $3.00.) - 3.Uruguay and the United Nations. (New York: Manhattan Publishing Company, 1958. Pp. xi. 129, $3.00.) - 4.Norman Harper and David Sissons: Australia and the United Nations. (New York: Manhattan Publishing Company, 1959. Pp. xiii, 423. $3.00.) - 5.Japan and the United Nations. (New York: Manhattan Publishing Company, 1958. Pp. xv, 246. $3.00.) - 6.William A. Scott and Stephen B. Whithey: The United States and the United Nations: The Public View, 1945–1955. (New York: Manhattan Publishing Company, 1958. Pp. xiii, 314. $3.00.) - 7.Robert M. Maclver: The Nations and the United Nations. (New York: Manhattan Publishing Company, 1959. Pp. xi, 186. $3.00.) - 8.Maurice Bourquin: L'Etat Souverain et L'Organisation Internationale. (New York: Manhattan Publishing Company, 1959. Pp. viii, 247. $3.00.) - 9.Yves Collart: Disarmament: A Study Guide and Bibliography on the Efforts of the United Nations, published under the auspices of the World Federation of United Nations Associations. (The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff, 1958. Pp. x, 110. $.80). - 10.European Yearbook, Vol. IV, published under the auspices of the Council of Europe. (The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff, 1958. Pp. xxi. 708. $9.94.) - 11.La Belgique Et L'Aide Economique Aux Pays Sous-Développés. (Brussels and The Hague: Institut Royal des Relations Internationales and Martinus Nijhoff, 1959. Pp. 529. $9.31.)

1960 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-274
Author(s):  
Stephen D. Kertesz

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-51
Author(s):  
S. Rusu ◽  
Ion Partachi

Introduction: The article analyzes the basic principles of an ef­fective public administration in the interests of sustainable develop­ment, lists the legislative acts confirming the commitment to these principles. Also, special attention is paid to the state programs for the implementation of the SDGs in the Republic of Moldova, to the special state bodies that are engaged in the implementation of the SDGs and their goals, as well as to the areas in which the Republic of Moldova cooperates with international organizations in relation to the SDGs. At the end of the article, the authors describe the main problems faced by the Government of the country in implementing the Principles of Effective Public Administration in the Interests of Sustainable Development and achieving the Sus­tainable Development Goals.Methods and materials: The research methodology is based on the following general scientific and special methods of cognition: the method of system-structural analysis, comparative, and formal-logical method.The article analyzes the materials and data provided by the national institutes of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the data and materials of international organizations, including: the United Nations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the In­ternational Organization for Migration, the International Labour Organization, etc.Results: As a result of the study, it became clear that the Republic of Moldova is actively working towards the implementation of the principles of effective public administration in the interests of sustainable development of Moldova. Despite the difficulties faced by the Republic of Moldova, the country still managed to achieve significant results in this area. The documents adopted at the state level contributed to achieving the goals and meeting the main requirements for the pace and quality of economic development in the period up to 2030.By 2030, Moldova is expected to become a country where poverty and corruption are eliminated, inequality is reduced, social inclusion and cohesion are strengthened, so that "no one is left behind", a country where human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment, the rule of law, environmental sustainability and the well-being of the population are respected and promoted.Discussion and conclusions. In its ambition to achieve SDGS, the Republic of Moldova is facing a myriad of challenges. Despite the fact that significant progress was registered, there is still a lot of work to do at all levels of public administration. Moreover, it is also essential to enhance the system for SDGs implementation moni­toring and evaluation. This 2030 Agenda requires a profound change that goes beyond the economic and political situation of the country. Moldova will achieve the key in­dicators of sustainable development and become a favourable country for the life of its citizens if only it will promote economic development policies of the country. 


1961 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 892-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest L. Kerley

When the Security Council of the United Nations investigates an event or situation at the scene, it establishes a credible factual basis for its consideration of the situation, and the situation itself may be stabilized by the presence of the investigators. These important benefits may involve concomitant difficulties for the state in whose territory the investigation occurs, since the presence of international investigators may be conceived of as a limitation of its sovereignty. Objections may also arise from states seeking to obscure the realities of the situation being investigated, or from states which resist as a matter of principle any functions of international organizations which appear to derogate from state sovereignty.


2019 ◽  
pp. 71-81
Author(s):  
Hanna Taranenko

The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of international organizations in elections observation as an instrument of ensuring human rights. The objectives are to analyze the notions of democracy and human rights, democratization trends worldwide, current threats to human rights related to elections procedures and the role of international organizations as entities safeguarding human rights in the globalized world. In order to investigate this problem the researcher utilized such scientific methods as deduction and induction, historical and comparative method and the case study one. Historical and comparative methods were used to trace the evolution of international organizations’’ activities with regard to elections observation and compare various organizations’ pertinent processes and procedures. Case study method was used to collect and analyze qualitative data about international organizations’ activity related to elections observation and to define their role in ensuring human rights, in particular, freedom of expression. The notions of democracy and human rights, democratization trends worldwide, current threats to human rights related to elections procedures and the role of international organizations as entities safeguarding human rights in the globalized world were analyzed. As a result, it can be stated that in the increasingly globalized world there are various democratization trends. There are different visions and models of democracy, yet no single one can be considered optimal. It can be noted that international organizations play a significant role in elections observation as an instrument of ensuring human rights. The dynamic rhythm of global development helps to promote plurality of ideas, political ideologies and ethical values. It can be concluded that in this increasingly interconnected world democracy has the function of a mediator promoting understanding among countries, first of all, through the United Nations. Democracy as a type of political regime, i. e. type of relationship between the country leadership and the people cannot function effectively without active social groups and civil society organizations. The political context has to promote freedom of speech, independent media, rule of law, effective judiciary system and overall respect for human rights. Freedom of expression and political choices are among fundamental human rights guaranteed by democratic national and international laws. International organizations are among the most noteworthy entities on the world arena safeguarding human rights and free expression of people’s political will. International organizations are working actively in order to tackle current threats to human rights, in particular, freedom of expression and freedom of political will. To this end, the international and national organizations provide comprehensive electoral support. The United Nations, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe are actively engaged in providing electoral support and assist in holding objective and just elections worldwide, especially in transitioning countries. They play a key role in providing electoral support in accordance with the international organizations’ mission, bolstering democracy and safeguarding human rights. The role of international organizations in the globalized world as human rights protector continues to be vital and indispensable.


2019 ◽  
pp. 71-81
Author(s):  
Hanna Taranenko

The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of international organizations in elections observation as an instrument of ensuring human rights. The objectives are to analyze the notions of democracy and human rights, democratization trends worldwide, current threats to human rights related to elections procedures and the role of international organizations as entities safeguarding human rights in the globalized world. In order to investigate this problem the researcher utilized such scientific methods as deduction and induction, historical and comparative method and the case study one. Historical and comparative methods were used to trace the evolution of international organizations’’ activities with regard to elections observation and compare various organizations’ pertinent processes and procedures. Case study method was used to collect and analyze qualitative data about international organizations’ activity related to elections observation and to define their role in ensuring human rights, in particular, freedom of expression. The notions of democracy and human rights, democratization trends worldwide, current threats to human rights related to elections procedures and the role of international organizations as entities safeguarding human rights in the globalized world were analyzed. As a result, it can be stated that in the increasingly globalized world there are various democratization trends. There are different visions and models of democracy, yet no single one can be considered optimal. It can be noted that international organizations play a significant role in elections observation as an instrument of ensuring human rights. The dynamic rhythm of global development helps to promote plurality of ideas, political ideologies and ethical values. It can be concluded that in this increasingly interconnected world democracy has the function of a mediator promoting understanding among countries, first of all, through the United Nations. Democracy as a type of political regime, i. e. type of relationship between the country leadership and the people cannot function effectively without active social groups and civil society organizations. The political context has to promote freedom of speech, independent media, rule of law, effective judiciary system and overall respect for human rights. Freedom of expression and political choices are among fundamental human rights guaranteed by democratic national and international laws. International organizations are among the most noteworthy entities on the world arena safeguarding human rights and free expression of people’s political will. International organizations are working actively in order to tackle current threats to human rights, in particular, freedom of expression and freedom of political will. To this end, the international and national organizations provide comprehensive electoral support. The United Nations, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe are actively engaged in providing electoral support and assist in holding objective and just elections worldwide, especially in transitioning countries. They play a key role in providing electoral support in accordance with the international organizations’ mission, bolstering democracy and safeguarding human rights. The role of international organizations in the globalized world as human rights protector continues to be vital and indispensable.


2012 ◽  
pp. 131-131

2021 ◽  
pp. 002085232199756
Author(s):  
Julia Gray ◽  
Alex Baturo

When political principals send agents to international organizations, those agents are often assumed to speak in a single voice. Yet, various types of country representatives appear on the international stage, including permanent representatives as well as more overtly “political” government officials. We argue that permanent delegates at the United Nations face career incentives that align them with the bureaucracy, setting them apart from political delegates. To that end, they tend to speak more homogeneously than do other types of speakers, while also using relatively more technical, diplomatic rhetoric. In addition, career incentives will make them more reluctant to criticize the United Nations. In other words, permanent representatives speak more like bureaucratic agents than like political principals. We apply text analytics to study differences across agents’ rhetoric at the United Nations General Assembly. We demonstrate marked distinctions between the speech of different types of agents, contradictory to conventional assumptions, with implications for our understandings of the interplay between public administration and agency at international organizations. Points for practitioners Delegations to international organizations do not “speak with one voice.” This article illustrates that permanent representatives to the United Nations display more characteristics of bureaucratic culture than do other delegates from the same country. For practitioners, it is important to realize that the manner in which certain classes of international actors “conduct business” can differ markedly. These differences in tone—even among delegates from the same principal—can impact the process of negotiation and debate.


2021 ◽  
pp. 003232172097433
Author(s):  
Svanhildur Thorvaldsdottir ◽  
Ronny Patz ◽  
Klaus H Goetz

In recent decades, many international organizations have become almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions. Much existing literature suggests that major donors use their funding to refocus international organizations’ attention away from their core mandate and toward serving donors’ geostrategic interests. We investigate this claim in the context of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), examining whether donor influence negatively impacts mandate delivery and leads the organization to direct expenditures more toward recipient countries that are politically, economically, or geographically salient to major donors. Analyzing a new dataset of UNHCR finances (1967–2016), we find that UNHCR served its global mandate with considerable consistency. Applying flexible measures of collective donor influence, so-called “influence-weighted interest scores,” our findings suggest that donor influence matters for the expenditure allocation of the agency, but that mandate-undermining effects of such influence are limited and most pronounced during salient refugee situations within Europe.


Author(s):  
Alice C. Shaffer

Central America has been one of the pioneer areas for the United Nations Children's Fund assisted pro grams. When the United Nations Children's Fund, under a broadened mandate from the United Nations, shifted the emphasis of its aid from emergency to long term and from war-torn countries to those economically less developed, Cen tral American governments immediately requested its assist ance to strengthen and extend services to children and mothers. As one of the first areas in the world to aim at the eradication of malaria and to have engaged in an inten sive campaign against malnutrition on a regional basis, the Central American experiences in these fields have become known, watched, and studied by people from many countries. Against this background, international and bilateral organi zations are working together with governments as they broaden the scope and the extent of their programs. Ten years of co-operative action have highlighted the need for train ing of personnel, both professional and auxiliary. This period has also made clear the value of more integrated programs with wider collaboration both within the ministries of government and between the international organizations.


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