Repertory of the Practice of the United Nations Organs.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his report to the 79th session of the General Assembly (A/79/188), praised the continued research cooperation between the United Nations and the Faculty of Law on the preparation of the Repertory studies. The report highlights the contribution of the Law Faculty in 2024 as follows:
“The well-established cooperation with the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa continued for the fourteenth consecutive year. During the period under review, the Faculty of Law contributed to the preparation of eight studies.” (para11)
“With regard to Supplement No. 11 (2010–2015), the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa has completed the research on and drafting of three studies for volume II on Articles 10, 18 and 20. A study for volume VI on Articles 104 and 105 remained under review by its author department, the Office of Legal Affairs.” (para 4)
Progress has been made during the period under review in relation to Supplement No. 12 (2016–2020), owing to the continued assistance of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, which completed the research and drafting of two studies for volume II on Articles 10 and 18, two studies for volume III on Articles 24 and 25, and a study for volume VI on Article 94. (Para 5)
The Repertory is a legal publication containing analytical studies of decisions of the Principal Organs of the United Nations under each of the Articles of the Charter of the United Nations. During the past 14 years, 99 studies for the Repertory have been prepared both in English and French, in collaboration with the Faculty of Law. In the spring of 2024, under the supervision of adjunct professor Saeid Mirzaei Yengejeh, 8 graduate and JD students prepared 8 studies on the above Charter Articles, covering the period from 2010 to 2020.
These studies cover several topics of the UN agenda, including, powers of the General Assembly in receiving and considering reports of other principal organs of the United Nations, powers of the Security Council as a principal organ which has the primary responsibility for maintenance of peace and security, including recommending appropriate mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes between states, as well as taking enforcement measures under chapter VII of the UN Charter, role of regional organizations in the maintenance of peace and security in close collaboration with the Security Council, role of the International Court of Justice in adjudicating disputes between states, and powers of the Secretary-General in bringing to the attention of Security Council any matter that in his view threatens international peace and security.
Congratulations to the following students whose names have been published on the United Nations Website in appreciation of their contributions to the UN publication: Masha Maria Michouris, Mallory Dunlop, Ornella Nkenfack Tsafack, Amin Sadiqi, Tanner Kyle, Chiamaka Obi, Zehra Irfan and Jaena Kim.
Students can get involved in this partnership through the “Seminar on Documenting UN Practice", CML4108 and DCL 6121, which will be taught for the 15th consecutive year in a combined January-Winter session in 2025. Registration for the seminar is now open for graduate and upper year students. Interested students must submit their applications, along with their CVs to Professor Saeid Mirzaei Yengejeh ([email protected]).
Here are some testimonials from the students who contributed to the research project:
Mallory Dunlop:
This directed-research course on Documenting UN Practice was a great learning experience, providing valuable insight into the inner workings of the UN and multilateral diplomacy. My study was on Article 10 of the UN Charter, which provides the UN General Assembly with broad powers to discuss and make recommendations on any issue falling under the scope of the Charter. In doing my research and writing my study, I was able to investigate how such broad powers have been interpreted by Member States, in which there were often diverging political and legal views, especially as it concerned the scope of the General Assembly’s powers in relation to other principal organs of the UN, namely, the Security Council. Completing my study allowed me to gain a range of skills, such as the ability to navigate hundreds of different types of UN documents, understand the complex procedures of the UN, and synthesize a large amount of information into an accessible summary of practice.
In sum, the course is a fantastic opportunity for law students interested in a career in international law and affairs. Moreover, it allows students to contribute to the important mission of the Repertory, which is to preserve institutional memory and increase the transparency and accountability of the principal organs of the UN.
Zehra Irfan:
Professor Saied’s course “Documenting UN Practice” was one of the most fulfilling courses I’ve taken during my law school experience. The opportunity to prepare a study on Article 25 of the UN Charter for the UN Repertory provided me with uniquely tangible research experience. Professor Saied’s in-depth expertise and mentorship truly contributed to my own growth in writing and researching, as well as my understanding of UN practice.
The training I received over the course of the semester pertained to navigating the official UN Document Search system as well as parsing through important UN decisions. Through means of bi-lateral meetings with the professor, I was able to acquire skills in framing research in a digestible manner. Through the development of my study, I gained an understanding of the significance in documenting the UN’s approach to the application of its Charter. The Charter Article I worked on further developed my view on how the principal organs of the United Nation’s seemed to respond to situations across the globe. I also gained experience in the working methods of various organs, including the Security Council and the General Assembly. Most interestingly, I gained an understanding of how diplomatic issues are often presented and brought forward on the international stage.
Jaena Kim:
Preparing the Repertory study for Article 94 of the United Nations Charter marked a defining moment in my legal career and fulfilled a longstanding aspiration to collaborate with the United Nations. Under the expert guidance of Prof. Saeid Mirzaei Yengejeh, I gained an intimate understanding of the UN organs and the UN documentation system. In particular, I became closely acquainted with the interactions between the International Court of Justice and the Security Council concerning one of the rare provisions that provide recourse for the compliance and enforcement of international law.
But most importantly, preparing this study was not merely an academic pursuit. This experience was an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of the United Nations' institutional memory and therefore uphold transparency and accountability of the United Nations. As each case and advisory opinion continues to be brought before the International Court of Justice, I hope my contributions will serve even as the smallest resource for future generations in their interpretation and application of the United Nations Charter.
Maria Michouris:
Participating in Professor Saeid Mirzaei Yengejeh's course “Documenting U.N. Practice” was the highlight of my law school experience. Conducting my study on Article 10 of the UN Charter, which outlines the powers of the General Assembly, was a rewarding experience. This course not only enhanced my research and writing skills, but also provided a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the intricacies of the UN system.
I further appreciated Professor Yengejeh's mentorship throughout this year. Our regular bilateral meetings provided an important space to receive comments on my work and ask questions. This system helped improve the quality of my work and kept me on track. Thanks to the interesting content of this course and Professor Yengejeh's mentorship, I have produced a study I am proud of, and I look forward to its publication.
Chiamaka Gloria Obi:
Completing my study of Article 24 of the UN Charter has been an enlightening and enriching experience, thanks to Professor Saeid Mirzaei Yengejeh who saw that it was a success. Through thorough analysis, I have gained a deep understanding of the essential role the Security Council plays in maintaining international peace and security. This study has not only equipped me with valuable insights into the legal framework of international relations but has also improved my critical thinking and research skills. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore such an essential aspect of international law.
Moreover, this study has inspired me to become more actively engaged in discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability on an international scale. With the knowledge acquired from studying Article 24, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at addressing pressing global challenges. I am excited about the prospect of applying what I have learned to make a positive impact in the field of international relations, and I am eager to continue my journey of learning and growth in this vital area of study.
Ornella Nkenfack Tsafack:
I had the opportunity to conduct research on Article 18 of the UN Charter, focusing on voting by members of the General Assembly. This research significantly enhanced my comprehension of the United Nations as a whole, shedding light on the responsibilities of the General Assembly and the requisite voting mechanisms for the adoption of resolutions.
This research endeavor has not only bolstered my understanding of the UN's functioning but also honed my research skills, particularly with its distinctive research methodology. As a result, I can now navigate the UN website with ease, facilitating my access to pertinent information. Accessing compilations of General Assembly resolutions and decisions presented initial challenges, yet thanks to the prompt assistance of the UN's client services desk, I overcame these hurdles and obtained the necessary data.