General Assembly
Official Records
Fifty-fourth Session
Supplement No. 1 (A/54/1)

Chapter I

The United Nations, regional organizations and security

112. During the 1990s, regional organizations have played an increasingly active role in regional security affairs, not only in the realms of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and confidence-building, but also with respect to peace enforcement. The relationship between the United Nations and regional organizations is complex, usually fruitful, but sometimes difficult. Several lessons have emerged from recent experience.

113. First, it is imperative that regional security operations be mandated by the Security Council if the legal basis of the international security system is to be maintained. Frequently, such operations will also need the wider political support that only the United Nations can provide, and peace settlements will often require United Nations involvement under Security Council authority.

114. Second, security policies that work in one region may not in others. Most regions do not have organizations with the capacity to carry out major peacekeeping or peace enforcement operations. Some regional organizations -- most notably OAU -- would like to develop a peacekeeping capacity and it is important for the international community to assist them. This is a long-term undertaking, however, and one in which the parties can count on the United Nations to play an active supporting role.

115. Third, today's complex humanitarian emergencies require equally complex multidisciplinary responses, which only the United Nations has the qualifications and experience to provide. Whether responding to crises or implementing comprehensive peace agreements, the United Nations has an unparalleled ability to coordinate action across a wide range of sectors and disciplines.

116. I support moves towards greater cooperation with regional organizations. However, as multilateral activity expands, both the Secretariat and Member States are finding that the human and financial resources allotted for new operations have not kept pace with increased demands, and are at times barely adequate. It is crucial that this situation be addressed with energy and resolve if the United Nations is to avoid a cycle in which expectations exceed capacity, bringing inevitable disappointment and a decline in confidence in the potential of the Organization.