The United Nations serves as the universal forum for addressing worldwide issues in the new millennium. The evolving needs of the international community have significantly influenced the United Nations and its institutions.
This publication, edited by the directors of the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg, Germany, constitutes the first scholarly yearbook to focus on activities of the United Nations in the field of international law. It recognizes the recent increased impact of the development of the World Organization, its Specialized Agencies and other aspects of the United Nations System, as well as their effect on the shaping of international relations.
By concentrating on issues connected with the United Nations and its initiatives, the Yearbook facilitates a better appreciation of the changes the United Nations has undergone during the constantly fluctuating conditions of its first half-century, and creates a forum for the examination and assessment of the potential of international organizations to affect the future course of international relations.
Topical coverage for this volume of the Yearbook includes: - lawmaking processes in the UN system; - the creation of a permanent international criminal court; - the joint inspection unit of the United Nations and the Specialized Agencies; - the case of Guatemala as an example of UN and the establishment of a new model for governance of Central America; and - prompt release of vessels - the M/V SAIGA case.

For more information on this yearbook please visit the website of the Max Planck Institute