Frequently Asked Questions

Origin, Mandate and Composition of UNCITRAL

• What is the mandate of UNCITRAL?
• What does UNCITRAL mean by the "harmonization" and "unification" of the law of international trade?
• Who participates in the drafting of UNCITRAL texts?
• How many States are members of the Commission?
• Are delegates provided financial assistance for travel and accommodation?
• Is there financial assistance for travel and accommodation for delegates of Working Group III?
• What are the regional groups represented within the Commission?
• How are the interests of developing countries taken into consideration by UNCITRAL?
• Is UNCITRAL part of the World Trade Organization (WTO)?

Methods of Work

• What is the difference between a member State and an observer State?
• Are there other observers in UNCITRAL?
• What are criteria and procedures for inviting non-governmental organizations (NGOs)?
• Can individuals take part in sessions?
• How are UNCITRAL materials made publicly available?

UNCITRAL and Public Law Issues

• Does participation in UNCITRAL diminish state sovereignty?
• Does the work of UNCITRAL affect consumer protection legislation?
• Does the work of UNCITRAL take environmental issues into account?

Vacancies and Internships

• How is it possible to work for UNCITRAL Secretariat?
• Does UNCITRAL offer scholarships or other financial assistance to students and scholars?

UNCITRAL and Private Disputes / Litigation

• Does UNCITRAL offer legal advice in specific disputes, administer arbitrations or recommend legal practitioners?
• What does "arbitration under the UNCITRAL rules" mean?
• I am involved in a dispute with a company and our contract provides for arbitration pursuant to the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. Does UNCITRAL provide assistance in the dispute?
• Who may use the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules?
• Can UNCITRAL provide an authoritative interpretation of domestic law?
• What is the difference between the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (1985) and the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules?

UNCITRAL Texts

• What is the difference in an UNCITRAL legislative text and an UNCITRAL non-legislative text?
• What is the difference between a model law and a convention?
• Are there "signatories" to Model Laws?
• State "***" is listed under the "Status of Conventions and Enactments of UNCITRAL Model Laws" as having signed a particular UNCITRAL Convention. Does that mean that the Convention applies to that State?
• How do I determine if a State is a party to a Convention? How do I determine if a State has enacted an UNCITRAL Model Law?

Copyright policy concerning the reproduction and distribution of UNCITRAL texts, joint publications with UNCITRAL and the use of the UNCITRAL logo in joint events

• Copyright policy concerning the reproduction and distribution of UNCITRAL texts
• Joint publication with UNCITRAL
• Joint events

The UNCITRAL Website

• My computer will not display some of the documents contained on the UNCITRAL website. What's wrong?
• Are all UNCITRAL texts available on the UNCITRAL website?
• Are the texts posted on the UNCITRAL website in their final version?