UNCITRAL - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following is/are true regarding membership of UNCITRAL?

1) UNCITRAL member States are elected by the UN General Assembly.
2) One-third members retire every 2 years.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
UNCITRAL's original membership comprised 29 states, and was expanded to 36 in 1973, and again to 60 in 2004.

Member states of UNCITRAL are representing different legal traditions and levels of economic development, as well as different geographic regions.

States includes 14 African states, 14 Asian states, 8 Eastern European states, 10 Latin American and Caribbean states, and 14 Western European states.

The Commission member States are elected by the General Assembly.

Membership is structured so as to be representative of the world's various geographic regions and its principal economic and legal systems.

Members of the commission are elected for terms of six years, the terms of half the members expiring every three years.


2)   Which of the following is/are true regarding UNCITRAL?

1) UNCITRAL is related to laws for international tourism.
2) India has been its member since its inception.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
UNCITRAL was established in 1966 with a recognition that “international trade cooperation among States is an important factor in the promotion of friendly relations and, consequently, in the maintenance of peace and security”.

India is only one of eight countries that has been a member of UNCITRAL from its inception, and has recently been re-elected for a term of six years.

2016 marks 50 years of UNCITRAL.

UNCITRAL has created practical legal and legislative guides and provided technical assistance for law reform, apart from maintaining an updated database of uniform commercial law and judicial decisions.


3)   Where are annual sessions of UNCITRAL held?

1) New York
2) Vienna
3) Geneva


a. 1, 2
b. 2
c. 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 2

Explanation:
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) was established by the United Nations General Assembly by its Resolution 2205 (XXI) of 17 December 1966 "to promote the progressive harmonization and unification of international trade law".

UNCITRAL carries out its work at annual sessions held alternately in New York City and Vienna.