Abstract:

Managing conflicts in the United Nations is time-consuming but a necessary task. It usually ranges from minute disagreements to major cases that may even lead to litigation or violence. Conflicts have an adverse effect on health of the staff, productivity, morale and staff performance. This study is a cross sectional study designed to examine and portray conflict management systems, its awareness and its effectiveness in the United Nations. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire distributed to UN workers in the Hq (New York), selected Offices away from Hq and selected department of peace keeping operations (DPKO). Data analysis was done using SPSS20.0 The result showed that by location the Ombudsman had 35% of the cases from the UN Headquarters in New York,38% of cases from offices away from the UN headquarters in New York and 27% of cases from field missions (DPKO). It further showed that cases by staff category were: P and above: 38%, UNV& Consultants: 23%, Former Staff:2%, National Staff: 2%. Furthermore, breakdown of cases was as follows: promotion/entitlements/conversion (29%), Separation/termination (19%), Entitlements (15%), Standard of Conducts (12%). Multi-issues (10%), Inter-personal issues (8%), Conditions of service (5%), Referrals (2%). Recommendation requires that training and awareness programmes should be conducted periodically to create awareness on the existence of the structure of conflict resolution structure via the office of the Ombudsman.

Keywords: Peace-keeping, UN General Assembly, ombudsman, conflict resolution, staff members, United Nations, Staff members.

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