UN Budget Increases Funds and Scope of Ombuds Office

On December 22, 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations approved a two-year budget of $4.17 billion. The budget included the first significant revision of the UN’s internal justice system in six decades and will implement formal dispute resolution procedures. In addition, increased funds will allow the Office of the Ombudsman to open branches in Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi, and to establish a mediation division. (Associated Press; UN Press Release; UN Report of the Redesign Panel, Document A/61/936; UN Report on Activities of the Ombudsman, Document A/62/311.)