The United Nations Association of South Africa (UNA-SA) was established on 24 October 2003. The UNA-SA aims to mobilise support for the principles, goals and programmes of the United Nations. The UNA-SA is a voluntary, non-profit, non-governmental organisation established in accordance with the Non-profit Organisations Act of 1997.

UNA-SA National Constitution (download 199 Kb) UNA-SA National Annual report 2005 (download 262 Kb)

Aims

The aim of the UNA-SA is to be a people's movement for the realisation of the purposes of the United Nations in South Africa.

General Objectives

	Mobilise support for the aims, achievements and activities of the United Nations and its agencies;
	Conduct studies, research and activities relating to the United Nations system;
	Promote international understanding and peaceful co-operation among peoples; and
	Strive, along with other organisations, to promote peace and harmony as well as economic, social and cultural progress in South Africa.

National Objectives

	Be a voice for civil society;
	Cultivate a climate of peace and security including political and economic justice;
	Influence foreign policy through direct lobbying;
	Lobby government on South African issues;
	Create a network of organisations and individuals;
	Help people break the culture of silence;
	Create an environment of trust amongst South Africans;
	Create forums to promote human rights issues, such as confronting racism and promoting social justice and healing of human suffering; and
	Highlight South African concerns which include HIV/AIDS, racism, substance abuse, violence, job creation, domestic violence and child abuse, and access to quality education and health.

International Objectives

	Unite with other African UNA’s to present an African voice internationally;
	Lobby governments on issues of peace, human rights, sustainable development, and the elimination of poverty;
	Develop friendly relationships amongst nations;
	Support and encourage UN peacekeeping activities;
	Communicate with and learn from UNA’s around the world;
	Co-ordinate actions amongst nations in promoting human rights; and
	Promote and support UN initiatives globally.

Membership

The UNA-SA invites all individuals and organisations who share the aim and objectives of the UNA to join the Association. For more information please contact your local Chapter Chairperson or one of the Executive Committee members.

UN Employment, Internship and Scholarships

The UNA-SA encourages South Africans to work for the UN System and undertakes initiatives to make South Africans aware of volunteer and employment opportunities within the UN System. The UNA-SA also encourages and aims to assists South African students to find internships within the UN System and to study aspects of the UN by facilitating their access to relevant Scholarships. The former of these is via the Associations Internship Database.