WHO | BASIC DOCUMENTS - World Health Organization

1 This publication brings together into one volume essential DOCUMENTS concerning the governance of the World Health Organization , including: the Constitution Rules of Procedure of both the World Health Assembly and the Executive Board Financial and Staff also includes Regulations for Expert Advisory Panels and Committees and for Study and Scientific Groups, the texts of agreements with the United Nations and other agencies, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies, the Statute of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the principles governing relations with nongovernmental organizations. It lists Members and Associate Members of the World Health 48th edition, updated to 31 December 2014, is available in printed form in all six official languages of the World Health Organization and is also accessible electronically on the Organization s website ( ).

2 BASIC DOCUMENTS Forty-eighth edition (2014)ISBN:978 92 4 165048 9 Forty-eighth edition2014 BASICDOCUMENTS BASIC DOCUMENTS appears in new editions as necessary, and can be accessed at Other WHO official documentation is available on the Governance pages of the WHO website at DOCUMENTS Forty-eighth edition Including amendments adopted up to 31 December 2014 2014 WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data BASIC DOCUMENTS 48th ed. Including amendments adopted up to 31 December 2014. 1. World Health Organization . 2. Constitution and Bylaws. I. World Health Organization . ISBN 978 92 4 165048 9 (NLM Classification: WA ) World Health Organization 2014 All rights reserved.

3 Publications of the World Health Organization are available on the WHO website ( ) or can be purchased from WHO Press, World Health Organization , 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland (tel.: +41 22 791 3264; fax: +41 22 791 4857; e-mail: Requests for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications whether for sale or for non-commercial distribution should be addressed to WHO Press through the WHO website ( ). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.)

4 Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

5 The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use. Printed in Italy iii For index, see page 207 CONTENTS Page Constitution of the World Health Organization .. 1 Rights and Obligations of Associate Members and other Territories 1. Health Assembly and Executive Board .. 21 2. Regional Organizations .. 22 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies.. 25 Annex VII - The World Health Organization .. 39 Agreements with other Intergovernmental Organizations Agreement between the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization .

6 41 Agreement between the United Nations and the World Health Organization .. 44 Agreement between the International Labour Organisation and the World Health 53 Agreement between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization .. 57 Agreement between the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the World Health Organization .. 61 Agreement between the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Health 66 Agreement between the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Health Organization .. 71 Agreement between the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the World Health Organization .

7 75 Agreement between the World Health Organization and the Universal Postal Union .. 78 Agreement between the Office International des pizooties and the World Health 81 Agreement between the Commission of the African Union and the World Health 85 Agreement between the World Health Organization and the South Centre .. 92 (Continued overleaf) iv BASIC DOCUMENTS Page Principles Governing Relations between the World Health Organization and nongovernmental Organizations.

8 97 Financial Regulations of the World Health Organization .. 103 Appendix: Additional terms of reference governing the external audit of the World Health Organization .. 112 Staff Regulations of the World Health Organization .. 115 Regulations for Expert Advisory Panels and Committees .. 121 Annex Rules of Procedure for Expert Committees .. 128 Regulations for Study and Scientific Groups, Collaborating Institutions and Other Mechanisms of Collaboration .. 131 Rules of Procedure of the World Health Assembly .. 139 Guiding Principles for the Conduct of Elections by Secret Ballot .. 170 Description of the Concept of a Point of Order .. 171 Rules of Procedure of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization .

9 173 APPENDICES 1. Members of the World Health Organization .. 193 2. Statute of the International Agency for Research on Cancer .. 199 INDEX .. 207 _____ Note: In accordance with resolution , the use of one gender in BASIC DOCUMENTS shall be considered as including a reference to the other unless the context otherwise requires. 1 CONSTITUTION OF THE World Health ORGANIZATION1 THE STATES Parties to this Constitution declare, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, that the following principles are BASIC to the happiness, harmonious relations and security of all peoples: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

10 The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of Health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. The Health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest co-operation of individuals and States. The achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of Health is of value to all. Unequal development in different countries in the promotion of Health and control of disease, especially communicable disease, is a common danger. Healthy development of the child is of BASIC importance; the ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment is essential to such development.