Asking the UN about the UN: a myriad of questions.

• Author: Endrst, Elsa M.
• Position: Work of the Public Inquiries Unit of the United Nations Dept. of Public Information - Includes information on the UN World Wide Web home page

The questions are many and sometimes offbeat. They ask how they can form their own countries (most with strange sounding names). They propose international days for friendship or animals. Some want to find a lost relative, address the General Assembly, or speak to the Secretary-General personally on what they call an important matter.

The daily calls and letters received by the United Nations deal with a myriad of questions and requests for information, ranging from world issues to somewhat offbeat suggestions. Answering those requests is the sensitive work of the Public Inquiries Unit (PIU) of the UN Department of Public Information.

Peace-keeping, peacemaking and social development accounted for the lion's share of the more than 42,000 inquiries processed in 1994. Thousands of additional queries were forwarded by other Departments. Developments in Rwanda, Somalia, the former Yugoslavia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Haiti were also the subject of numerous inquiries.

Madhumita Hosali, Chief of PIU, says that the most satisfying and challenging part of the Unit's work is that it serves as "the human interface" with members of the public, whether they are seeking information about the UN, criticizing it or expressing support.

"The staff has to always keep in mind that one visitor, one phone call or one letter can end up being the only contact that person has with this Organization and we have to try to ensure that it is a positive experience", she notes.

The Public inquiries Unit is a resource centre primarily serving the North American public, providing answers to questions by mail, telephone and "walk-in" visitors. It also distributes general and detailed information on the work of the Organization through daily press releases, texts of UN resolutions and decisions, and various documents.

The staff spend much of their time explaining what the UN is able or not able to do. Inquiries have increased dramatically when the UN dominates the news, most recently through burgeoning peace-keeping operations.

Many specific requests come to the Unit from universities, libraries, various kinds of academic institutions, such as the Carter Center in Atlanta, and Congressmen's and Senators' offices. Overseas requests have also been received from such places as the House of Commons, on behalf of British Parliamentarians.

Among available materials are: * "What's the United Nations?", a guide for young and old alike, which is sure to clear up...