The American Academy and National Academy of Sciences Joint Committee on UNESCO
As a member of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO, the Academy formed a special committee to examine, and consider Academy action in response to, the 鈥減oliticization鈥 of UNESCO.
In November 1974, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization鈥檚 General Council condemned Israel for undertaking certain archaeological excavations in Jerusalem. The Council called for withholding UNESCO assistance from Israel until it ended these practices, and rejected Israel鈥檚 request to participate in UNESCO regional activities as a member of the European region. The U.S. Congress subsequently voted to withhold financial support for UNESCO. As a member of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO, the Academy formed a special committee to examine, and consider Academy action in response to, the 鈥減oliticization鈥 of UNESCO. The resulting study is a record of politicization within UNESCO, including the responses to Israel鈥檚 actions, as well as previous cases. The report serves as a basis for considering ways in which political actions can be avoided in the future, therefore strengthening UNESCO鈥檚 effectiveness in accomplishing the functions for which it was designed.
Resulting Publication
- Documentary Study of the Politicization of UNESCO, Daniel G. Partan. Cambridge: 亚色影库app, 1975. (out of print)
Project Data
- PROJECT DATE: 1975-1978
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Daniel G. Partan (Boston University School of Law)
- SOURCE OF FUNDING: Ford Foundation
- COLLABORATING ORGANIZATIONS: U.S. National Committee for UNESCO, National Academy of Sciences