The International Organisations Department (IOD) plays an active role in advancing Jamaica’s interest on socio-political issues within the context of various international organisations such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
The Department supports the Ministry’s policy priorities by contributing to the strengthening of a rules-based multilateral system through the development of international law, respect for human rights and the rule of law, the fight against drugs and arms trafficking and against international terrorism. In this context, IOD assists in ensuring that the international governance framework supports national efforts towards economic growth and job creation and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Key areas of focus include:
- Maintenance of international peace and security;
- Small Arms and Light Weapons and non-proliferation;
- Human Rights
- Youth and Children;
- Persons with Disabilities;
- Trafficking In Persons;
- Refugees;
- Elimination of Racial Discrimination;
- UN Security Council Reform;
- Advancement of Women;
- International Drug Control;
- Transnational Organized Crime;
- Disarmament;
- Death Penalty;
- UN Peacekeeping
- Candidatures
In this context, the Department provides policy advice and analysis to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, on matters on the international agenda. IOD also provides technical support to Jamaican Missions overseas, particularly regarding the effective articulation of Jamaica’s positions on a wide range of multilateral issues of political, social, humanitarian and cultural concern.
In relation to the matter of human rights, the International Organisations Department monitors Jamaica’s obligations and ensures compliance with various international Conventions. As focal point for the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Human Rights, IOD coordinates, in collaboration with various stakeholders, the preparation of reports and responses relating to the implementation of Jamaica’s human rights obligations.
The Department coordinates with the relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Jamaica’s overseas Missions in lobbying for membership of international bodies. In this connection, IOD develops and implements strategies for Jamaica’s campaign.
IOD seeks to promote constructive engagement in international groupings (namely the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement) and active participation in specific regional and multilateral meetings, in an effort to ensure that national concerns are reflected in outcome documents, and addressed through the provision of technical or other assistance.
To fulfill Jamaica’s obligations under international agreements, the Department represents the Ministry on the following National Committees:
- Non-Communicable Diseases; and
- Refugee Eligibility and Determination.
