As an integral part of the Office of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the Legal Liaison Office provides advice on all legal matters arising within UNOG and United Nations funds and programmes in Geneva, in close cooperation with the Office of Legal Affairs at Headquarters.

The core functions of the Legal Liaison Office are as follows:

Providing advice to the Director-General of UNOG

Dealing with the Permanent Mission of Switzerland on host country matters

Answering legal questions from the UNOG Administration, departments and services, and United Nations funds and programmes

Coordinating with the Legal Advisers of the Geneva-based United Nations family organizations

On an ad hoc basis, the Senior Legal Adviser coordinates with the Legal Advisers of the Geneva-based United Nations family organizations on matters of common interest under the respective headquarters agreements. On specific issues, and based on consultation with United Nations system organizations, LLO may assume a leading role in the subsequent discussions with host country officials.

Participating in various panels and commissions

Cooperating with permanent missions

Liaison with the Office of Legal Affairs in New York

LLO works in close cooperation with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at Headquarters on legal matters requiring specialized advice and/or a position from the Legal Counsel of the United Nations or the Secretary-General’s approval. These include:

• statutory questions,
• requests for waiver of immunity,
• treaty actions,
• OLA position of a precedent-setting nature, or on matters of system-wide interest.