The term "mandate" may be used in many different ways in the United Nations.
Usually in the UN context, a mandate refers the decision that gives a body authority to carry out its functions.
Some examples are:
- establishment of a subsidiary organ and definition of its core functions
- establishment of a peacekeeping mission and enumeration of the types of activities to be carried out by the mission
- foundation of a UN Secretariat department, office, or division
- terms of reference for a Commission of Inquiry or Group of Experts
- original request for a study or report
Other terms that may be used to refer to such documents are:
- terms of reference
- founding documents
- authorization
- approval
In the League of Nations context, "Mandates" refer to the system of international supervision over colonial territories. This guide does not concern this type of mandate.
