visit the un nyc

Tour the United Nations Headquarters in NYC

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Strolling through the fascinating corridors of international diplomacy at Manhattan's United Nations Headquarters is an educational journey not to be missed. Interestingly, while set on the east side of Midtown Manhattan, fronting the East River, the U.N.'s 18-acre parcel of land is considered "international territory" that belongs to members of the United Nations and is, therefore, not technically part of the United States. An hour-long tour here offers enriching insight into the important work of the United Nations organization.

What Will I See?

The best (and only) way to see the inner workings of the United Nations Headquarters is via guided tour. Approximately hour-long guided tours are offered Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm. Tours start in the General Assembly building and afford a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the organization, including a visit to the General Assembly Hall. The General Assembly Hall is the largest room in the United Nations, with seating capacity for more than 1,800 people. In this room, representatives of all 193 Member States gather to discuss pressing issues that require international cooperation.

Tours also take in the Security Council Chamber, as well as the Trusteeship Council Chamber and the Economic and Social Council Chamber (note that access may be limited to rooms if meetings are in progress). En route, tour participants will learn more about the history and structure of the organization, including the scope of issues that the United Nations regularly deals with, including human rights, peace and security, disarmament, and more.

Note that a kid-friendly Children's Tour, geared towards children ages 5 to 12, is also available for booking with advance online purchase; all participating kids must be accompanied by an adult or chaperone.  

What Is the History?

The United Nations Headquarters complex was completed in New York City in 1952 on land donated to the city by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The buildings contain chambers for the Security Council and General Assembly, as well as offices for the Secretary-General and other international civil servants. The complex received an extensive overhaul in celebration of the United Nations' 70th anniversary in 2015.

Where Is It Located? 

Fronting the East River, the United Nations Headquarters is located on 1st Avenue between East 42nd and East 48th Streets; the main visitors' entrance is at 46th Street and 1st Avenue. Note that all visitors need to first get a security pass to visit the complex; passes are issued at the check-in office at 801 1st Avenue (at the corner of 45th Street).

Guided tours are available on weekdays only; the UN Visitors Lobby with exhibits and UN Visitor Center remains open on weekends (though not in January and February). It's highly recommended to book your tickets for guided tours online in advance; a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase at the United Nations on the day of your visit. Note that children under 5 years of age are not permitted on the tours. (Tip: Plan to arrive at least an hour in advance of your scheduled tour to allow for time to go through the security screening.) There is a Visitors Café serving food and beverages (including coffee) on-site.

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United Nations Visitors Centre

• New York City
• Things to Do

Every year, the United Nations Headquarters in New York welcomes over 1 million visitors from around the world. Book a Guided Tour of the UN Headquarters and visit their fascinating exhibits!

Photo courtesy of the United Nations Visitors Center

Standing on the eastern shore of Manhattan Island, on the banks of the East River, the United Nations Headquarters remains both a symbol of peace and a beacon of hope. Representatives of the earth’s seven billion people converge at the UN Headquarters to discuss and decide issues of peace, justice and economic and social well being.

Every year, the United Nations Headquarters in New York welcomes over 1 million visitors from around the world. You may book a Guided Tour of the UN Headquarters, visit the  exhibits , browse the  UN Bookshop , ask a question,  purchase a souvenir , and send a postcard with a  UN stamp . The  Delegates Dining Room  accepts lunch reservations during the week. Call 1-917-367-3314 for additional details.

Visit the United Nations – it’s your world!

9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.  Monday through Sunday.

Guided tours are only available from Monday through Friday.

Take Amtrak to the United Nations Visitors Centr e  

Experience the United Nations Visitors Centr e   via Amtrak to Penn Station in New York City —Don’t forget to use the Amtrak  See New York and Save 15% discount!

From 34th Street-Penn Station, take the A, C, or E subway train to ride one stop to 42 St – Port Authority Bus Terminal Station. From 42 Street Station, walk (about four minutes) to the Times Sq – 42 St Station and take the 7 subway train. Ride three stops to the Grand Central – 42 St Station. Head  south  on  East 42nd St  toward  3rd Ave toward  United Nations Secretariat Building (about a ten-minute walk).

Or rent a car with Enterprise! Pick up your reserved  NYTRAIN  Enterprise Rent-a-Car right at the Penn Station.  Click here to reserve your car  or call the New York City office today at:  845-485-2222 .

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Every year, the United Nations Headquarters in New York welcomes over 1 million visitors…

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United Nations Visitor Centre

405 E 42nd Street, New York , New York 10017 USA

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“explore the United Nations Headquarters”

Come and visit the United Nations in the heart of New York City! Our one hour guided tours offer an exciting opportunity to discover and get a behind-the-scenes view of the Organization at work. All tours start in the United Nations North Lawn Building located at 47th Street and 1st Avenue. For security reasons, children under 5 years of age are not permitted on tour. Guided Tours offer an engaging way to explore the United Nations Headquarters: Visit the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber in the newly renovated Conference Building.Learn about how the United Nations addresses issues such as disarmament, peace and security, human rights, and the Millennium Development Goals.

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United Nations Headquarters

• Grand Central – 42nd St • 10 min walk
• Grand Central • 10 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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United Nations Headquarters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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United Nations Visitors Centre

Free admission.

About the Museum

For those willing to brave the long lines at security, a visit to the headquarters of the United Nations is one of the great experiences that New York City has to offer. The best way to experience the U.N. as a visitor is on a guided tour--but these require advance registration and limited availability can mean planning several weeks or months in advance. Fortunately, the U.N. can be visited outside of tour--though you will not have access to the Assembly Hall. The U.N. hosts several small exhibitions exploring topics of human rights and social justice that are free to visit.

What You Will See

Tours of the United Nations are offered several times a day in many languages and bring visitors into some of the most important diplomatic spaces on the planet. However, the ticketed tours can fill up fast. If you do not manage to join a tour, you can still visit the U.N.'s gallery. The free space is used to display selections from the United Nations Art Collection, as well as rotating temporary exhibits which examine issues such as modern slavery, sustainable development, human rights, and the history of the United Nations itself.

Why You Should Go

With over 1 million visitors a year, the headquarters of the United Nations is rightly one of the most visited sites in New York City. However, few people treat is as a compelling and contemporary gallery space. The security lines can be daunting and summer crowds can be offputting, but the gallery and museum spaces inside the U.N. reward those willing to brave the throngs of tour busses.

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Contact the UN Visitors Services

UN Visitors Services

Department of Global Communications United Nations Headquarters New York, NY 10017

Facebook :   @ UNVisitorsCentre​

Twitter :   @VisitUN

To contact the Visitor Centre by phone, please call  +1 (212) 963-TOUR (8687)  

Or  email us : 

For United Nations general inquiries:   [email protected]  

For tour content and availability of tour in other languages:   [email protected]

For questions regarding a large group tour of 21 persons or more:   [email protected]

For Speakers’ Bureau briefings:   [email protected]

United Nations Guided Tours Celebrates 70 years in New York City

The United Nations Department of Global Communications celebrates today the seventieth anniversary of its Guided Tours operation, the same day that the doors of the Organization’s Headquarters in New York City were opened to the public in 1952.

To mark the occasion, an exhibit on the history and the role of the tour guides as “Ambassadors to the Public” is on view in the United Nations Visitors Lobby, available also in digital format.  The United Nations Postal Administration has issued a special commemorative stamp sheet for purchase at the stamp shop.

For seven decades, visitors from around the world have toured United Nations Headquarters, giving them the opportunity to see, hear and feel diplomacy in action.  Escorted by guides well-versed in international affairs, visitors walk through corridors buzzing with diplomats and international civil servants, learn about pressing geopolitical issues, and while seated in the General Assembly Hall, reflect on our world’s need for international cooperation.

“Our multilingual tour guides have been the face and voice of the United Nations to over 42 million visitors from around the world,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.  “We celebrate their seventieth anniversary and honour their vital ongoing mission to enhance understanding of the essential work of the United Nations.”

The one-hour Guided Tour is conducted in 13 languages by a team of tour guides from 17 countries.  As per tradition, the tour guides have been clothed by leading designers, from Edith Head, Christian Dior and Benetton in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, to Elie Tahari from 2017 to the present.

Access to a multi-media kit about the United Nations Guided Tours can be found here ; and the digital version of the seventieth anniversary exhibit at:  www.un.org/en/exhibits/ambassadors-to-the-public .  During the Unit’s anniversary month of November, visitors can also request a United Nations tour, or an interview with a tour guide in a foreign language, Monday through Friday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., by reaching out to the media contacts below.

United Nations Guided Tours offer an exciting opportunity to discover United Nations Headquarters on a brief journey through the corridors of international diplomacy, all while admiring the unique collection of artworks on display in the United Nations compound.  During the hour-long tour, visitors will learn from a multilingual tour guide about the history of the Organization, as well as the work of its 193 Member States in the areas of peace and security, development and human rights .  Guided Tours are also available at United Nations Offices in Geneva, Nairobi and Vienna.  For more information, please visit www.un.org/visit .

Media Contacts:  Vincenzo Pugliese, Acting Chief, Visitors Services, New York, at email:  [email protected] , tel.:  +1 212 963 6984; or Rula Hinedi, Chief, United Nations Guided Tours, New York, at email:   [email protected] , tel.: +1 212 963 5052.

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How to visit United Nations headquarters in New York (for free)

by Dan Miller | Nov 24, 2016 | all , family travel | 6 comments

(READ MORE: Most Traveled People – tracking places you’ve been )

Where is the United Nations headquarters in NYC?

United Nations Headquarters is in Manhattan (New York City), on the east side of the island.  The UN headquarters building is located off of 1st Avenue between 42nd and 47th streets

While the skyscraper that you THINK is the United Nations headquarters (technically the “United Nations Secretariat Building” is between 42nd and 43rd street, the actual visitor’s entrance into United Nations headquarters building is opposite 45th street.

There is no parking at the UN headquarters building – the UN website recommends walking or taking public transportation. We were staying at the Sheraton Times Square New York , so we walked over.  One advantage of walking is that on your way to visit the United Nations Headquarters, you’ll pass by many countries’ diplomatic missions, so it makes a good game of “spot the flags”

You will see an entrance building on the east side of 1st Avenue opposite 45th street.  It looks like this

If you look closely in the picture, you can see 2 armed guards in front of the UN building who will not let you in… unless…. you get a visitor’s badge.

Getting a (free) visitor’s pass to visit United Nations headquarters

Unless you work there, you will need a Visitor Pass to visit the UN Headquarters building.  The Visitor’s Check-In office for the United Nations headquarters building is (conveniently) right across the street from United Nations Headquarters, on the northwest corner of 45th Street and 1st Avenue (801 First Avenue is the address)

The UN website suggests arriving to check-in at least one hour before any scheduled tours you might have to go through the security process.  The security check in building opens at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 10 a.m. on weekends.  Every visitor 18 and older needs to show government ID (original; no photocopies) in order to get a visitor pass.  The UN website does not mention this, but there is a sign in the building stating that your identification must be in English

My daughter (10 years old at the time) did not need to show ID but also got a visitor’s pass / bracelet.  Children under 5 years of age are not permitted to visit the United Nations headquarters building (supposedly for “security” but I’m not sure I understand that)

You’ll get a badge that looks something like this

and then you can cross back over 1st Avenue to visit the UN headquarters building

When to visit the United Nations Headquarters building in New York

The United Nations headquarters building is open most days from 9 a.m. (weekdays) or 10 a.m. (weekends) to 5 p.m.  Although the UN building itself closes at 5 p.m. they stop letting people inside at 4:30

• Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
• Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
• All visitors must exit the building by 5:30pm

Visiting the UN headquarters building is not allowed on certain holidays – check the UN website for more information.  Another thing to note is that guided tours are only offered on weekdays, while the United Nations headquarters building lobby, shops and Post Office are open on weekends (except January and February)

How to visit United Nations headquarters for free

There are United Nations tours that are guided tours (but only on weekdays; see above).  The current price for United Nations tours is $22 for adults, $15 for “Students” (ages 13+) and Seniors (60+) and $13 for children ages 5-12 (Children under 5 are not permitted on UN tours or in the UN headquarters building at all).

That’s well and good, but we want to visit United Nations headquarters for FREE!

When my daughter and I were at the United Nations headquarters building, we decided not to pay for a UN tour and instead just visit the building.  The good news is that the lobby, shops, Post Office and atrium are open for free and even on weekends (when there are no UN guided tours)

We were there on a Sunday morning – it was super empty and I felt that it was a good time for general reflection.  The atrium in the United Nations headquarters building in NYC is very large and has lots of information about the United Nations itself, UNICEF, and other

I enjoyed this picture of former UN secretary general Boutrous Boutrous Ghali ( thank you Animaniacs !)

The shops were closed because we were there pretty early in the morning, but we spent an hour or so looking at the different displays both inside

and the sculptures outside the United Nations headquarters building

Definitely worth a trip to United Nations headquarters if you’re visiting NYC.

Have you been to the United Nations headquarters building in New York City?  If you took the UN Tour, was it worth it?  Or would you recommend just visiting the lobby and atrium for free?

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Do you have to be in a tour to visit here?

No. We went in without a tour, but I’d imagine if you’re on the tour, you may have better access to things. For my purposes, just walking around the “open” part of the building was more than enough

Thank you for sharing this information.

Had a wonderful visit to United Nations Headquarter yesterday! Thanks

I’m glad you had a good time!

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Attractions

Un of new york.

The headquarters of the United Nations (UN) is a very tall building that stands on First Avenue, on the east side of Manhattan. Although it is located in the heart of New York, the UN is considered to be an independent territory .

The UN in New York is an international organisation that was created on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco, in the aftermath of the Second World War . It replaced the former League of Nations, whose inability to prevent 2 world wars sealed its fate.

The UN’s mission is to maintain peace and security in the world . To achieve this, it fosters friendly relations between nations, develops cooperation between states and ensures that the borders of each state are respected.

• The history of the UN in New York

The UN headquarters was inaugurated on 9 January 1951. It stands on the banks of the East River. The 3 buildings that make up this organisation are a 39-storey tower that houses the United Nations Secretariat, the General Assembly Building and the Dag Hammarskjöld Library.

The UN was built by 11 different architects. These include the American Walace Harrison, the Brazilian Oscar Niemeyer and the French Le Corbusier. The work was carried out thanks to a donation from John Davison Rockefeller Jr.

Inside, in the areas open to the public, visitors can admire other works. The best known are Foucault’s pendulum (1955), the Japanese Peace Bell (1958), the sculpture “From our swords, let us forge hoyaux” by the Russian Evgeny Vutchétich (1959), the Peace Stained Glass Window by Marc Chagall (1964), and the bronze sculpture “Non-violence” by the Swedish Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, which represents a revolver with a knotted barrel (1988).

To achieve its mission, the UN relies on specialised bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), based in Geneva (Switzerland), the International Court of Justice, based in The Hague (Netherlands), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), based in Paris (France), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), based in Vienna (Austria), and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), based in Montreal (Canada).

To ensure that it functions properly, the UN has various structures, including the General Assembly of Member States, the General Secretariat, the Trusteeship Council and the Security Council.

• Visiting the UN in New York

When you plan to visit the United Nations headquarters in New York, there are a few arrival and security procedures you should be aware of.

Arrival procedures

All visitors aged 18 and over (and unaccompanied children aged 12 and over) must present valid photo identification issued by a UN Member State or non-Member Observer State to enter UN Headquarters. The identity document must be original (no photographs or photocopies accepted):

• Driving licence
• National identity card

All visitors to the UN headquarters require a UN security pass to enter the UN building. This security pass must be obtained from the visitors’ registration office .

If you have already purchased your ticket for a guided tour online, be sure to bring a paper copy of your ticket confirmation, the e-ticket visible on your mobile phone or a screenshot of the ticket to show at the visitor registration desk in the General Assembly Hall.

Visitors without a ticket reservation are allowed. Start your visit at the visitors’ registration desk (801 1st Avenue at 45th Street, opposite the UN visitors’ entrance). Plan to arrive 60 minutes before your visit . After receiving your security pass/wristband, cross the street to the UN Visitors Entrance (46th Street and 1st Avenue) for the security check and access to UN Headquarters.

Security check

All visitors to the UN headquarters must pass through a security check (as at the airport), after the check please proceed to the General Assembly building and walk to the cash desk at the back of the lobby to register for your visit before visiting the exhibitions or browsing the shops and café in the lower concierge area.

The following items are strictly prohibited:

• All liquids, including water
• Cans and bottles
• Food or drink
• Backpacks and bags over 14″ (35 cm) wide x 13″ (33 cm) high x 4″ (10 cm) deep
• Scooters, skateboards, bicycles
• Aerosol containers and non-aerosol sprays (medical prescriptions are permitted)
• Any sharp object other than pens and pencils (i.e. knives, knitting needles, letter openers, razors, etc.)
• Stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices
• Firearms, replica firearms, ammunition, fireworks, mustard gas or pepper spray
• Standard guided tour

Visit the United Nations in the heart of New York City! A one-hour guided tour offers an exciting opportunity to discover the UN headquarters. A multilingual tour guide will take visitors on a journey through the corridors of international diplomacy . They will learn more about the history and work of the United Nations and visit the famous halls:

General Assembly Hall : This is one of the most recognisable rooms at UN headquarters. It houses the General Assembly, where all the Member States meet to discuss and vote on important issues.

Security Council Chamber : This is where the United Nations Security Council meets, a body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. The room is known for its large round table and the seats reserved for the five permanent members (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China) and the ten non-permanent members.

ECOSOC Room (Economic and Social Council) : This room is used for meetings of the Economic and Social Council, which deals with economic, social and environmental issues.

International Court of Justice Room : The International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, is based at the Peace Palace in The Hague, but also has a room at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Guided tour in English

A guided tour lasts approximately one hour . Tours are offered in the six official languages of the United Nations (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish), as well as in additional languages that are in great demand. It is essential to book your guided tour in English in advance. The UN can offer up to 4 tours a day during the holidays, but they are quickly booked up. Outside the holidays, a daily slot is available.

The United Nations headquarters is accessible to people with disabilities or reduced mobility. It is possible to request the use of a wheelchair when checking in.

• Prices and payment

Individual tickets

Prices for individual tickets to take part in the guided tours in person at UN headquarters are as follows:

• Adult: $26.00
• Student (aged 13 and over with student card): $18.00
• Senior (60 and over): $18.00
• Children (aged 5 to 12): $15.00

A 6% reservation fee will be charged.

• How do I get to UN headquarters in New York?

To get to the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, located at 405 East 42nd Street , New York, NY, 10017, in the United States, several transport options are available:

It is often the quickest and cheapest way to get around the city. The nearest metro station is Grand Central-42nd Street, served by lines 4, 5, 6, 7 and S. From the station, the UN headquarters are a short walk to the east.

Several bus routes stop close to the UN, offering a good alternative to the metro. Lines M42 and M15 are among the most convenient, stopping close to headquarters.

What can you visit near the UN headquarters?

Grand Central Terminal : Just a stone’s throw from the UN, this historic station is famous for its impressive architecture and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants and exhibitions.

Chrysler Building : one of New York’s most iconic skyscrapers, known for its Art Deco architecture, is also close to the UN.

East River Waterfront Esplanade : For a leisurely stroll or jog, this promenade offers magnificent views of the East River.

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Why you should visit the UN next time you’re in New York

Sphere within a Sphere United Nations gift from Italy

Did you know that the United Nations (UN) Headquarters is in New York City ? It takes only about 15 minutes to get there from Times Square by public transit and is well worth a visit the next time you’re in town. My husband, daughter and I had a chance to visit recently when we were in New York. Here are some of the reasons you won’t want to miss a visit to this one-of-a-kind complex.

This world-wide organization was formed in 1945 (comprising only 51 members), as a result of the devastation and divisions of World War II. The NYC headquarters complex was completed in 1952 and has been the busy hub of the UN ever since

You don’t need a ticket to visit the building most anytime, but there are areas that you won’t be able to see or learn about unless you’re on a tour. Reservations are recommended for all tours, since they can sell out in advance.

Take a Tour and Learn About the UN’s Work

As you can imagine, a world-wide organization like this has ambitious goals. Since its inception, the United Nations has played a major role in facilitating communication and cooperation between its members, who now come from virtually every country in the world. The best way to learn about their current initiatives is by taking a guided tour with one of the “UN Ambassadors to the Public” that come from all over the world.

There are four different types of tours offered on weekdays at the United Nations HQ. You’ll generally see the Tour Guides (Ambassadors) in their official uniforms, but they can also wear their national dress to display more color and diversity. Most Guides speak at least 2 languages, and many speak more.

This is a working facility and for security reasons, tours may not be offered during various activities, or may be sold out, so the UN encourages visitors to book online in advance at their website here.

General Tour – Public tours are 45 to 60 minutes long and are offered in six official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish). Tours in other languages, such as German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese are also offered upon request, if translators are available. See contact information at the General Tour link above to request a tour in a different language.

Children’s Tours – These tours focus on teaching children to become global citizens. Interactive play and games help young ones understand more about what the UN does and how it impacts their lives and those around the world. The UN Kids Corridor is open to ages 5 to 10 years old, but an adult must accompany their children on the tour also. (Note: Children under 5 are not allowed on the tours.) Kids of any age can sit in on the free story-time in the UN Bookshop every Friday, right before the tour.

Garden Tours – Currently only offered in the summer months until mid-September on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. – visitors can take a guided tour of the North Lawn, see beautiful roses, cherry trees, and learn about the significant outdoor sculptures. 

Private Tour – Groups of 21 or more can schedule a private guided tour delivered in English or 10 non-English languages. Groups taking a private tour can also request a briefing from a UN expert on a variety of topics, from peacekeeping efforts to human rights, an overview of the UN’s current initiatives and its history. Be sure to request your briefing, when scheduling the tour.

As you can imagine this is an organization with high security requirements, so take time to review the arrival and check-in regulations before you head to the complex.

Get Your Passport Stamped

Since the UN is technically an international territory and not legally part of the United States, they’re authorized to issue a unique passport stamp. When you’re at the UN complex, go to their post office within the building and have your passport stamped with the special UN stamp. We read about this before our visit but forgot to bring our passports that day. I was so disappointed! I love getting new stamps in my passport, don’t you?

Learn About The UN’s Purpose

In 2015 members of the UN established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (a 15-year plan) that they have agreed are top priority for our planet going forward. 

 “Quote from UN website about SDGs”

“The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The Goals interconnect and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve each Goal and target by 2030.”

See the World-renowned Meeting Rooms

We had a chance to see several of the Council chamber rooms and the massive General Assembly room. Every year in September, delegates from all 193 Member States meet for the General Assembly session. This is where the international community deliberates and votes on topics like economic development, security, human rights and more. 

Seating arrangements in the General Assembly Hall (which was renovated in 2014) change for each session to allow different countries to sit closer to the front of the huge room. During the 74th Session (2019-2020), Ghana will occupy the first seat in the Hall, including in the Main Committees (followed by all the other countries, in English alphabetical order). Seating in the back of the room is reserved for official General Assembly Observers such as the European Union, and other Intergovernmental organizations that are approved in advance.

One of the other significant rooms that we visited was the Security Council Chamber. The room was designed and furnished by the country of Norway. Norwegian artist, Per Lasson Krohg, created a large mural symbolizing the promise of future peace and individual freedom that fills the east wall of the room.

Some of the most powerful countries are the five permanent members of this council (France, United States, United Kingdom, Russia and China). Ten other elected countries join the Council for two-year terms each. You’ll hear a lot in the news about the Security Council. They’re responsible for deciding on embargoes, UN sanctions, peace keeping missions and military involvement. You can find out more about how the Security Council works here .

Learn About the Spectacular Art

We saw many beautiful art works on the tour. Our knowledgeable guide was able to answer questions about the various pieces that we saw along the way. If you’re interested in learning more about the artwork when you visit, you can also download an app specifically related to the art pieces at UN Headquarters – find the iOS app for iPad and iPhone here and the Android app on Google Play here .

The gorgeous bronze highly polished sphere, with a smaller sphere nestled inside, stands just outside the main entrance of the General Assembly building. The “Sphere Within a Sphere”, created by Arnaldo Pomodoro, measures nearly 11 feet in diameter and was a gift from Italy in 1996. Visitors can form their own opinion of the symbolism, but some say it’s a metaphor promising the rebirth from within our society of a less troubled and destructive world.

Shop in the Bookshop

One reason to visit the bookshop is that all the proceeds from sales help support the goals and initiatives of the organization. You’ll find UN memorabilia with a message on items like coffee mugs, t-shirts, posters and more. You can also browse books by and about the United Nations on topics like peacekeeping, women’s rights, sustainable agriculture and international law at the United Nations Bookshop. 

Buy Exclusive UN Postage Stamps

Would you like to send a unique gift to friends and family back home? Do you know a serious stamp collector? Or maybe this would be a perfect keepsake to send to home to remember your visit. Here’s a fun idea that you can only do at the UN Headquarters Bookshop.

Did you know that the United Nations is the only non-state entity in the world that’s allowed to create and sell its own postage? United Nations Postage Stamps are beautifully designed to bring awareness to the organization and the various humanitarian and environmental issues facing the world. Unique stamps are issued at each of the UN offices – New York, Geneva and Vienna in three denominations: US dollars, Swiss francs, and Euros. They’re valid to be used as postage on mail being sent from those offices. Consider mailing a card to your friends or yourself with these unique stamps. The bookstore also sells postal stationary, cancelled stamps and more.

Eat Lunch in the Delegates Dining Room

Considering the vast number of people working in and visiting the complex each day, it’s not surprising that there’s a restaurant in the United Nations Headquarters. I was surprised to learn that the Delegates Dining Room is open for lunch and accessible to the public ( only WITH a reservation ). They offer a 3-course fixed-price lunch between 11:30 and 2pm on weekdays. If you can schedule your tour to work around that timeframe, this would be a unique experience to enjoy. The dining room has beautiful views overlooking the East River and offers a variety of international cuisines. 

Find out more details about special events, guest chef programs and dress codes here.

As you can see, the United Nations Headquarters offers some interesting and fun one-of-a-kind experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a great place to bring the family to learn more about how to become a global citizen too. I hope you’ll make time to visit when you’re in NYC, even if you can’t take a tour. I think you’ll be glad you did.

Author Bio:

Author: Roving Jay

13 thoughts on “ why you should visit the un next time you’re in new york ”.

We have a UN office back here in Kenya and I did not know that they give tours. Great info and thanks for sharing.

Not a place I would have thought about visiting .. but thanks for enlightening me.

This is so cool! I had no idea you could take tours of the UN AND get a special passport stamp. I’ll be in NY in 2 weeks and can’t wait to plan this into my schedule.

Yes it was news to me too. I thought with all the security scares they’d stop this activity. Good to know they haven’t.

I visit NYC fairly often because it’s only a five-hour drive away. I’ve never thought to tour the UN! I’d love to do this in the summer for the garden tour, and have lunch in the delegates’ dining room. Plus a passport stamp? Love it! Thanks for sharing such a unique idea of how to spend time in the city.

Yes, first thoughts are always of the tall buildings and viewing the city from above. There’s a lot to be said for venturing of that well-beaten path and exploring some of NYCs other sights.

I never knew that we could visit the UN while in New York! The garden tour, ambassador tour, having lunch in delegates’ room – very interesting indeed. You have truly inspired me to visit UN the next time I am in NYC! 🙂

Yep. New York the city that keeps on giving, visit after visit. Good to know there’s still parts of it for us to discover.

This is definitely one of my to-do places to visit next time I am in NYC. I feel like you can really experience the whole magnitude of the world through those doors and those rooms.

Yes it’s a unique place, and just one more reason to visit NYC.

I didn’t know you could get a passport stamp here! Now, I really want one! Surprisingly, a few years ago I had dreams of working at the UN. But, I’ve let that one go and will now settle to just visit one day!

I was watching Fahrenheit 11/9 the other day on Netflix, and saw a lot of the UN, and it looks like an interesting place to visit.

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Tours of the United Nations Building in New York

This post has all the information needed to take a tour of the United Nations Headquarters, including information about tickets, directions, what you will see there, and nearby sights.

• Guided Tours of the UN
• How to Get Tickets
• Plan Your Visit
• Nearby Sights and Activities
• Things to Do in NYC
• Free Tours By Foot

GUIDED TOURS OF THE U.N.

United Nations' guided tours are a great way to learn more about the organization and its contributions to the world order.

You must purchase tickets for the tour.

If you prefer to visit the United Nations for free, you can, but you will not see any of the significant parts of the Headquarters.

See below to find out what you can see without taking a tour. 

Pre-booked tickets and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination are strongly recommended but not required for entry. All visitors are recommended to wear mask but not required.

Tour Schedule

Tours are offered Monday-Friday, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, and last between 45 minutes to an hour. 

There are no weekend tours .

The Visitors Center is open on the weekends, but you will not be able to see any other areas of the building.

Tours are offered in the six official languages of the United Nations, which are English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian.

Tours are also sometimes offered in German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Swedish.

If for some reason a booked language tour is not available when you arrive, the tour will be conducted in English.

About the Tour 

On the tour, you will visit the 

• General Assembly Hall
• Security Council Chamber
• Trusteeship Council Chamber
• Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber
• and much more!

About the Guides

• There are 24 United Nations Tour Guides.
• The guides are from 15 different countries and speak a combined 12 languages.
• Tour Guides are referred to as United Nations Ambassadors to the Public because of their direct contact with millions of visitors.
• The guides are briefed every morning so that they will be current on the ongoing work of the organization.
• Guides also sometimes wear the native dress of their home country.

Kids Tour - Thematic Guided Tours

Since 2019, the UN started offering tours for children ages 5 through 10.

The tour includes a visit to the kid-friendly UN Kids Corridor".  

Guides interact with children and role-play so that young visitors learn how the UN relates to their lives.

The Corridor has huge world maps on the walls, mounted flags of the countries that are included in the Security Council, and even an actual refugee tent. 

To know more about the Kids tour, click here .

Standard Guided Tour

In the centre of New York City, visit the UN! An intriguing chance to learn about UN Headquarters is provided by a one-hour guided tour.

You'll go on a brief tour of the halls of world affairs with one of the multilingual Tour Guides.

You will gain knowledge of the UN's past and current activities while touring its renowned General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chamber. (meetings permitting).

To know more about the tour, visit .

Garden Tour

In the autumn, Wednesdays at 2:30 pm offer special tours of the UN's North Lawn.

Learn about the history of the "George and the Dragon" statue, see a real section of the Berlin Wall, and find a "hidden gem" honouring Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most significant women in the history of the United Nations, as you stroll through the gardens with their exceptional rose collection and recognizable cherry trees.

Thematic Guided Tour - Black History Tour

Take the unique Black History Tour to commemorate Black History at the UN!

Tour is available at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

You will get a special opportunity to see the Ark of Return, a permanent monument to those who perished in enslavement and the transatlantic slave trade, on the United Nations Visitors Plaza as part of the Black History-themed Tour of the UN.

Access to the General Assembly Hall, Trusteeship Council Chamber, and Security Council Chamber will also be included in the special visit.

With a focus on decolonization, visitors will learn about the contributions made by people of African origin to the UN's work in areas like peace and security and human rights.

Thematic Guided Tour - Focus on Women Tour

The Focus on Women Tour highlights the important contributions made by women to UN efforts in the areas of peace and security, human rights, and development.

More than half of the world's population are women, and even though their opinions have frequently been muted, their tenacity and wisdom have made them change agents!

This tour will discuss women who have had a significant impact on the history of the UN, as well as issues like Security Council resolution 1325, which emphasises the critical role that women play in conflict prevention and resolution, the distinctive and expanding role that women play in peace operations, Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and women's empowerment, and other General Assembly milestones that have improved the status of women globally.

A traditional Mola tapestry created by Kuna women from Panama will also be on display as part of the tour in the General Assembly Lobby.

If there are no meetings scheduled, the Focus on Women Tour will also have entry to the General Assembly Hall, Economic and Social Council Chamber, and Security Council Chamber.

To learn more, click here .

Other Things to See at the UN

Whether you take a tour or not, there is plenty to do at the United Nations.

The lobby and atrium are open for visits and you can see their permanent and changing  exhibits .

You can also browse their  bookshop ,  purchase a souvenir , and send a postcard with a  UN stamp!

You can also dine alongside UN delegates at the  Delegates Dining Room . You must make a reservation by calling 1-917-367-3314.

For a less expensive meal, try the casual Visitor’s Café in the Visitor’s Center.

NOTE:   The UN no longer offers the opportunity to have your passport stamped.

Instead, the UN Post Office sells souvenir passports for $1.00 which you can have stamped for free. 

Also, they will stamp any type of paper product, such as postcards, pamphlets, or even blank paper. This makes for a unique one-of-a-kind souvenir. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased online at the UN's Visitor Center website page .

Note that tickets are sold through this site via an online vendor. If you purchase with a credit card, Vendini Tickets is the name that will appear on your statement.)  

Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Visitors Center for the next available tour that day.

Because of limited availability, it is strongly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.

Prices 

• Seniors (60 and up): $18
• Students (with ID): $18
• Children (5-12 years old): $15
• Children under 5 years old are not permitted on tours but are allowed inside the UN building.
• Kids Tours are offered for children 5-10 years old. For the Kids Tour, see above .

Purchase tickets here .

PLAN YOUR VISIT

The Visitor Entrance is at First Avenue and 45th Street.

You can use this link to Google Maps to get exact directions from your departure location to the U.N. 

By subway:   Take the 4/5/6 trains to Grand Central-42nd Street Station).

Exit Grand Central Station on 42nd Street (look for signs that say "42nd Street Exit". 

Once on the street, you can walk along 42nd Street to 1st Avenue and then walk north 4 blocks to the Visitor Entrance. 

If you don't want to walk from Grand Central, you can take the M42 bus heading east on 42nd Street. It is a free transfer from the subway.

TIP:  You may find our posts on  navigating the NYC subway  and choosing the right subway pass helpful.

By bus:   The crosstown M42 bus heading east. The Uptown M15 bus along 1st Avenue stops in front of the U.N. 

By ferry: The East River ferry has a stop at 34th Street and 1st Avenue. It costs the same as the subway and you will have fantastic views during your ride. See our post about the  East River Ferry .

By car: We advise you to not drive to the UN, as there is no visitor parking and traffic in Midtown is very heavy. 

When you arrive

Be sure that everyone in your group who is 18 years or older (and unaccompanied children 12 years and older) has their government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license.

Go to the Visitor Check-in Office at 801 First Avenue at 45th Street, across the street from the UN.

For 9:30 am and 9:45 am ticket holders, please be advised that the Check-in Office opens at 9:00 am.

Because you must go through a security screening, which may take some time, the UN asks that you arrive  an hour prior to your tour so you will not be late.

You won't be able to bring in big bags or tripods. We have great suggestions for where to store your bags for under $6.

Note:  If you are more than 15 minutes late your reservation may not be honored.

For more information about what to expect when you arrive, see the UN website .

Good to Know

• Tours take place during working hours, so groups are asked to keep quiet while walking in between stops.
• There are no restrooms along the tour route, so take care of any needs before the tour begins.
• TIP: If you have bags and would like to store them somewhere during your visit to the UN, look at our post on  where to store luggage in NYC .

What you can and cannot bring

The UN takes security seriously. Check their long list of prohibited items here .

You CAN bring the following:

• battery-operated electronic devices, as well as medical devices
• cameras, video recorders, or any type of recording device
• creams, lotions, or perfumes
• strollers (not permitted on the tour route)

NEARBY SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

You may want to link your trip to the United Nations with a few other activities. 

One activity is to join us for one of our pay-what-you-like tours of Midtown Manhattan or Grand Central Terminal .

Explore  Grand Central Terminal  (also a great place to grab food!). 

You can enhance your visit to Grand Central by using our  self-guided Grand Central tour  or our audio tour . 

For a stunning view of the NYC skyline, ride the aerial tram to Roosevelt Island.  Once you are on Roosevelt Island it is a lovely place to spend an hour or 2.

See our  Self-Guided Roosevelt Island Tour  for information on what to do on the island. 

You can also visit the New York Public Library . They offer free tours daily. 

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Visits to the UN

• UN Ambassadors Visit NYC Classrooms
• In-Class Learning
• Professional Development for Educators

Each NYC Junior Ambassadors classroom participates in a curated guided visit of the United Nations Headquarters. These visits provide youth with an opportunity to visit a site of global importance and enable program participants to engage with experts on their topics of interest. Each visit is comprised of an hour-long tour of the United Nations and an hour briefing. Youth during these visits are given the opportunity to reflect on the importance of the UN in their lives and those of people worldwide. They are also given the chance to identify clear actions they could take to make a difference. 

Follow the 2016-2017 Cohort on their visits to the United Nations!

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UN / GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI RWANDA

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STORY: UN / GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI RWANDA TRT: 02:49 SOURCE: UNIFEED RESTRICTIONS: NONE LANGUAGES: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 12 APRIL 2024, NEW YORK CITY / FILE

FILE - NEW YORK CITY

1. Wide shot, UN Headquarters

12 APRIL 2024, NEW YORK CITY

2. various shots, General Assembly Hall, Moment of silence, candle lighting ceremony 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations: “The genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 30 years ago is a stain on our collective consciousness and a brutal reminder of the legacy of colonialism, and the consequences of hate speech.” 4. Wide shot, delegates, participants 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations: “These 100 days reflected the worst of humanity. But the aftermath revealed the best of the human spirit: resilience, reconciliation, courage, and strength.” 6. Wide shot, delegates, participants 7. SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations: “Genocides culminate in mass violence and death. But they start with the weapon of words. The genocide in Rwanda was fueled by decades of hate speech targeting the Tutsi.” 8. Close up, candles 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations: “Nowadays, divisive, and dangerous ideologies are delivered through the global megaphone of social media. But the vile messages remain all too familiar. Racism, misogyny, lies, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, stigmatization, discrimination, and the outright denial — or even glorification — of past genocides, including the Holocaust and genocide against the Tutsis. The global community must stand as one against this torrent of hate speech and denounce it wherever it’s found.” 10. Close up, candles 11. SOUNDBITE (English) Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice / Attorney General, Republic of Rwanda: “The seeds of division and extremism which led to the genocide can happen anywhere if left unchecked. This is a strong warning that demands our strength and global resolve to prevent such atrocities, not only in Rwanda but across the world.” 12. Close up, candles 13. SOUNDBITE (English) Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice / Attorney General, Republic of Rwanda: “Never again should the world stand idly by in the face of such atrocities, and never again let seeds of genocide take root through inaction.” 14. Med shot, delegates, participants

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “The genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 30 years ago is a stain on our collective consciousness and a brutal reminder of the legacy of colonialism, and the consequences of hate speech.”

At the commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda held today (12 Apr) in New York, Guterres said, “These 100 days reflected the worst of humanity. But the aftermath revealed the best of the human spirit: resilience, reconciliation, courage, and strength.”

He also said, “Genocides culminate in mass violence and death. But they start with the weapon of words. The genocide in Rwanda was fueled by decades of hate speech targeting the Tutsi.”

He stressed, “Nowadays, divisive, and dangerous ideologies are delivered through the global megaphone of social media. But the vile messages remain all too familiar. Racism, misogyny, lies, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, stigmatization, discrimination, and the outright denial — or even glorification — of past genocides, including the Holocaust and genocide against the Tutsis. The global community must stand as one against this torrent of hate speech and denounce it wherever it’s found.”

Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Rwanda, said, “The seeds of division and extremism which led to the genocide can happen anywhere if left unchecked. This is a strong warning that demands our strength and global resolve to prevent such atrocities, not only in Rwanda but across the world.”

He continued, “Never again should the world stand idly by in the face of such atrocities, and never again let seeds of genocide take root through inaction.”

Related Content

UN / GENOCIDE PREVENTION

UN / GENOCIDE AGAINST TUTSI RWANDA

UN / GENOCIDE CONVENTION

UN / DIENG GENOCIDE

UN / GENOCIDE INTERNATIONAL DAY

UN / DRC UPDATE

UN / GENOCIDE SURVIVOR INTERVIEW

UN / GUTERRES REFUGEES

WHD / WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY WRAP

UN / RELIGIOUS LEADERS

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(Part 1) ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024

16 April 2024

• Opening session: Statements by UN High-level officials and a youth keynote speaker. 
• Moderated conversation: Youth for Solutions and Innovation (Discussions with young leaders around the world). 
• Spotlight session - Youth in a world without poverty. 
• Progressing from poverty to prosperity: Youth as agents of change 

The Forum provides a global platform for dialogue among Member States and young leaders from around the world on solutions to challenges affecting youth wellbeing. It also serves as a unique space for young people to share their vision and actions as well as provide an opportunity to advance youth solutions to accelerate  the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

The three-day event will feature plenary sessions, interactive thematic and regionally-based discussions, and provide an opportunity for a rich exchange of views and ideas on innovative solutions to issues of relevance to young people on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. 

ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024 website

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At U.N. Court, Germany Fights Allegations of Aiding Genocide

Nicaragua has accused Germany over its provision of military and financial aid to Israel. Germany said the case had “no basis in fact or law.”

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By Marlise Simons ,  Christopher F. Schuetze and Erika Solomon

• April 9, 2024

Germany on Tuesday defended itself at the International Court of Justice against accusations that its arms shipments to Israel were furthering genocide in Gaza, arguing that most of the equipment it has supplied since Oct. 7 was nonlethal and that it has also been one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.

At the U.N. court in The Hague, lawyers for Germany said that the allegations brought by Nicaragua had “no basis in fact or law” and rested on an assessment of military conduct by Israel, which is not a party to the case.

“Germany firmly rejects Nicaragua’s accusations,” Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, an official at Germany’s Foreign Ministry and lead counsel in the case, told the 15-judge bench, adding that Nicaragua had “rushed this case to court on the basis of flimsiest evidence.”

On Monday, Nicaragua had argued that Germany was facilitating the commission of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza by providing Israel with military and financial aid, and it asked for emergency measures ordering the German government to halt its support. The court is expected to decide within weeks whether to issue emergency measures.

The proceedings, which concluded Tuesday, were the third time in recent months that the U.N. court — usually a sleepy venue for disputes between nations — became a forum for nations to put pressure on Israel and support Palestinians.

Earlier this year, the court heard arguments by South Africa that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza and ordered the Israeli government to take steps to prevent such atrocities. The court has not ruled on whether genocide was in fact taking place, an allegation that Israel has strongly denied.

The latest case, brought by a Nicaraguan government that itself has been widely accused of repression and human rights violations, has placed a spotlight on Germany, Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the United States. Germany’s leadership calls support for Israel a “Staatsräson,” a national reason for existence, as a way of atoning for the Holocaust.

But the mounting death toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza have led some German officials to ask whether that backing has gone too far.

Lawyers for Germany urged the court to throw out the case. They argued that Germany has tried to balance the interests of both Israel and the Palestinians, and presented figures showing that Berlin was among the largest individual donors to the U.N. and other agencies that provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“Germany has always been a strong supporter of the rights of the Palestinian people,” Ms. von Uslar-Gleichen said. “This is, alongside Israel’s security, the second principle that has guided Germany’s response to the Middle East conflict in general, and to its current escalation in particular.”

In 2023, Germany approved arms exports to Israel valued at 326.5 million euros, or about $353.7 million, according to figures published by the economics ministry. That is roughly 10 times the sum approved the previous year.

Germany’s legal team argued on Tuesday that most of its exports were nonlethal support, such as protective gear, communications equipment and defense equipment against chemical hazards .

Christian Tams, a lawyer for Germany, denied Nicaragua’s claims that Berlin had increased weapons supplies to Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. He argued that since then, Germany had approved four export licenses for military equipment, with three of the licenses for training and testing matériel not suitable for combat. The fourth license was for 3,000 portable antitank weapons.

Critics have said that there is little distinction between the types of weapons provided to Israel while it is at war. On Monday, Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez, Nicaragua’s ambassador to the Netherlands, told the court that “it does not matter if an artillery shell is delivered straight from Germany to an Israeli tank shelling a hospital” or goes to replenish Israel’s stockpiles.

Pieter D. Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which tracks global arms exports, said the German position is in line with typical arms exports to Israel.

“While they don’t do the killing directly, they are an essential part of the overall system, the armed forces of a country, which actually make it possible to engage in warfare,” he said.

Lawyers say that Germany is an easier target for a suit than is the United States, by far Israel’s main military supporter . Germany has granted full jurisdiction to the International Court of Justice. But the United States denies its jurisdiction, except in cases where Washington explicitly gives its consent.

Marlise Simons is a correspondent in the Paris bureau, focusing on international justice and war-crimes tribunals. In almost four decades at The New York Times, she has been based in France and Italy to report about Europe and previously covered Latin America from posts in Brazil and Mexico. More about Marlise Simons

Christopher F. Schuetze is a reporter for The Times based in Berlin, covering politics, society and culture in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More about Christopher F. Schuetze

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Within moments of Israel and its allies shooting down a fusillade of Iranian missiles and drones, many began wondering what the exchange would mean for the war in Gaza. Military analysts were divided .

The disappearance and death of an Israeli teenager, whose body was found in the West Bank , spurred deadly rioting by Israeli settlers in Palestinian villages, ratcheting up tensions  even further in the occupied territory.

For months, Western governments have sent weapons to Israel while fending off accusations of abetting war crimes in Gaza. But as an outcry over the civilian death toll mounts, maintaining that balance is becoming increasingly difficult .

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary  has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.

Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position  without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.

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A nonprofit independent magazine of unblinking journalism that shines a light on all of the complexities of the West.

Your guide to the 2024 UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

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The existence of the forum is itself a product of Indigenous advocacy. Mililani Trask , a longtime Native Hawaiian activist and one of the first members of the Permanent Forum, said advocates used to have to sit and listen while U.N. members discussed issues relevant to them. She said that Indigenous advocates wanted a permanent space where they could speak on the floor. 

“So many of us, although we’re young people, we’ve already experienced being land defenders and water defenders and literally using our physical bodies to defend Earth Mother.” window.zone_load_842392436 = function(z, d) { if (!d.count) document.getElementById('zone_load_842392436').style.display = 'none'; };

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by Anita Hofshneider, High Country News April 15, 2024

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Know the West.

New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez

Chair, Local Government Committee

( D, WF ) 4th Senate District

Senado Estatal responde a favor del Bienestar Animal

Monica R. Martinez

April 15, 2024

• Animal Advocacy Day
• Animal protections
• animal welfare

En el marco de la celebración del Día Nacional de Defensa de los Animales (Animal Advocacy Day, traducido al inglés), el pleno del Senado votó a favor de un paquete de leyes que fortalecerán la protección y el bienestar de los animales. La senadora Mónica R. Martínez se complació al anunciar que dos de sus anteproyectos de ley  S5325 y  S6211C son parte de este kit legislativo. La normativa dará a los jueces la discreción de ordenar sentencias consecutivas o simultáneas cuando una persona sea declarada culpable por múltiples cargos de crueldad agravada hacia los animales. Esto incluirá también animales silvestres y exóticos, para garantizar que estas creaturas estén protegidas de ser importadas, vendidas o domesticadas.

La legislación  S5325 , también conocida como “Ley Tucker”, se introdujo originalmente en el año 2020 después del arresto de un hombre en Long Island que asesinó a golpes a dos perros y herir a un tercero. La misma fue elaborada en respuesta a una limitación existente dentro de la ley estatal; la cual reduce el cargo de crueldad agravada a una sentencia definitiva que no excede los dos años de prisión, incluso para los actos más atroces dirigidos hacia animales.

Por otro lado, la normativa  S6211C se introdujo a raíz  de que  se descubrió que una tienda de mascotas localizada en Hauppauge, Long Island se vendían varios animales exóticos. La tienda también permitía supuestamente a los visitantes poder comprar sesiones de 30 minutos para acariciar, alimentar e interactuar con animales silvestres y exóticos; incluidos perezosos y canguros. De acuerdo con la ley actual, esta no prohíbe vender o tener animales de este tipo; sin embargo, la tienda cerró operaciones a principios de este mes.

"El Día Nacional de Defensa de los Animales, nos recuerda que desde cualquier punto de vista la crueldad animal es una actitud despreciable. El irrespeto a los animales sólo evidencia una conducta inhumana y depravada de los individuos que lo realizan”, manifestó la senadora Martínez. Según la representante estatal este paquete legislativo recién aprobado, incluye ampliaciones en la Ley Tucker, prohíbe la venta de animales exóticos y eleva el nivel de compasión y responsabilidad hacia estas especies. “Sin embargo, como estas atrocidades suceden muy a menudo y son perpetradas por seres humanos con un comportamiento irracional; estas propuestas de ley no sólo protegerán a los animales, sino que también reafirman nuestro compromiso de garantizar que ambos sean tratados con dignidad y respeto”, destacó Martínez.

La tradición de tener un día especial para abogar por el bienestar animal, inició hace más de una década en el Capitolio del Estado de Nueva York y se realiza anualmente con el objetivo de crear conciencia del maltrato a los animales. Este evento ofrece a los defensores de esta causa un tiempo valioso para intercambiar información e interactuar con los representantes estatales sobre legislaciones que se encuentren pendientes y otros temas de interés.

A pesar de contar con el apoyo bipartidista en el Senado, la propuesta aún tiene que pasar la cámara legislativa y llegar a la oficina de la Gobernadora para su respectiva aprobación. “Creo firmemente que este será el año en que aprobaremos la “Ley Tucker”, concluyó Martínez. 

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