The Legal Office provides advice and support on internal and external legal matters related to the Organization.
Its wide range of legal expertise is an asset to the FAO. Member countries can request advice on reviewing their legislation to ensure it is aligned with international standards; Governing Bodies can seek guidance on procedures and mandates; and internal units can receive support on administrative and operational issues.
The Office ensures that the Organization’s activities are carried out according to its Basic Texts and are consistent with its status as an inter-governmental organization within the UN system.
Mandate
- Ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with the FAO Constitution and other statutory texts of the Organization.
- Provide sound legal advice that is aligned with FAO internal rules and international laws.
- Encourage in-country legal capacity building, with support from regional offices when required.
- Ensure all legal knowledge, tools and research related to food and agriculture are made available to a wider audience.
Areas of work
General legal matters
Useful links
- The FAO Law Lecture 2025
- Inaugural Treaty Ceremony, June 2025
- The FAO Law Lecture 2023
- The FAO Law Lecture 2022
- CL 170/INF/6 - Concept note in relation to the types of FAO products and the means for their development
Contact
FAO Legal Office
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00153 Rome, Italy
email:
Tel +39 06 570 55132
Fax + 39 06 570 54408
Teams
The Legal Counsel
The Legal Counsel advises the Director-General and FAO’s governing and statutory bodies on legal matters, ensures FAO activities are conducted in a manner consistent with its status as an inter-governmental organization within the UN system, and liaises with the UN and its Specialized Agencies, as well as other international organizations on legal issues involving FAO.
The Legal Counsel manages and has overall responsibility for the work of the Legal Office and its two services (General Legal Affairs and Development Law).
General Legal Affairs Service
The General Legal Affairs Service advises technical units, as well as Governing and Statutory Bodies, on legal and constitutional matters. It provides legal guidance on FAO’s relations with Members and other organizations, including on agreements covering a wide range of issues such as the privileges and immunities of the Organization, funding and project implementation. It assists the Director-General in discharging depositary functions related to international treaties, provides legal support on administrative matters, and represents FAO in legal proceedings.
Contact: LEG - Director / LEG - personnel
Development Law Service
The Development Law Service (LEGN) advises the Organization and its Members on legal and institutional means to promote and regulate national development and international cooperation in the food and agriculture sector, through law reform activities, legal research, data collection and capacity building in the areas of land, water, fisheries, plants, animals, food, forestry, wildlife, biodiversity and the environment, as well as other emerging issues related to food and agriculture.
Contact: Mr Blaise Kuemlangan, Chief, Development Law Service.