Searching UN documentation by subject may cause some difficuly. This is because almost every topic of international significance can be linked to some part of the work of the UN. Many of the bodies, programmes and fonds of the United Nations deal with various aspects of the same problem under various subject headings and agenda items. Therefore, it is good to clarify your subject in your mind and decide what type of information you are looking for.

There is a traditional division of five main subject areas within the UN organization:

• Peace and security
• Sustainable development and climate
• Human rights
• Humanitarian aid
• International law

These main subject areas provide access to a number of UN bodies working within relevant fields.