The United Nations laissez-passer, commonly referred to as the "UN Blue Passport," is a genuine travel document created in the early years of the Organization. Its purpose is to facilitate travel for specific individuals working for the UN on official missions. According to the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, the Organization can issue these laissez-passers to its officials, and member states are required to recognize them as travel documents.
The UN Blue Passport is not a national passport and does not grant the holder any nationality or replace their national passport. The holder remains a citizen of their country, with the rights and obligations that come with that nationality. This document was primarily created to ease the travel process for international officials, which was particularly important in the past when officials might face difficulties obtaining or renewing their national passports.
The laissez-passer allows for travel, but it does not automatically grant the right to enter all countries without a visa. The 1946 Convention stipulates that states must recognize the document and facilitate official travel for its holders. It also provides for special treatment for visa applications from individuals traveling on UN business. The UN system also includes a red laissez-passer for certain high-ranking officials, with the color corresponding to different categories of functions within the international system.
The question of political leaders is more complex. A president, minister, or member of parliament does not typically receive a UN laissez-passer simply because of their political position. When a leader travels to the UN to represent their country, they do so with documents issued by their state and necessary accreditation with the Organization. However, a political figure can become eligible for a UN travel document if they are appointed to an official position with the Organization.
There is a particular case of political leaders who do not work for the UN but are persecuted or threatened in their country. The rules governing the laissez-passer do not provide for its issuance solely to protect a political figure from their government. Historical documents do not establish a reliable precedent for the UN issuing its laissez-passer to an external leader solely to allow them to escape political persecution.
The UN has other documents, such as certificates attesting to a mission, which can be issued to individuals traveling on UN business without a laissez-passer. These certificates can provide certain travel facilities under international rules. It is essential to distinguish these documents from the badge issued to authorized individuals to access UN premises, which serves for identification and access but is not a travel document.
Key points
- The UN Blue Passport is officially known as the United Nations laissez-passer and is issued to certain officials working for the UN to facilitate their travel on official missions.
