The Host Country Affairs Section performs these functions in accordance with the mutual rights and obligations undertaken by the United States and the United Nations when it was agreed that the headquarters of the UN would be established in New York. These rights and obligations are set forth in:
- International Organizations Immunities Act: PL 79-291 (PDF 481 KB)
- Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN 21 UST 1418 (PDF 876 KB)
- Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 23 UST 3227, PL 95-393 (PDF 4 MB)
- Headquarters Agreement: PL 80-357 (PDF 909 KB)
- Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act: PL 94-538 (PDF 521 KB)