FICSA – the Federation of International Civil Servants’ Associations – was created in 1952 to protect the rights of the staff of the United Nations and its specialized agencies, funds and programmes, and to represent their interests in inter-agency bodies that make decisions and recommendations on conditions of service.

FICSA is a federated group of 29 staff associations and unions from organizations belonging to the United Nations common system. 8 staff associations and unions from organizations outside the UN system are associate members and a further 18 staff associations and unions from outside the common system are consultative members. 26 Federations of United Nations Staff Associations (FUNSA) are observers.

The diversity of membership ensures that all staff in the field and at headquarters duty stations have the opportunity to exchange views and information about conditions of service, join forces to protect their rights and seek the Federation’s assistance and support when needed.s