The International Law Handbook was prepared by the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs under the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dis- semination and Wider Appreciation of International Law, pursuant to General Assembly resolu- tion 70/116 of 14 December 2015. Ambassador Emmanuel K. Dadzie of Ghana proposed the establishment of this programme when he served as Vice-Chairman of the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly at its 18th ses- sion in 1963. Following efforts led by Afghanistan, Belgium, Ghana and Ireland, the General Assem- bly decided, by resolution 2099 (XX) of 20 December 1965, to establish the Programme of Assistance to contribute towards a better knowledge of international law as a means of strengthening interna- tional peace and security and promoting friendly relations and cooperation among States.