Summary: GAO summarized information on issues relating to the Department of State, focusing on: (1) deficiencies in State's management of foreign affairs; (2) U.S. participation in United Nations organizations; (3) the International Narcotics Control Program; and (4) refugee programs.
GAO found that State needs to: (1) fully implement its overdue financial management system to effectively manage its resources: (2) attract more qualified technical professionals; (3) enforce compliance with federal requirements; and (4) establish internal control procedures that would provide accountability. GAO also found that State should: (1) establish strong management support for its overseas property to avoid costly maintenance; (2) provide adequate administrative support at a reasonable cost to other agencies overseas; (3) improve U.S. participation in United Nations organizations; (4) institute effective review and evaluation procedures to streamline programming and management of the International Narcotics Control Program; and (5) review the effectiveness and efficiency of its budgeting and monitoring of the Refugee Program.
