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International Law: International Organizations

Provides the source of law, judicial decisions from international courts and tribunals, and a compilation of intergovernmental organizations.

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGO's)

What is an IGO?

  • A public or governmental organization created by treaty or agreement between states
  • Their websites will provide you with valuable information about the organization itself and may also contain documents and reports created by various bodies
  • Example: The United Nations

An alphabetical listing of IGO's with available websites has been prepared by Northwestern University Library.

NonGovernmental Organizations (NGO's)

What is a NGO?

  • Generally private, voluntary organizations whose members are individuals or associations that come together to achieve a common purpose
  • Some organizations prepare useful reports and other documents
  • Keep in mind that information may be biased and/or inaccurate
  • The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has available a searchable listing of numerous NGO's including academic centers of excellence and institutes)

Supranational Organzation

The European Union is the only supranational organization in existence in the world. This is the only entity providing for international popular elections, going beyond the level of political integration normally afforded by a treaty. Its member states have given up some of their sovereignty in return for the advantages of a common market.

Sources of EU law:

Legislation can found using the EU's online research database, Eur-Lex.

When research court decisions, keep in mind the difference between the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). While the ECJ rules on European Union law, the ECHR rules on individual or State applications alleging violations of the civil and political rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights.