Criteria for Inclusion
Introduction
The aim of this site is to create a list of international organisations. For this purpose, we define an international organisation as a legal person created by legal agreements between countries. This does not cover organisations that operate in multiple countries but that are created under and subject to the national law (domestic law) of one country. If, however, an organisation is created under the laws of one country but is recognised as an international organisation in its home country by being afforded special immunities and privileges then it can be included.
An organisation that operates in multiple countries around the world but that is subject to the laws of the countries in which it is based would not be included. For example, World Rugby is the international governing body for rugby union but is subject to the laws of Ireland where it is headquartered in the normal way and so it would not be included.
With some exceptions, only organisations that are legal persons in their own right are included. This means that in general we will only include organisations that exist legally distinct from their individual members, that can sue and be sued and own property.
We may change the definition as the project evolves.
What is meant by a legal agreement?
The legal agreement will typically be a treaty between countries but may be called something else, for example a charter, statutes or a headquarters agreement. Agreements that are not legally binding don’t count. For example, an organisation or initiative created by a memorandum of understanding or by exchange of letters would not be included.
How this differs from other definitions
Some definitions of international organisation exclude organisations that are not formed by an agreement between three or more countries. We include organisations formed by treaties between exactly two countries (bilateral treaties).
Some definitions exclude ’emanations’ — where an international organisation E was created by another international organisation A, E is excluded on the basis that it may be controlled by A. That is not the approach taken here; for example EU Executive Agencies are included.
Included
International courts
Legal personality is less important in the context of courts because of the principle of judicial immunity. In cases where an international court forms part of a larger organisation, we list it separately.
International parliaments
Legal personality is less important in the context of parliaments because of the privileges and immunities parliaments generally enjoy. In cases where an international parliamentary institution forms part of a larger organisation, we list it separately.
European agencies
European agencies have legal personality and are therefore included. They are also known as decentralised agencies.
EU joint undertakings
EU joint undertakings have legal personality and are therefore included.
Specialized agencies of the UN
Specialized agencies of the UN have legal personality and are included.
World Bank Group
The World Bank is a collective term for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association. It has been included in the list because it is a widely used term. Similarly, the World Bank Group is a collective term for five international organisations and has also been included.
Excluded
Defunct organisations
Defunct organisations that still exist legally but are thought to be completely inactive are not generally included. The focus is on active entities.
Treaties not resulting in a new organisation
Often countries enter into formal agreements to co-operate but no new organisation is created. These are not included.
Entities established by informal agreements
Organisations established through informal agreements such as memoranda of understanding (MOU) are not included. MOUs are not legally binding.