Introduction

This guide provides you with brief background information on IGOs and NGOs and features mega-lists of IGOs and NGOs for finding sources quickly online. Print sources and other research guides are also included.

If you have additional questions on IGOs & NGOs, please feel free to contact the Wolff Library reference desk at 202-662-4195 or by email: intlref@law.georgetown.edu. You may also submit your question via this online form.

Definition of IGO & NGO

What is an inter-governmental organization (IGO)?

Generally a public or governmental organization created by treaty or agreement between states. See the UIA definition of a governmental organization.

What is a non-governmental organization (NGO)?

An organization established by individuals or associations of individuals. NGOs are not endowed with government powers. (Parry and Grant encyclopaedic dictionary of international law, pp. 258-259 INTL KZ1161 .P35 1986). See also the UIA definition. NGOs vary in size and influence. Some of the larger groups can exercise considerable influence in national policy debates (such as Amnesty International and Greenpeace).

Types of Documents Published by IGOs & NGOs

Many IGOs issue publications and documents that may be of interest to the legal researcher: founding documents (treaties, charters, statutes), treaties where the IGO is a party, legal acts, proceedings, documents issued by the IGO's legislative body, and decisions of the IGO's adjudicative body.

NGOs tend to publish many reports, newsletters, and documents that may not have a great deal of legal weight, but are valuable to the researcher because they document country, economic, and social conditions and provide analysis which indicates the sources, problems or issues. These materials may describe the work of the NGO or report on a particular issue or situation.

Legal Nature of an IGO

1. An IGO has international legal status (privileges, immunities, rights and duties) which are based upon its founding charter or statute. As such, an IGO can enter into agreements with other IGOs or with states.

2. An IGO usually has a legislative body which creates legal acts (decisions, resolutions, directives, etc.) which may bind the IGO and its member states under international law. Most of these legislative acts do not supersede national law (except in the EU).

3. An IGO may have a dispute resolution mechanism or body which is empowered to resolve disputes among its member states.

4. The IGO may have an executive body (secretariat) which facilitates the operations of the IGO.

For more information, see The Law of International Organisations INTL KZ4850 .W483 2005, or Principles of the Institutional Law of International Organizations INTL KZ4850 .A47 2005.

Researching IGOs & NGOs Online

Online Search Tip

On the advanced search screen of your Internet browser, limit you search to the domain name .int. This domain name is reserved for international organizations established by treaties [IANA has more]. For example, on the advanced Google search screen, type .int in the domain box and include your search terms above.

Mega-Lists of IGOs & NGOs

Researchers often find the documents they are looking for on the websites of individual organizations. Instead of linking to organization websites, this section highlights mega-lists of IGOs and NGOs.

• Index of International Governmental Organizations (Northwestern University)
• Intergovernmental Organizations by Subject (Duke University)
• EISIL: International Organizations (American Society of International Law) Includes links to important treaties and other documents. "More information" under each source helps with legal citation.
• United Nations-Official Web Site Locator Lost in the maze of UN organizations? This site will help.
• Human Rights NGOs (University of Minnesota) A very extensive list.

Print Sources

This section features recent books, annual publications, and information on finding journal articles on IGOs and NGOs. For additional sources, try searching by keywords in the library catalog. When searching by keywords in the catalog, be aware of international spellings, such as labor/labour or organization/organisation. You can also search by author, using the name of the international organization; this will bring up a list of materials published under the auspices of that organization.

Recent Books

• Aiding peace? : The Role of NGOs in Armed Conflict INTL JZ4841 .G68 2006
• Development, Social Justice, and Civil Society : An Introduction to the Political Economy of NGOs INTL JZ4841 .D48 2005
• International Organizations and Democracy : Accountability, Politics, and Power
  INTL JZ4839 .Z86 2006
• International Organizations and Their Exercise of Sovereign Powers
  INTL JZ4850 .S27 2005
• The Law of International Organisations (2nd ed.) INTL KZ4850 .W483 2005
• Principles of the Institutional Law of International Organizations (2nd ed.)
  INTL KZ4850 .A47 2005

Annual Publications and Journals

You can locate more journal articles through our journal indexes page and find additional information in our journal guide. Don't forget to check the E-Journal Finder to see if your article is available electronically.

• Encyclopedia of Associations : International Organizations INTL REF HS17 .G335 Exhaustive directory of international organizations on all subjects.
• International Organizations Law Review INTL K9 .N8805
• Yearbook of International Organizations INTL KZ4836 .Y43

Research Guides

Below are listed additional guides--in print and online--that focus specifically on IGOs and NGOs. Check our international law research guide if you would like a broader look at research sources.

• ASIL Guide to International Organizations (American Society of International Law) A detailed guide from the preeminent organization for international law in the U.S.
• The Information Systems of International Inter-Governmental Organizations: A Reference Guide INTL REF JZ4850 .W55 1998 Somewhat dated, but this book helpfully lists the names of the publications created under the auspices of each IGO. It also indicates which databases index these publications.
• International Organizations, 1918-1945 : A Guide to Research and Research Materials
  INTL KZ4850 .B33 1991 This older print guide is still useful for historical research.