International organization facts for kids

The offices of the United Nations in Geneva (Switzerland), a city with many international organizations.

An international organization is like a club or group formed by different countries. These groups are created by a special agreement or treaty between countries. They have their own rules and can act like a separate person in legal matters.

Think of them as teams of countries working together. Examples include the United Nations (UN), the Council of Europe, and the African Union. Most international organizations are made up of member states (countries). But they can also include other groups or even companies. Some countries might also join as "observers" without being full members.

Some well-known international organizations are the UN General Assembly, the World Trade Organization, and the International Monetary Fund.

What Are International Organizations?

International organizations are often called intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). This helps to tell them apart from other groups. For example, there are also international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). INGOs are groups like the International Committee of the Red Cross or Médecins Sans Frontières. These are non-profit groups that work across different countries.

IGOs are set up by a treaty. This treaty acts like a rulebook for the group. When countries sign and agree to a treaty, it gives the IGO its legal standing. These organizations are a key part of public international law.

It's important to know that IGOs are different from simple groups of countries. For example, the G7 is a meeting of leaders, but it's not an IGO. It doesn't have a founding document or a permanent office. Also, many treaties don't create an IGO. They might just set up a way for countries to work together.

Why Do They Exist?

International organizations have many different purposes. Their goals are usually written in their founding charter or treaty. Some IGOs offer a neutral place for countries to talk and solve problems. Others work together on shared goals. These goals can include keeping peace and improving international relations. They also promote cooperation on things like environmental protection and human rights. Some help with social development, like education and health care. They can also provide humanitarian aid and support economic development.

Some organizations, like the United Nations, have very broad goals. Others focus on specific areas. For example, INTERPOL deals with crime. The International Telecommunication Union sets standards for communication.

Types of International Organizations

Here are some common types of international organizations:

• Global Organizations: These are open to almost all countries worldwide. Examples include the United Nations and its agencies. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank are also global. Other global IGOs not part of the UN include the International Criminal Court. This court deals with serious crimes.
• Cultural and Historical Organizations: Members of these groups share a cultural, language, or historical connection. The Commonwealth of Nations is an example. It includes countries that were once part of the British Empire. The Arab League and Organisation internationale de la Francophonie are also in this group.
• Economic Organizations: These groups focus on money and trade. Some work to reduce trade barriers, like the World Trade Organization. Others focus on international development. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) helps countries work on economic policies.
• Educational Organizations: These groups focus on learning and higher education. EUCLID University works on sustainable development. The United Nations University does research and education on topics important to the UN.
• Health and Population Organizations: These groups work together on health and population issues. An example is Partners in Population and Development.
• Regional Organizations: These are open to countries from a specific area of the world. Examples include the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). NATO is a regional security organization. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is another example.

Regional Organizations in Detail

Regional organizations like the European Union have rules about who can join. For example, to join the EU, a country must be in Europe. It also needs a democratic political system and a capitalist economy.

The oldest regional organization is the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine. It was created in 1815.

Why Countries Join or Don't Join

Countries decide to join international organizations for different reasons. Sometimes, they also choose not to join.

Reasons to Join

• Economic Benefits: Joining a group like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) can help a country's economy. For example, Mexican companies got better access to U.S. markets.
• Political Influence: Smaller countries, like Portugal or Belgium, gain more power on the world stage by joining IGOs like the European Union. Even larger countries like France and Germany benefit. They can increase their influence in other countries.
• Security: Being a member of an IGO like NATO can make a country safer. It also provides a place to solve political disagreements peacefully.
• Democracy: Studies show that countries that are members of IGOs tend to be more democratic. Their democracies also last longer.

Reasons Not to Join

• Loss of Control: When a country joins an IGO, it often agrees to follow certain rules. This can mean giving up some of its own sovereignty (its right to govern itself).
• Not Enough Benefits: Sometimes, a country might feel that joining an organization won't help it enough.
• Other Options: A country might find that working directly with another country, or with a different organization, is better for its goals.

Special Rules for International Organizations

International organizations have special rules called "privileges and immunities." These rules help them work independently and effectively. They are usually written in the treaties that create the organization. For example, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations sets out these rules for the UN.

These organizations are usually protected from being sued in national courts. This means they don't have to follow the laws of every country they work in. They also don't pay taxes. This special status helps them stay neutral and do their important work without interference.

However, there's a need for these organizations to be fair. If someone has a problem with an international organization, there should be a way to solve it. Organizations often have their own internal ways to handle complaints.

The United Nations and Its Agencies

The United Nations (UN) is a very important international organization. It focuses on five main areas: keeping peace and security, protecting human rights, giving humanitarian aid, supporting sustainable development, and upholding international law.

Many UN agencies are international organizations in their own right. Some, like the International Telecommunication Union, existed before the UN. Others, like the World Health Organization (WHO), were created after the UN. These agencies have their own members and are run independently.

UN agencies do many different things based on their specialty. They provide help to low-income countries and middle-income countries. This help can be used for development projects. For example, the International Labour Organization (ILO) works to end discrimination and child labor. It also promotes safe working conditions. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) coordinates UN activities related to the environment.

A Brief History of International Organizations

One of the earliest examples of countries working together was the Congress of Vienna in 1814–1815. This meeting helped to reorganize Europe after the wars with Napoleon.

The very first international organization with a permanent office and global members was the International Telecommunication Union. It was founded in 1865.

The first general international organization, which dealt with many different issues, was the League of Nations. It was created on January 10, 1920, after World War I. Its main goal was to keep world peace.

The United Nations followed this idea after World War II. It was officially started on October 24, 1945. Today, the UN is the main IGO. It has important parts like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

How Many Organizations Are There?

The number of international organizations has grown a lot over time. In 1940, there were about 60 IGOs. By 1980, this number had grown to about 350. It has stayed around that number since then.

See also

In Spanish: Organización internacional para niños