A guide to websites relating to intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), maintained by the University of Michigan Library. The guide provides annotated links to relevant web-based document collections and research tools and to the official websites of IGOs and NGOs. Treaty websites are also covered and an alphabetical list of IGO abbreviations is available.
Official website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which hears disputes between States, between States and private parties and between international organisations. PCA awards and other case documentation are available on the site, together with details of pending cases. UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) cases arbitrated under the auspices of the PCA are also provided. The Documents and Resources section includes the basic PCA conventions, model clauses and procedural rules, together with a collection of conventions and other instruments referring to the PCA.
Website of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), which was established in 1966 under the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States. The site describes the history, mission and work of the organisation. It makes available the text of the Convention and a list of signatures and ratifications, as well as ICSID rules, regulations and model clauses. There is a database of pending and concluded cases as well as a database of basic information about bilateral investment treaties.
UNPO is an international forum for indigenous peoples, minority groups and occupied nations not represented in the principal international organisations such as the United Nations. Its website provides details of membership and list of members, a comprehensive news section, and information on its current activities.
The Union of International Associations was founded in 1907. It is an independent non-governmental organisation which aims to facilitate the evolution of a worldwide network of non-profit organisations. It promotes research on the legal and political problems facing these bodies. The UIA website has information on the purpose of the organisation, a list of members, and details of UIA publications, including reports, research studies and guidelines for NGO action. There is also a news section.
The IPU is an international organisation of parliaments of sovereign states which acts to promote parliamentary democracy and provides a forum for worldwide parliamentary dialogue. Its website is available in French or English and includes information on the structure, purpose and activities of the IPU. The full-text of recent press releases from the organisation and the text of resolutions are accessible. Also available online is PARLIT, the IPU's searchable database of bibliographic references to books and articles relevant to the study of parliamentary law and practise.
Founded in1990 to fill the gap between the international human rights movement and the gay rights movement, OutRight Action International (previously the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission) aims to advance the fundamental human rights of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered people and people with HIV/AIDS. It combines traditional human rights techniques such as monitoring, documenting, advocating and public policy development with grassroots organising and supporting groups in developing countries.
