IGOs, International Law/Norms, and Human Rights Lecture #12 IGOs, International Law/Norms, and Human Rights

Intergovernmental Organization IGO established by treaty is a legal entity w/ int’l legal status - can enter into treaties probably has a legislative body (of gov’t representatives) may have a dispute resolution body may have an executive body (secretariat) Non-governmental Organization NGO no international legal status non-governmental representatives may serve consultative role to IGOs some are very influential

International Governmental Organizations (IGOs) Although realists are skeptical of IGOs’ influence, idealists/liberals (particularly liberal institutionalists) argue that IGOs can facilitate cooperation through: Lowering transaction costs Increasing transparency Making it easier to enforce international agreements

International Governmental Organizations (IGOs) IGOs with important roles in security, human rights, and development United Nations (UN) International Criminal Court (ICC)

International Governmental Organizations (IGOs) United Nations (UN) Key bodies: Security Council General Assembly ECOSOC International Court of Justice Trusteeship Council Secretariat Broader UN system Roles in security, environment, health, rights, and development

UN: History and Functions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cqw8-ongtY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlmYtJiUK00

International Governmental Organizations (IGOs) International Criminal Court (ICC) Permanent body created to deal with war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity (and vague crime of “aggression”) Structure: office of prosecutor, 18 judges, assembly of states parties, presidency

International Governmental Organizations (IGOs) International Criminal Court (ICC) – Cont. Principle of complementary: ICC can only act when national courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute Current cases/indictments U.S. critique of ICC

International Law Sources: Treaties Custom General principles of law Legal scholarship

International Law Interpretation Enforcement: no authoritative body; enforcement typically occurs through reciprocity and international norms Key example: international humanitarian law (Geneva conventions, etc.)

Important emphasis of constructivist scholars International Norms Definition: Widely shared expectations about appropriate behavior in specific circumstances Important emphasis of constructivist scholars

Evolution of norms over time (e.g., sovereignty, slavery, etc.) International Norms Examples: respect for state sovereignty, prohibition of slavery, genocide, and use of WMD Evolution of norms over time (e.g., sovereignty, slavery, etc.)