International Organizations

What are International Organizations responsible for? International organizations have often been responsible for: Providing help to nations in need. Keeping the peace in countries that are having violent uprisings or civil war. Providing better education and medical care to people in war-torn areas.

Governmental Organizations Countries also form organizations to address international issues. These are called governmental organizations. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was first created for the defense of its member nations. World Trade Organization (WTO) is to address issues of trade and finance among nations. United Nations (UN) has many goals including: promoting peace, fighting disease, building schools, and improving health care. The UN also provides its member countries with a place where they can present their own point of view. European Union (EU) set up a common unit of money for most of its members. The euro is now a standard currency, which makes it easier for nations to trade.

Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) NGOs are formed by private citizens to meet a need or to work for a cause. Focus on: public health, feeding the hungry, fighting disease, promoting economic development in developing nations, environmental problems, and protecting human rights. They tend to focus on nations with harsh governments. Example: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

International Organizations Intergovernmental organizations are organizations that are formed between governments. They are based on formal agreements between three or more countries that have come together for a specific purpose. The United Nations North Atlantic Treaty Organization World Trade Organization World Health Organization International Committee of the Red Cross The European Union The World Bank

Non-Government Organizations

Doctors without Borders International humanitarian-aid group is best known for conducting emergency health care interventions in war-torn countries.

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights.

Oxfam International One person in three in the world lives in poverty. Oxfam is determined to change that world by mobilizing the power of people against poverty.