Advocacy in International Institutions. A Guide for Non-Governmental Organizations That Want to Engage in the Protection of Human Rights in the International Arena

Since the second half of the 20th century, international organizations have undergone an impressive evolution from purely technical forums for dialogue between representatives of states to powerful institutions with ambitions to set policy goals  for entire regions, continents, and the globe. Never before in history have such organizations had such an impact on national politics.

In the modern world, many fundamental problems are therefore settled by them: in their political bodies (such as the United Nations General Assembly, the European Parliament, or the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly) as well as their meritocratic ones, which are sometimes called “expert” bodies (such as human rights committees, the European Court of Human Rights [ECHR], the Court of Justice of the European Union [CJEU], the Inter-American Court of Human Rights or the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights). Participating in these bodies’ deliberations is now at least as important as participating in the work of governments, parliaments, and national courts.

Each of the aforementioned international organizations provides numerous opportunities for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other  external actors to participate in their activities: by obtaining consultative or observer status, being granted permission to attend the meetings of certain bodies, submitting amendments to draft documents, and filing amicus briefs.

It is worth emphasizing that participation in these international proceedings requires a balanced approach, however, institutions such as the UN, the European Union, and the Council of Europe are not without flaws, especially given that they are being increasingly criticized for their excessive bureaucratization, politically-motivated decisions, and unequal representations of their constituents’ interests. Doing advocacy work, therefore, requires full awareness of these limitations while maximizing the opportunities these platforms offer. The key to success is a combination of strategic planning, sound knowledge, and the ability to build trust among international partners. This guidebook is designed to provide practical tools and tips on how to successfully navigate this complex ecosystem. 

Participation in international proceedings leads to concrete results. While the results are not always immediate, success stories show that persistent advocacy can lead to real change. One example is the influence of NGOs on the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006, which set the international standards by which people with disabilities are managed.

This year will mark 12 years since the Ordo Iuris Institute for Legal Culture began fighting, both in Poland and around the world, in defense of unborn life, the family, and freedom. While the number of community organizations and governments standing up for human rights is growing, there remains a need for international alliances and networks that bring together lawyers, politicians, and activists from around the world.

Promoting the defense of values in international institutions does not require a huge amount of resources or multitudes of people. Whether you’re just getting started in human-rights advocacy or are an experienced activist, this guide will offer the knowledge and inspiration to ensure that your actions will have a genuine impact.