The Settlement of Disputes Involving International Organizations

Disputes involving international organizations arise on both the international level as well as the level of domestic law. These range from headquarters issues between States and international organizations to disputes between members, as well as non-members, and international organizations which are settled before such diverse mechanisms as WTO, ITLOS or regional international economic organization adjudication or arbitration. In addition, negotiation, mediation and fact-finding as non-adjudicatory means of dispute settlement may be resorted to. The more frequently arising disputes with private parties may be settled before international courts, administrative tribunals, arbitral tribunals and even national courts, although the role of the latter is usually more limited because of the jurisdictional immunity regularly enjoyed by international organizations. Based on an empirical overview of dispute settlement, policy issues like access to justice, the limited jurisdiction of courts and tribunals, due process and adequate mechanisms of dispute settlement are discussed, and some recommendations are made.