International organizations (IOs) develop institutional provisions to make sure that their policies do not violate human rights. Accordingly, whilst IOs have a greater scope of action and ability to promote collective goods than ever before, they also have a greater capacity to do harm. Based on ten case studies on UN and EU sanctions policy, UN and NATO peacekeeping, and World Bank and IMF lending, this book examines human rights violations which can arise from the actions of IOs rather than those of states. It further explains how powerful IOs have introduced human rights protection provisions and analyzes the features of these provisions, including differences in their design and quality. This book provides evidence of a novel legitimation strategy authoritative IOs draw on that has, as yet, never been systematically studied before.

‘In our time, international organizations, having gained the authority to influence the lives of individuals through peacekeeping, sanctions, and development lending, have increasingly committed themselves to respect the human rights of those individuals. In this excellent, original, and rigorous book, the authors explore and explain the varied ways in which the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the European Union and NATO have committed to protecting the human rights of vulnerable individuals. Vital reading for all students of international law, international organizations, and global governance.'

Mark A. Pollack - Temple University, Philadelphia