Legal Definitions - international administrative law

International administrative law is a distinct area of law that governs the internal operations, decision-making processes, and accountability of international organizations. It establishes the rules and procedures by which these organizations manage their staff, conduct their internal affairs, and interact with individuals or entities affected by their administrative actions. This field often includes the legal framework for resolving disputes between international organizations and their employees, or other parties, typically through specialized administrative tribunals or internal review mechanisms.

Here are some examples to illustrate international administrative law:

• Imagine an employee of the World Health Organization (WHO) believes they were unfairly denied a promotion or subjected to disciplinary action without proper procedure. This situation would fall under international administrative law. The employee would likely pursue their claim through the WHO's internal justice system, which operates under specific rules and tribunals designed to ensure fair administrative processes within the organization. The legal principles governing the WHO's employment policies and the employee's right to challenge administrative decisions are all part of international administrative law.

• Consider a construction company based in Kenya that bids for a large infrastructure project funded and managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB). If the company believes the AfDB's procurement process was not transparent, or that another bidder received preferential treatment in violation of the bank's internal rules, it would challenge the AfDB's administrative decision. The procedures for such a challenge, including any internal review or dispute resolution mechanisms within the AfDB, are governed by international administrative law, ensuring fairness and accountability in the bank's dealings with external entities.

• Suppose an individual is placed on a sanctions list by the United Nations Security Council, leading to asset freezes and travel bans. If this individual believes their inclusion on the list was based on erroneous information or an unfair process, they would seek to challenge the administrative decision to list them. The mechanisms established by the UN for individuals to request delisting or review the basis of such decisions, including the role of an ombudsperson or other review bodies, are all applications of international administrative law. This ensures that even powerful international bodies adhere to principles of due process and provide avenues for redress.