Frequently Asked Questions - Inclusion | Union of International Associations

Do the editors of the Yearbook censor information?

Users should be aware that the editors are subject to pressure from some international bodies to suppress certain categories of information. However, no entries have been completely eliminated as a result of such pressure.

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How are "suspect bodies" treated?

Some organizations included in the Yearbook of International Organizations are perceived as highly suspect by other bodies, whether because of dubious academic standing, questionable values or as a threat to public order. The editors do not act on such judgements which may be contradicted by others.

Are religious orders included in the Yearbook as international organizations?

We are also interested in religious orders, since they are really the original "international organizations", many of them having existed centuries before secular nongovernmental organizations started to appear internationally.

What if organizations ask not to be included?

We try hard to resist any request that a description should be suppressed as we are committed to as complete a coverage as is humanly possible.

Why are relatively unimportant organizations also included in the Yearbook?

We do not judge whether some organizations are "more important" than others. As long as they fulfill the criteria for being international as listed elsewhere, they are included in the Yearbook of International Organizations.

Why are some organizations excluded in the printed version of the Yearbook?

Unfortunately we are unable to include organizations in the Yearbook of International Organizations which, although very interesting and active, are basically national in scope.

Why are some subsidiary bodies excluded in the Yearbook?

Although these organizations are all listed in our database, and are therefore accessible with a subscription to the Yearbook of International Organizations Online, space constraints do not allow us to publish full details of all subsidiary bodies in the hardcover edition.

Are non-independent organizations included in the Yearbook?

The editors of the Yearbook of International Organizations make special efforts to include international activities committees, commissions and sub-groups of organizations, which may come within the remit of their "parent" organization, but which may nevertheless be of interest to many people outside this "parent" body.

Why are some national / non-international organizations included in the Yearbook and not others?

Such information can only be confusing to users. The Yearbook of International Organizations, although originally covering only international organizations in the traditional sense, has broadened its scope in order to reflect international activity in a much more general manner.