The Role of Non-Governmental Actors in the Dispute Settlement Process in the World Trade Organization

Abstract

Non-governmental international organizations, whose primary function and goal is to serve the public interest, have managed to gain access to international forums to achieve this important objective after overcoming numerous ups and downs. This access has taken the form of a legal institution known as "amicus curiae," where an amicus curiae is a natural or legal person who is not a party to the dispute but submits written or oral statements regarding the facts and rules governing the dispute at their own initiative or at the court's request. A review of judicial practice shows that the major players in this field are international non-governmental organizations, although their participation in the dispute resolution process has faced many obstacles and challenges. This research aims to explain the role of international non-governmental organizations and examine the consequences of their presence, including significant impacts such as combating impunity, achieving judicial transparency, democratizing international law, and ensuring fair trials.