To elucidate the network of interdependence that governs today's globalized planet, once a week the Inquirer highlights three international organizations, usually one quite popular, one unsurprising, and one obscure.
European Union |The European Union (EU) is a sui generis supranational union, made up of twenty-seven member states. It was established as the European Economic Community in 1957 by the Treaty of Rome and has undergone many changes since, most notably in 1992 by the Maastricht Treaty. Since 1957 new accessions have raised the number of member states, and powers have expanded. As a result, the EU can be described as both a supranational and an intergovernmental body.
The combined economy of the EU is the largest in the world with a nominal GDP of €11.6 (US$15.7) trillion in 2007. The EU has a single market between member states with a common trade policy, a Common Agricultural/Fisheries Policy, and a regional development policy. It introduced a common currency, the euro, which has been adopted by thirteen member states. Since 1993, the EU has developed a limited Common Foreign and Security Policy, and co-operation in police and judicial matters. (Wikipedia)
World Organization Against Torture | The World Organization Against Torture (Organisation Mondiale Contre la Torture, OMCT) is the world’s largest coalition of non-governmental organizations fighting against arbitrary detention, torture, summary and extrajudicial executions, forced disappearances and other forms of violence. The global network consists of almost 300 local, national and regional organizations, all of which share a common goal of eradicating torture and fostering respect of human rights for all. (Wikipedia)
Asia Pacific Network on Food Sovereignty | APNFS is a regional network of social movements, farmers' organizations, women's organizations and NGOs established to address the issues of increasing trade liberalization in agriculture, worsening food insecurity, massive dislocation of peasants, landlessness, erosion of agricultural biodiversity, and the suppression of peasants' democratic rights common to many countries in the region. (Oxfam America)
