International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

In simple terms

This executive order grants the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) certain privileges and immunities under U.S. law, specifically extending immunity from suit while explicitly withholding broader immunities typically given to international organizations, such as immunity from search/confiscation of property and inviolability of archives, as well as immunity for individual representatives and employees.

Federal Register Open PDF 61 FR 1693

Record & deadlines

Jan 18, 1996Signed
Signed by the President
Jan 22, 1996FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 61 FR 1693
Federal Register PDF

Key directives

Extend immunity from suit to IUCN pursuant to International Organizations Immunities Act
Explicitly exclude application of Section 2(b) (immunity from suit/judicial process for property/assets)
Explicitly exclude application of Section 2(c) (immunity from search/confiscation and inviolability of archives)
Explicitly exclude application of Section 7(b) (immunity for representatives and employees for official acts)
Preserve any privileges IUCN may have or acquire through international agreements or congressional action

What to expect

Immediate

IUCN receives immunity from suit under U.S. jurisdiction

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

IUCN operates with limited immunities compared to other international organizations
Potential legal disputes over scope of immunity may arise in U.S. courts

Risks & tensions

Unusual partial immunity grant creates legal ambiguity—IUCN has immunity from suit as an organization but lacks protections for property/assets and personnel that peer organizations typically enjoy
Potential tension between this unilateral designation and IUCN's existing or future treaty-based privileges
Vague: 'immunity from suit' scope not defined; could be interpreted narrowly or broadly by courts