EO-14375
Designating the Board of Peace as a Public International Organization Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities
- Signed
- Jan 16, 2026
- Published
- Jan 22, 2026
Federal Register: 2026-01271
Source: Federal Register.
Grants international organization status to the Board of Peace
What it does
This order designates the Board of Peace as a public international organization under the International Organizations Immunities Act (IOIA). That designation grants the Board of Peace certain legal privileges, exemptions, and immunities — similar to those enjoyed by organizations like the United Nations or World Bank — when operating in the United States. The order does not create new law; it applies an existing statutory framework to this specific organization.
Who benefits
The Board of Peace and its staff, who would gain legal immunities and potential tax exemptions on their U.S. operations. U.S. government officials who work with or fund the organization, who gain a clearer legal framework for that relationship. Parties in countries where the Board of Peace operates, if the designation strengthens the organization's credibility or operational capacity.
Who is affected
U.S. courts and litigants, who may be unable to bring certain legal claims against the Board of Peace or its employees due to immunity protections. U.S. taxpayers, if the designation results in tax exemptions on the organization's U.S.-based income or property. Competing organizations or contractors that do not enjoy similar immunities, potentially placing them at a disadvantage. Congress, whose oversight of the organization's activities may be limited by the immunity framework.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that designating the Board of Peace under the IOIA is a straightforward exercise of the president's statutory authority and reflects the United States' participation in the organization. They contend that international organization immunities are a well-established tool of foreign policy that allows multilateral bodies to operate independently and effectively, free from the legal pressures of any single member nation.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that extending IOIA immunities shields the Board of Peace from legal accountability in U.S. courts, potentially harming individuals with legitimate grievances against the organization. They contend that without greater transparency about the Board of Peace's structure, funding, and activities, Congress and the public have insufficient information to evaluate whether this designation serves the national interest.
Constitutional basis
Executive orders rest on constitutional authority or statutory delegation. This summary describes the legal grounding cited or implied by the order.
Authority is cited under Section 1 of the International Organizations Immunities Act, 22 U.S.C. § 288, which delegates to the president the power to designate qualifying public international organizations by executive order. This statute is itself grounded in Congress's foreign affairs and commerce powers, and the president's Article II authority to conduct foreign relations and recognize international bodies in which the United States participates.