In addition, non-governmental organisations and national liberation movements have also been said to possess international legal personality.
Since 1945 the international legal system has been dominated by the United Nations and the structures that were established as part of that organisation.
While the UN has been the object of significant criticism, it has nevertheless played a pivotal role both in the progressive development and codification of international law.
The General Assembly of the UN has sponsored and promoted some of the most important developments of the last fifty years through the adoption of multilateral treaties and instruments.
The Committee deals with international law under Article 13(1)(a) of the Charter, which authorises the General Assembly to initiate studies and make recommendations to encourage the progressive development and codification of international law.