The International Jurist Organization was founded on 13 December 1987, and continues to seek to fulfill its purpose of promoting the rule of law, and an international system that is based upon the rule of law, human rights and justice. On that basis, the IJO seeks to foster and promote informed and constructive discussion, dialogue, understanding and engagement amongst and between practitioners, scholars, and other interested individuals addressing issues of contemporary international law and their intersection with international politics, as well as with national law and politics in the countries of the Global South.

Due to the challenges of the pandemic and the necessary restrictions on meetings and other social gatherings, IJO hosted events virtually by using Zoom and other platforms.

The IJO holds non governmental organization (NGO) special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Membership of the IJO is open to individuals of any nationality and profession who share its purpose and objectives