ABOUT OIPA INTERNATIONAL

The International Organization for Animal Protection (OIPA) is an international confederation of more than 220 associations dedicated to animal protection and the defence of animal rights worldwide.

Founded in 1981 by Milly Schär Manzoli, OIPA is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) since 1992 and granted Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

OIPA is also accredited to the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and is registered in the European Commission Transparency Register.

OUR MISSION

OIPA’s mission is to promote and defend animal rights at a global level through advocacy, education, and coordinated action. The Organization works to prevent and combat all forms of cruelty, abuse, exploitation, and neglect affecting animals, while fostering a culture of respect toward all sentient beings.

OIPA is committed to advancing ethical, legal, and social progress in the field of animal protection.

This includes:

  • advocating for the abolition of animal experimentation,
  • opposing intensive breeding systems and fur farming,
  • combating wildlife trafficking,
  • contrast the use of animals in entertainment industries where their welfare is compromised.

Beyond direct animal protection, OIPA recognises the intrinsic connection between animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and public health. For this reason, the Organization promotes responsible policies, humane alternatives, and awareness initiatives aimed at encouraging more ethical and sustainable societal models.

Through its international network and institutional engagement, OIPA strives to contribute to the development of stronger legal frameworks, increased public awareness, and a global recognition of animals as sentient beings deserving protection and respect.

Become an International Representative

 

OIPA is currently seeking new International Representatives.

Representatives are volunteers. Their role is honorary and unpaid.

They act as official reference points for OIPA within their country, promoting the Organization’s mission and coordinating activities at local and national level.

Main Responsibilities

International Representatives are expected to:
  • Plan and promote OIPA activities in their country in accordance with the Organization’s Statute and ethical principles
  • Develop and implement national or international campaigns aligned with OIPA’s strategic priorities
  • Support initiatives assigned by the Presidency or the International Relations Office

Campaigns and activities may include:

  • Information stands and public outreach
  • Conferences and public debates
  • Educational programmes in schools and communities
  • Demonstrations and awareness initiatives
  • Social media campaigns
  • Collaboration with media and press at national and international level
  • Cooperation with medical and scientific professionals, including LIMAV (www.limav.org) (International Doctors for the Abolition of Vivisection)
Representatives are also expected to:
  • Establish and maintain relationships with media outlets
  • Open and support a local OIPA Delegation (which must be legally registered and officially recognised at local level)
  • Prepare and update informative materials (brochures, leaflets, newsletters)
  • Manage official local social media channels
  • Seek funding opportunities and support local fundraising activities
  • Cooperate with OIPA International Headquarters and other Delegations on joint campaigns and projects
OIPA Delegations operate autonomously while adhering to the Organization’s Statute and strategic direction. Each Delegation focuses on the most urgent animal protection issues in its specific national context.
 
 

 

Requirements

Becoming an OIPA Delegate means taking an active and collaborative role within an international network. Delegations operate in alignment with OIPA’s mission while maintaining autonomy in addressing local priorities.
 
In order to ensure transparency, credibility, and effective cooperation, a Delegation must be legally registered in its country and officially recognised by the relevant local authorities.
 
Delegates are encouraged to:
 
  • Develop and periodically update informative materials (such as brochures and leaflets)
  • Establish and maintain a local newsletter to inform supporters and the community
  • Create and manage official social media channels (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter) to promote both local activities and OIPA International initiatives (www.oipa.org/international)
  • Seek funding opportunities and donations to support projects and activities
  • Cooperate actively with OIPA International Headquarters and other Delegations on joint campaigns and common initiatives.