Since 1971, the UIA has been granted a consultative status as a non governmental organisation (NGO) before the United Nations and the Council of Europe. The UIA is represented in each of the principal headquarters of the United Nations (New York, Geneva and Vienna). 

The UIA is also represented at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). In addition, the UIA participates in the work of the Assembly of State Parties to the International Criminal Court Statute.

The UIA is also represented at the Council of the International Criminal Bar, which was created recently.