OIDEL is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, with consultative status with the United Nations, UNESCO and the European Council. It is legally recognized as a public interest association under Swiss law. The primary objective of OIDEL is the promotion of the right to education as a fundamental human right. Such a right cannot exist without the presence of State benefits and the protection of individual liberties. The action of OIDEL is mainly based on article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural rights.