NGOs

"NGOs" or "non-governmental organizations" are often the most effective voices for the concerns of ordinary people in the international arena. NGOs include the most outspoken advocates of human rights, the environment, social programs, women’s rights and more.   NGOs on the ground often make the impossible possible by doing what governments cannot or will not. Some humanitarian and development NGOs have a natural advantage because of their perceived neutrality and experience. The International Committee of the Red Cross, for example, is able to deliver health care to political prisoners.  Other groups such as Oxfam International provide rapid relief during and after complex humanitarian disasters.

NGOs rely on funding from individual donors, foundations, corporations and governments. Critics charge that funding sources can seriously affect NGO policy, making these organizations potentially the creatures of special interests. Such charges challenge NGO legitimacy especially when funds come from "outside" - including rich foreign governments, corporations or foundations.

Updated On: 15.02.10