NGO Midterm Review
NGO
"A non-governmental organization (NGO, also often referred to as "civil society organization" or CSO) is a not-for-profit group, principally independent from government, which is organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good." (UN) "Private Organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development." (World Bank) Independence from government Not profit-making or engaged in commercial activities Established organizations
epistemic communities
"a network of professionals with recognized expertise and competence in a particular domain and an authoritative claim to policy-relevant knowledge within that domain or issue-area"(Haas, 1997,p. 3) have considerable power in agenda-setting and defining the range of policy solutions. (e.g. many environmental issues involve highly technical science and thus scientists influential in shaping agreements such as ozone crisis, climate change).
loss of consultant status
Evidence of secret governmental financial influence Abuse of consultative status: "systematically engaging in unsubstantiated or politically motivated acts" contrary to the principles of UN Charter (Chechen example about sovereignty vs. human rights, p. 40) 3 years of no positive or effective contribution to UN bodies Additional problem: "NGO representatives do not always behave in a manner appropriate for a diplomatic forum"(Willetts, 2011, p. 41).
history
1948 Universal declaration of human rights 1960s first un development decade 1980s stalling of global summitry and goal setting
social movements
A social movement is an organized social group that acts with continuity and coordination to promote or resist change in society or other social units. Social movements are the most organized form of collective behavior, and they tend to be the most sustained. They often have a connection to the past, and they tend to become organized in coherent social organizations. collective or joint action change-oriented goals some degree of organization some degree of temporal continuity some extra-institutional collective action, or at least a mixture of extra-institutional (protesting in the streets) and institutional (political lobbying) activity. Social movements can be the basis of revolutionary change. Some movements originating in one nation also spill over to affect movements in another. Transnational social movements have organizational structures that cross national borders. Some of the most profound changes in the United States were the result of social movements from our diverse population.
ngo access to the un
General: reserved for large global NGOs (INGOs) that represent large segments of societies in several countries, and whose area of work covers most of the issues on the agenda of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies Special: granted to NGOs which have a special competence in, and are concerned specifically with, only a few of the fields of activity covered by the ECOSOC Roster: NGOs that tend to have a rather narrow and/or technical focus and that can make occasional and useful contribution s to the work of the Council or its subsidiary bodies
criticism of ngos
Have lost their independence - just another arm of governments Too close to the corporate world Fund raising is their primary concern Excessive living standards in the midst of poverty
willets problem (high vs low politics)
High politics, low politicsinterests, and values "static and uniform view of politics" (Willetts) IR understood as a study of "great power" politics implies interests are static; "privileges the values of security and economic wealth over other values" (Willetts, 201, p. 129) but: diverse set of groups in every society and their interests are based on different value preferences human rights NGOs = security should not necessarily override freedom or justifies torture environmentalists = pursuit of wealth does not override environmental values or animal welfare Are interests so much different from values? Willetts: "Interests are merely the values that have, or are claimed to have, higher priority than other values"(Willetts, 2011, p. 130).
ngo voluntary code of conduct
Humanitarian imperative comes first Aid is given regardless of race, creed or nationality on the basis of need alone Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint We shall endeavor not to act as instruments of government foreign policy We shall respect culture & custom Build disaster response on local capacities Involve program beneficiaries in the management of relief aid Reduce future vulnerabilities as well as meet basic needs NGOs are accountable both to beneficiaries & contributors Disaster victims are dignified humans, not hopeless objects Humanity Impartiality Neutrality
constructivism
In the discipline of international relations, constructivism is the claim that significant aspects of international relations are historically and socially constructed, rather than inevitable consequences of human nature or other essential characteristics of world politics.
requirements for ngos to get consulative status
In theory NGOs must have formal institutional structure: headquarters executive officer conference, congress or other representative body a democratically adopted constitution In practice the majority of NGOs do not have these formal policy-making structures Yet, the real obstacle to accreditation has been slow bureaucratic procedures and infrequent meetings of ECOSOC subsidiary bodies Additional obstacle since 1996 is the flood of applicants from the new category, national NGOs (potential political problems within particular embers of the committee at the time, e.g. China vs. Tibetan NGOs, etc.) "... Consultative arrangements are to be made, on the one hand, for the purpose of enabling the Council or one of its bodies to secure expert information or advice from organizations having special competence in the subjects for which consultative arrangements are made, and, on the other hand, to enable international, regional, sub-regional and national organizations that represent important elements of public opinion to express their views." — ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, part II, paragraph 20
advantages of knowledge networks
KNETs can be useful in governance, because they systemize knowledge from a wide variety of sources (Stone, 2005). Able to bridge knowledge gaps, facilitate to deliver global public goods, and have tremendous potential to provide a deliberative capacity for democratic governance (Stone, 2005) Key is: knowledge creation, dissemination, and the diffusion of best practices Building blocks of cooperation and order-creation. New mechanisms of governance. Potential issue: resource-dependency
knowledge networks
Knowledge networks: intellectual collaboration and discourse among various KNET participants such as policy research institutions, universities, public-interest NGOs, government agencies, and inter-governmental organizations (an umbrella category for a number of frameworks like epistemic community, or subaltern network, or discourse coalitions, etc.) "Epistemic communities" and "knowledge networks" refer to various forms of intellectual collaborations. These approaches emphasize the role of policy-expertise grounded in codified forms of knowledge.
MDGs
Millenium development goals Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Achieve universal primary education Promote gender equality and empower women Reduce child mortality Improve maternal health Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Ensure environmental sustainability Global partnership for development
agenda 21
Millennium Development Goals or "The World's Biggest Promise" In September 2000, 189 member states of the United Nations adopted the Millennium Declaration, which included concrete commitments and targets for poverty eradication, development, and protecting the environment.
early developments
NGO's have been partners of the UN since 1947. NGOs can have consultant status with the ECOSOC (article 71). Security council chapter 7 authority to authorize ngo humanitarian relief not really used until 70s
ngo activity
NGOs Play a Key Role in Humanitarian Assistance and Development NGOs are the Rapid Response element for humanitarian disasters all over the world "Foot Soldiers" for International relief efforts Military in Peace Support Operations will have to work with NGOs
ngos contribution to governance
NGOs: act as advocates, mobilize mass publics Can add transparency to other political processes Political independence; versatile actors Trans-governmental coalitions: special role in organizing sub-state actors in global governance Transnational Communities of Experts: technical specialists from I/NGOs share knowledge/values International Regimes: high levels of cooperation, suggesting states possess principles of how problems should be addressed
reasons for global governance
Need new approaches to old issues: Security 2nd generation peacekeeping activities Need new approaches to new issues: Environmental degradation Sustainable development Protection of human rights (overarching?) Less-developed states lack resources to address large issues domestically & contribute internationally towards global solutions The individual power of nation-states is eroding; thus, their ability to address these issues is considerably diminished Traditional international orgs/multilateral institutions unable to meet new demands... international peace/security vs. civil conflict trends Therefore, there is a power shift towards NGOS What are/should be the differences between these old and new institutions?
The UN has committed itself to ensure that Civil Society has a voice and a role to play in the work of the organization. Discuss how the engagement of NGO's has developed over the past few decades begining in the 70s. Make sure to explain the accredidation process as well. Is the relationship between the UN and the various NGOs beneficial? How So? What are potential problems?
Outline: define ngo talk briefly about the formation of ngo directly after WW2 list causes of ngo growth post 1970s and the events in the 70s explaain accredidation process, the requirements, who authorizes them, types of consulations, benefits of consultative status un relationships definition pros and cons of un relationships list impact of ngos on global scale summary and conclusion Points:
benefits of consultant status
Provide expert analysis on issues directly from its experience in the field. Serve as an early warning agent. Help monitor and implement international agreements. Help raise public awareness of relevant issues. Play a major role in advancing United Nations goals and objectives. Contribute with essential information at organization events. Attend international conferences and events Make written and oral statements at these events Organize side events Enter United Nations premises Have opportunities to network and lobby. ECOSOC does not provide funding or financial support of any kind to any organization with which it partners. However, social networking at ECOSOC events allows organizations to expand their contacts and knowledge base to explore possible partnerships and joint ventures with various stakeholders.
MDG optimistic
Raises world's awareness on addressing extreme poverty in all its dimensions Sets aspirations high (major progress on specific issues through annual reports and the scorecards) Mobilizes international collaboration Defines quantifiable targets that build off a baseline Adds urgency through deadline (2015) Creates new institutional mechanisms - such as the Global Fund for Aids, TB and Malaria, and the Millennium Villages Pushes for greater financial investments in MDG
"Boomerang effect"
Repressive (national state) -> spurs domestic activists -> who reach out to transnational ngos & UN -> which then influence the repressive state for change
strength of ngos
Strong grassroots links Field based development expertise Ability to innovate and adapt Process oriented approach to development Participatory methodologies and tools Long-term commitment and emphasis on sustainability Cost effectiveness
hybrids
The International Council for Science highly technical issues - multinational and multidisciplinary collaborative research needed provides an authoritative source of scientific advice The International Council for Standardization 157 member states/ independent professional organizations (in conjunction with government agencies) provides authoritative set of ISO standards (regulatory systems) The International Union for the Conservation of Nature States, government agencies, NGOs Promote and publish scientific research Contributed to the development of international environmental law "Each of these hybrids is central to the development of international law within their respective policy domain" (Willetts, 2011, p.80).
mdg challenges
What and how you measure What you can't measure or leave out Who is engaged? Who is accountable? Challenge of reporting by region and country Policy linkages and expectations Resource commitment
NGO participation
While NGOs have been unable to gain permanent, general, recognized, formal participation rights to the GA sessions, their informal influence has been growing steadily (issue dependent). "Arria Formula" briefing (since 1992)- informal meeting among SC members with the purpose of hearing from individuals/NGOs
puralism
a condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., coexist.
main task of the committe on non governmental organizations
a standing committee of the egosoc The consideration of applications for consultative status and requests for reclassification submitted by NGOs The consideration of quadrennial reports submitted by NGOs in General and Special categories (Contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the work of the UN is key) The implementation of the provisions of Council resolution 1996/31 and the monitoring of the consultative relationship Any other issues which the ECOSOC may request the Committee to consider
ngo types that can be thought of as international legal persons
after world war 2 the inclusion of legal persons other than states began (IGOS) un defined as "international person...a subject of international law" igos only fully recognized in 1986 NGOS can only be thought of as international legal persons in few select cases Willetts: There are special cases/anomalies Hybrids ECOSOC accreditation
world wide web vs internet
based on hypertext invented to facilitate the sharing of documents and services within international high energy physics collaborations web sits on top of internet and uses its protocols
ngo growth
dramatic growth starting in 2nd half of 1900s caused by Negative Perception of the Welfare State Development Crisis Perceived Global Environmental Crisis Discrediting of Socialism Communications Revolution Global Economic Growth
NGOs gaining privileges of statehood
example the catholic church Engages in diplomacy Ratifies treaties Has membership in IGOs Territory (0.4 sq km) The Sovereign Order of Malta, a.k.a. The Order/Knights of St John of Jerusalem (cca. 1048) /Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta/ Has formal diplomatic relations Has delegations or representations to international organizations Neutral, impartial and non-political Acts like a humanitarian (and charitable) NGO Have their own constitution and passports International Committee of the Red Cross (1863) http://www.icrc.org/eng/ an independent and neutral organization- a Swiss NGO - that "cares for the sick and wounded and/or provide food, medical, and clothing supplies" its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949: has a special status in the 4 Geneva Conventions, which include provisions for the ICRC to act like a state based in Geneva, Switzerland, it employs some 12,000 people in 80 countries "over 60 states concluded agreements with the ICRC for its staff to be immune from judicial processes and for any disputes to be settled by international arbitration financed mainly by voluntary donations from governments and from national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies
special cases ngos gainining privileges of statehood
i.e. vatican Engages in diplomacy Ratifies treaties Has membership in IGOs Red Cross an independent and neutral organization- a Swiss NGO - that "cares for the sick and wounded and/or provide food, medical, and clothing supplies" its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949: has a special status in the 4 Geneva Conventions, which include provisions for the ICRC to act like a state based in Geneva, Switzerland, it employs some 12,000 people in 80 countries "over 60 states concluded agreements with the ICRC for its staff to be immune from judicial processes and for any disputes to be settled by international arbitration financed mainly by voluntary donations from governments and from national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies
constructivist ideas
key actors: individuals, collective identities, individual as major unit, especially elites. structures alone do not explain (major) changes in the system state behavior is shaped by elite beliefs, collective norms, and social identities reality is socially constructed, no objective reality, right or wrong, only individual perspectives sees power in discursive terms Constructivism is about not only knowing but ALSO creating a world Assumption: "the objects of our knowledge are not independent of our interpretations" Shared norms socialization through IGOs and NGOs common identity interests global policies Define norms: "collectively shared understandings of appropriate behavior" "NGOs and other political actors mobilize support for values by transmitting messages to a target audience" by: status of the actor ("actor linkages") content of the message ("value linkages") political environment ("bargaining linkages") non-political environment ("functional linkages")
potential for more extensive ngo participation
ngos don't really have permanent, or officially recognized participation rights in GA sessions but their influence has been growing steadily some subsidiary bodes of the ga have engaged on a permanent basis since the late 90s ngos have increasingly been granted access but no right of access Potential for more extensive NGO participation and influence: Small decision-making body Low public profile High technicality Highly experienced NGO representatives
challenges to state sovereignty
some issues such as environmental and human rights international authrority can and often does exceed individual state sovereignity "Individual governments do not have the sovereign capacity to implement policy to prevent damage to to the environment"(Willetts, 2011, p. 69) "Any real engagement with human rights is dealing with questions that are fundamentally the internal affairs of a state"(Willetts, 2011, p. 69).
legal personality
the extent to which NGOs engage in state-like activity and...their engagement in the inter-state system" "NGOs are accorded legal status under treaty law" "NGOs [have] bilateral relations with many states" "ECOSOC consultative arrangements provide the conditions for NGOs to gain international legal personality" Customary international law = state practice + opinio juris, or a subjective obligation, a sense on behalf of a state that it is bound to the law in question
multistakeholderism
the principle of stake-holding = "all those affected by, or with a stake in, the decisions of public authorities have the right to a voice in the governance of those matters"(Cogburn, 2006, p.8) "in global environmental politics a distinct set of arrangements, which are not fully compatible with non-interference and sovereignty, have been institutionalized"(Willetes, 2011, p. 70). NGOs with a unique area of expertise have a greater chance of substantially influencing policy or, at least, preparing documentation for discussion (e.g. HIV-AIDS; Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation/Gates Foundation, 2000) The range of special situations is increasing (complexity creates a need for greater expertise
