Difference between revisions of "Humanitarian NGO Sector"

From NGO Handbook
(Differences Among Humanitarian NGOs)
(Differences Among Humanitarian NGOs)
Line 19: Line 19:
 
Although the objectives of NGOs are generally the same, there is a difference among Humanitarian NGOs in the [[US Nonprofit Sector, Tax Benefits, WANGO Survey|United States]] and Europe. European NGOs place more importance on the longer-term perspective on development, maintaining independent from their government, garnering their funds privately instead of relying on public (government) funding, and are not keen to cooperating with their own government’s military. In contrast, NGOs based in the United States have a more practical, short-term approach to development, focused on meeting immediate needs, a closer relationship to government, greater reliance on public (government) funding, and greater acceptance of cooperation with the military.  There are movements towards greater coordination between international development NGOs, and there is common ground to be found between NGOs that exist around the world.  
 
Although the objectives of NGOs are generally the same, there is a difference among Humanitarian NGOs in the [[US Nonprofit Sector, Tax Benefits, WANGO Survey|United States]] and Europe. European NGOs place more importance on the longer-term perspective on development, maintaining independent from their government, garnering their funds privately instead of relying on public (government) funding, and are not keen to cooperating with their own government’s military. In contrast, NGOs based in the United States have a more practical, short-term approach to development, focused on meeting immediate needs, a closer relationship to government, greater reliance on public (government) funding, and greater acceptance of cooperation with the military.  There are movements towards greater coordination between international development NGOs, and there is common ground to be found between NGOs that exist around the world.  
  
Some NGOs engage in more direct relief work versus long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction. An example of this is the post-tsunami efforts. After the disaster occurred, many NGOs provided immediate relief but few stayed several months after the crisis. Action Against Hunger, based in both the UK and Spain was one of the humanitarian NGOs that responded to the devastation of the tsunamis, having teams of people building latrines, trucking in water, and recovering bodies in Sri Lanka. ActionAid USA distributed medical supplies, food items and shelter material, as well as providing psychosocial support and helping restore livelihoods in India.  Although these organizations were helpful in their attempts to provide aid and relief, their stay was short-term. In contrast to other organizations World Relief USA that had a long term vision, preparing a long-term plan for rehabilitation and reconstruction work. World Vision International is also another organization that has a long-term plan, planning to work on the development of settlements, repairing damaged houses and schools in Sri Lanka and India. In Thailand, World Vision International is planning to set up two training and service centers for counseling while it continues to build shelters.
+
Some NGOs engage in more direct relief work versus long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction. An example of this is the post-tsunami efforts. After the disaster occurred, many NGOs provided immediate relief but few stayed several months after the crisis. Action Against Hunger, based in both the UK and Spain was one of the humanitarian NGOs that responded to the devastation of the tsunamis, having teams of people building latrines, trucking in water, and recovering bodies in Sri Lanka. ActionAid USA distributed medical supplies, food items and shelter material, as well as providing psychosocial support and helping restore livelihoods in [[India]].  Although these organizations were helpful in their attempts to provide aid and relief, their stay was short-term. In contrast to other organizations World Relief USA that had a long term vision, preparing a long-term plan for rehabilitation and reconstruction work. World Vision International is also another organization that has a long-term plan, planning to work on the development of settlements, repairing damaged houses and schools in Sri Lanka and India. In Thailand, World Vision International is planning to set up two training and service centers for counseling while it continues to build shelters.
  
 
==Humanitarian NGOs and Terrorism==
 
==Humanitarian NGOs and Terrorism==

Revision as of 09:44, 6 August 2008

Humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are an integral component of international affairs and security, and integral to the functioning of the United Nations and the world at large. Some of the best known NGOs focus on humanitarian issues, such as the International Red Cross, Salvation Army, CARE International, and Oxfam. Humanitarian NGOs are mainly concerned with the life and welfare of displaced persons and with the delivery of social services including food delivery, health and mental care, nutrition, and education and training.


To read the rest of the article, please log in using your WANGO membership username and password (using the log in at the top, right-hand corner of the page). Not a WANGO member, but would like full access to the articles in the NGO Handbook? Join WANGO (http://www.wango.org/join.aspx) as an organization or individual member or purchase a year subscription for $30.