Difference between revisions of "Humanitarian NGO Sector"
From NGO Handbook
(→Examples of How Terrorism/Violence Affects Humanitarian NGOs) |
(→Accountability) |
||
| Line 44: | Line 44: | ||
==Controversy with Humanitarian NGOs== | ==Controversy with Humanitarian NGOs== | ||
| − | + | Recently, non-governmental organizations have come under scrutiny due to issues surrounding the accountability of NGOs. The importance of humanitarian NGOs has increased since World War II and with this increased influence comes more responsibility. NGOs understand they have to live up to certain standards of accountability since it is imperative for them to have public support. If there are allegations of corruption or misuse of funds, it is detrimental not only to the NGO itself, but to all NGOs because they depend on one another to uphold the reputation of NGOs as a whole. | |
| − | Recently, non-governmental organizations have come under scrutiny due to issues surrounding the accountability of NGOs. The importance of humanitarian NGOs has increased since World War II and with this increased influence comes more responsibility. NGOs understand they have to live up to certain standards of accountability | ||
| − | The influence of NGOs has increased in many ways | + | The influence of NGOs has increased in many ways including NGO officials often being cited in the media and corporations consulting with NGOs prior to major investments. The NGO role has expanded and for the most part has been unchecked and unregulated. There have been increasing calls for greater transparency in NGO operations and for the public to become more aware. It is important to understand who funds NGOs, how effective their programs are, what their agendas are, and to whom they are accountable. A few organizations have tackled the issue of accountability within NGOs, including NGO Watch, One World Trust, and Sustainability. Their main objectives are to monitor financial resources, expose bias and report conflicts of interest. . |
| + | |||
==Conclusion== | ==Conclusion== | ||
Since World War II, humanitarian NGOs have played an important role to play in a world that faces natural and social disasters. With the significant contribution of humanitarian NGOs, the world is a more protected and cared for place. Although humanitarian NGOs face many challenges including political challenges and terrorism, and other controversies, they must persevere in order to continue to disseminate aid and relief throughout the world. | Since World War II, humanitarian NGOs have played an important role to play in a world that faces natural and social disasters. With the significant contribution of humanitarian NGOs, the world is a more protected and cared for place. Although humanitarian NGOs face many challenges including political challenges and terrorism, and other controversies, they must persevere in order to continue to disseminate aid and relief throughout the world. | ||
Revision as of 10:07, 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.
