Multilateralism vs. Bilateralism Group of 2-3 Create table showing pro/cons of multilateralism & of bilateralism Purpose is to decide which (multilateral or bilateral diplomacy) is most effective Support reasoning with real world examples as much as you are able Multilateralism vs. Bilateralism

Role of NGOs in Human Rights Policy

NGOs operate nationally or transnationally Non-state actors have effect on global H.R. policy/ diplomacy (esp. NGOs) NGOs operate nationally or transnationally Many specific transnational HUMAN RIGHTS NGOs

Amnesty International (1961, London)- 150 countries, 2 million members Human Rights Watch (1978, NYC)- 90+ countries Minority Rights Group Int’l (1960s, London) International Federation for Human Rights (1922, HQ in France)- umbrella org. for 170+ HR NGOs Many TNGOs that focus on other areas do include HR in mission (like DRs w/o Borders) Transnational HRNGOs

HRNGO Advocacy Resources: info + energy of people “Name + shame” strategy  embarrass offending gov’ts; mobilize citizens to pressure their gov’ts to act Ex: Amnesty Int’l Nederland membership is ~1.8% of country’s population  powerful voice HRNGO Advocacy

We say non-governmental, BUT implementing/ enforcing H. R We say non-governmental, BUT implementing/ enforcing H.R. is state responsibility- so, NGOs have to act on/ through states Try to coordinate between levels/ orgs – other states/ multilateral actors to help w/ supporting pressure NGOs & States

Sometimes NGOs are largely ineffective expressions of good intentions (Poverty, Inc.?) Political, financial accountability? Role of states? How to define/ expand power of public opinion? No other interests to distract them from advocacy (& maybe help check states’ tendency to let national interests mute HR concerns) Accuracy/ impartiality- good resource Help spread awareness of norms, mobilize force of opinion NGO Advocacy

Return to group & pro/con table Add NGOs (make new table if needed) Bottom of table, or sep sheet, respond to prompt- If forced to choose (even though the world does not work like this. Imagine.), which do you think is the most effective strategy for the monitoring and implementation of a global human rights regime? [Pick 1 and support your response]