NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR OPERATIONS AN INTRODUCTION A PowerPoint Presentation

“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 NGO DEFINITION

Dramatic Growth beginning in 2d half of 20 th Century Over the past several decades, NGOs have become major players in all international relief efforts, development, cause advocacy, and in advancing the concept of a “global civil society” Billions of dollars spent annually on relief and sustainable development programs 2005 earthquake in Pakistan NGOs

WHY THE DRAMATIC GROWTH IN NGOs Negative Perception of the Welfare State Development Crisis Perceived Global Environmental Crisis Discrediting of Socialism Communications Revolution Global Economic Growth

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 - Overview

Not Governments… Not Businesses... NGOs—WHAT THEY ARE NOT

ANOTHER DEFINITION OF AN NGO “A Self-Governing Private, Not For Profit Organization That Is Geared Toward Improving The Quality Of Life Of Disadvantaged People” 2010 Pakistan flooding

The term NGO is very broad and encompasses many different types of organizations Advocacy NGOs Operational NGOs - Relief - Development NGO TYPES Relief work Philippines

Their primary purpose is to defend or promote a specific cause and to influence policies and practices Examples: Amnesty International and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) ADVOCACY NGOs

Their primary purpose is field work in humanitarian relief and design, development and implementation of development related projects. Operational NGOs are the one’s the military must work with in a cooperative relationship in a PSO OPERATIONAL NGOs

Provide Life Saving Interventions Food Distribution Shelter Water Sanitation Medical Care NGOs IN HUMANITARIAN CRISES

Headquarters in one Country (ICRC) Many Autonomous National Chapters (Save the Children) Many National Fund Raising Offices, Pooled Funds, With A Single World-Wide Field Organization (World Vision) OPERATIONAL NGOs ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORKS

Autonomous National Headquarters with Field Organization. Work Assigned by Central International Organization (CARE) Field Work Done Only Through Indigenous Local NGOs (Oxfam America) OPERATIONAL NGOs ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORKS (Cont.)

SURVEY QUESTION: Why Work In Relief/Development? - Altruistic—Concern for Others - Financial ---Make Money NGO “CULTURE”

Help The Disadvantaged Non-Hierarchical Generally Liberal Intangible Missions Not Comfortable With the Autocratic Structures ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE – NGOs

Typical Western NGO: Young & Idealistic Liberal Arts Degree Believes in Sustainable Development Little Formal Operational Doctrine Few Formal Training Courses Significant Organizational Competition Increasing Security Concerns ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE – NGOs

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 VOLUNTARY CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS/NGOs

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 Accountable Both To Beneficiaries & Contributors Disaster Victims Are Dignified Humans, Not Hopeless Objects VOLUNTARY CODE OF CONDUCT (Cont.)

GOVERNING PRINCIPLES. Humanity Impartiality Neutrality

UN Charter Articles 63 and 64 Article 71 UN General Assembly Resolution 43/131 - Importance of NGOs - States to Facilitate Work of NGOs - States to Support to NGOs - Cooperation With Humanitarian Assistance Organizations Set Up by UN Security Council Chapter 7 Authority to Authorize NGO Humanitarian Relief UNITED NATIONS AND NGOs

Dangerous Environment 1994 Safety Convention – Not Solution Safety Needs – Acceptance, Protection & Deterrence Safety Aids – Information, Planning, Training, Coordination, Psychological Assistance Security Council Responsibilities When to Go / When to Stay RISKS TO NGOs & HUMANITARIAN AID WORKERS

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 NGOs STRENGTHS ( WORLD BANK STUDY )

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 CRITICISM OF NGOs

Many Participants in Peace Operation NGOs Play A Key Role In Humanitarian Assistance Absolutely Necessary To: - UNDERSTAND THE “PLAYERS” - COORDINATION MECHANISMS - PURSUE UNITY OF EFFORT BY EMPHASIZING: COOPERATION-COORDINATION-CONSENSUS SUMMARY