Difference between revisions of "History of the NGO Sector"
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| − | [[ | + | [[Overview of NGOs|Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)]] as we know them today are generally thought to have come into existence around the mid-nineteenth century. It was only about a century later that the importance of NGOs was officially recognized by the [[Partnering with the United Nations|United Nations]]. At the UN Congress in San Francisco in 1968, a provision was made in Article 71 of the Charter of the United Nations framework that qualified NGOs in the field of economic and social development to receive consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. |
The development of modern NGOs has largely mirrored that of general world history, particularly after the Industrial Revolution. NGOs have existed in some form or another as far back as 25,000 years ago. Since 1850, more than 100,000 private, not-for-profit organizations with an international focus have been founded. The growth of NGOs really took off after the Second World War, with about 90 international NGOs founded each year, compared with about 10 each year in the 1890s. Only about 30 percent of early international NGOs have survived, although those organizations founded after the wars have had a better survival rate. Many more NGOs with a local, national or regional focus have been created, though like their international counterparts, not all have survived or have been successful. | The development of modern NGOs has largely mirrored that of general world history, particularly after the Industrial Revolution. NGOs have existed in some form or another as far back as 25,000 years ago. Since 1850, more than 100,000 private, not-for-profit organizations with an international focus have been founded. The growth of NGOs really took off after the Second World War, with about 90 international NGOs founded each year, compared with about 10 each year in the 1890s. Only about 30 percent of early international NGOs have survived, although those organizations founded after the wars have had a better survival rate. Many more NGOs with a local, national or regional focus have been created, though like their international counterparts, not all have survived or have been successful. | ||
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Most of these early international NGOs shared a similar structure: they had a small membership base and had permanent central offices with a secretariat. A few organizations merely had a permanent committee. Nearly all were governed by a constitution and [[How to Start an NGO|by-laws]], with the majority of international NGOs composed of national groups whose members were private citizens.<ref>White, p. 9.</ref> | Most of these early international NGOs shared a similar structure: they had a small membership base and had permanent central offices with a secretariat. A few organizations merely had a permanent committee. Nearly all were governed by a constitution and [[How to Start an NGO|by-laws]], with the majority of international NGOs composed of national groups whose members were private citizens.<ref>White, p. 9.</ref> | ||
| − | Early international NGOs also worked closely with governments. The International Red Cross (IRC), established in 1863, appealed to the Swiss government to convene an international congress to improve the treatment of the war wounded. Throughout the years, the IRC broadened its scope to include the relief of suffering in times of [[Peace and Conflict NGOs|peace]] as well as in war, health [[Educational NGOs|education]] and | + | Early international NGOs also worked closely with governments. The International Red Cross (IRC), established in 1863, appealed to the Swiss government to convene an international congress to improve the treatment of the war wounded. Throughout the years, the IRC broadened its scope to include the relief of suffering in times of [[Peace and Conflict NGOs|peace]] as well as in war, health [[Educational NGOs|education]] and disaster relief. During the wars, the organization also took on a political stance: “the IRCC urged the belligerent countries to adopt measures calculated to lessen the terrible consequences of the war.”<ref>Op. cit. The IRCC and Its Missions Abroad (1918-1923), p. 15-16 in White, p. 187.</ref> |
The influence of international NGOs may be best demonstrated in the resulting organizations that were formed. Its efforts at peace paved the way for the creation of the League of Nations. The international law societies and the IPU laid the foundation for the World Court. Labor-themed organizations led to the creation of the International Labor Organization. The influence of the International Free Trade Union led to the founding of the Nansen International Office for Refugees. | The influence of international NGOs may be best demonstrated in the resulting organizations that were formed. Its efforts at peace paved the way for the creation of the League of Nations. The international law societies and the IPU laid the foundation for the World Court. Labor-themed organizations led to the creation of the International Labor Organization. The influence of the International Free Trade Union led to the founding of the Nansen International Office for Refugees. | ||
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Elsewhere in the world, there were more wars – Korea, and civil wars in the Middle East. Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward program created a famine in China, while other countries in Asia started gaining independence from their colonizers. | Elsewhere in the world, there were more wars – Korea, and civil wars in the Middle East. Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward program created a famine in China, while other countries in Asia started gaining independence from their colonizers. | ||
| − | For international NGOs, it was a time for [[ | + | For international NGOs, it was a time for [[Humanitarian NGOs|humanitarian]] and international relief efforts. UNICEF was established in 1946, initially caring for children in war-devastated areas in countries such as Poland and Czechoslovakia, but the organization soon gave assistance to all countries “on the basis of need, without discrimination because of race, creed, nationality, status or political belief.” These efforts required large amounts of funding, with the bulk of it came from private donations from individuals and organizations in the US. |
Efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to alleviate diseases and hunger were supplemented by Medical Assistance Programs International. Founded in 1954, the organization sent doctors and nurses from North America and Europe overseas. Specialists, for example, were sent to the Middle East and Africa in 1955 to help with an outbreak of tuberculosis. WHO also took over the work of My Brother’s Keeper, which became Brother’s Brother Foundation, to provide immunizations in developing countries. | Efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to alleviate diseases and hunger were supplemented by Medical Assistance Programs International. Founded in 1954, the organization sent doctors and nurses from North America and Europe overseas. Specialists, for example, were sent to the Middle East and Africa in 1955 to help with an outbreak of tuberculosis. WHO also took over the work of My Brother’s Keeper, which became Brother’s Brother Foundation, to provide immunizations in developing countries. | ||
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The term “development assistance” – economic, technological and other types of aid to developing countries – gained currency during this time, as well as support from the UN when it created a special fund for economic development in 1951. The Overseas Development Office was created to fund projects abroad by US and European organizations. By 1960, 69 percent of private funds were going to Asia, with a further 11 percent to Latin America and six percent to Africa.<ref>David Horton Smith, ''Grassroots Associations''. (Sage Publications, 2002), p. 53.</ref> Governments periodically contributed funds for projects in line with state policy, but these organizations often followed their own priorities.<ref>Ibid, p. 58.</ref> | The term “development assistance” – economic, technological and other types of aid to developing countries – gained currency during this time, as well as support from the UN when it created a special fund for economic development in 1951. The Overseas Development Office was created to fund projects abroad by US and European organizations. By 1960, 69 percent of private funds were going to Asia, with a further 11 percent to Latin America and six percent to Africa.<ref>David Horton Smith, ''Grassroots Associations''. (Sage Publications, 2002), p. 53.</ref> Governments periodically contributed funds for projects in line with state policy, but these organizations often followed their own priorities.<ref>Ibid, p. 58.</ref> | ||
| − | [[Human | + | [[Human Rights NGOs|Human rights]] also gained importance. When the UN Human Rights Commission drafted an international covenant in 1948, in attendance were 18 countries, three UN affiliated agencies and 23 NGOs – six of them being women’s organizations emphasizing the equality of sexes. In the 1950s, the ILO adopted two conventions barring gender discrimination in the workplace and championing equal pay and non-discrimination. This led to the worldwide movement for women’s liberation in the 1960s. |
Matters relating to the conservation of nature also began gathering momentum. In 1946, the International Whaling Commission was established. Two years later, the International Union for the Protection of Nature was founded; in 1956, it changed its name to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. | Matters relating to the conservation of nature also began gathering momentum. In 1946, the International Whaling Commission was established. Two years later, the International Union for the Protection of Nature was founded; in 1956, it changed its name to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. | ||
| − | ==A | + | ==A New Interconnectedness== |
The world grew more interconnected than ever in the 1970s. After two decades of post-war economic growth, the onset of new problems, such as energy and currency, led to cooperation between major economic powers. Some developing countries began to industrialize, and some newly independent countries struggled to cater to basic health and social services needs of their peoples. | The world grew more interconnected than ever in the 1970s. After two decades of post-war economic growth, the onset of new problems, such as energy and currency, led to cooperation between major economic powers. Some developing countries began to industrialize, and some newly independent countries struggled to cater to basic health and social services needs of their peoples. | ||
| − | Against this backdrop, the number of NGOs mushroomed, from 2,795 in 1972 to 12,686 in 1984. Taking into account local branches, there were 79,786 NGOs in 1984, according to the Union of International Associations.<ref>Union of International Associations, ''In International Organizations: Abbreviations and Addresses, 1984-1985''. (Munich, 1985), p. 508.</ref> The result of this growth in NGOs, says Iriye: “intergovernmental organizations and international non-governmental organizations have played a decisive role—in some instances even more so than the sovereign states—in the global transformation since the 1970s.”<ref>Iriye, p. 129.</ref> It was also during this period, in the 1970s, that the term “NGOs” gained official currency.<ref>See Eric Hobsbawm, ''The Age of Extremes: A History of the World, 1914-1991''. (Pantheon, 1995).</ref> | + | Against this backdrop, the [[Numbers of NGOs|number of NGOs]] mushroomed, from 2,795 in 1972 to 12,686 in 1984. Taking into account local branches, there were 79,786 NGOs in 1984, according to the Union of International Associations.<ref>Union of International Associations, ''In International Organizations: Abbreviations and Addresses, 1984-1985''. (Munich, 1985), p. 508.</ref> The result of this growth in NGOs, says Iriye: “intergovernmental organizations and international non-governmental organizations have played a decisive role—in some instances even more so than the sovereign states—in the global transformation since the 1970s.”<ref>Iriye, p. 129.</ref> It was also during this period, in the 1970s, that the term “NGOs” gained official currency.<ref>See Eric Hobsbawm, ''The Age of Extremes: A History of the World, 1914-1991''. (Pantheon, 1995).</ref> |
| − | Iriye attributes this growth to what historian Eric Hobsbawm calls “transnational economy” in the world . Businesses began growing beyond borders, challenging the traditional hegemony of governments in defining world order. Thus the relationship between state and society changed, with governments increasingly willing to turn to civil organization to share tasks such as social services. | + | Iriye attributes this growth to what historian Eric Hobsbawm calls “transnational economy” in the world . [[NGO-Business Partnerships|Businesses]] began growing beyond borders, challenging the traditional hegemony of governments in defining world order. Thus the relationship between state and society changed, with governments increasingly willing to turn to civil organization to share tasks such as social services. |
NGOs cropped up in countries that did not previously have any form of civil society. In Czechoslovakia, an informal group of intellectuals formed Charter 1977 to call for the respect of human rights. In Poland, Solidarity, a labor organization for dockworkers founded by future prime minister Lech Walesa, attracted a membership totaling nine million. In the Soviet Union, students, intellectuals and dissidents began to organize themselves, often clandestinely. | NGOs cropped up in countries that did not previously have any form of civil society. In Czechoslovakia, an informal group of intellectuals formed Charter 1977 to call for the respect of human rights. In Poland, Solidarity, a labor organization for dockworkers founded by future prime minister Lech Walesa, attracted a membership totaling nine million. In the Soviet Union, students, intellectuals and dissidents began to organize themselves, often clandestinely. | ||
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A significant development among NGOs was the focus on primary health care. At the WHO and UNICEF Conference in Alma-Ata in 1971, there was a declaration to assert the rights and duties of people everywhere to participate in primary health care “in the spirit of self-reliance and self-determination.” | A significant development among NGOs was the focus on primary health care. At the WHO and UNICEF Conference in Alma-Ata in 1971, there was a declaration to assert the rights and duties of people everywhere to participate in primary health care “in the spirit of self-reliance and self-determination.” | ||
| − | The most important result of this new spirit of self-determination was the founding of Doctors without Borders (Médicins sans Frontières) in 1971. One of its founders, Bernard Kouchner, reportedly said it was “subversive” that government authorization was needed to assist the plight of peoples in need. Through its relief work in places such as Nicaragua, Vietnam, Thailand and Africa, the line between humanitarian assistance and human rights activism became blurred. | + | The most important result of this new spirit of self-determination was the founding of Doctors without Borders (Médicins sans Frontières) in 1971. One of its founders, Bernard Kouchner, reportedly said it was “subversive” that government authorization was needed to assist the plight of peoples in need. Through its relief work in places such as Nicaragua, [[Vietnam NGO Sector|Vietnam]], Thailand and Africa, the line between humanitarian assistance and human rights activism became blurred. |
Iriye says this spirit of self-determination was in conflict with local political ambitions and traditional prejudices. Where there was an absence of a system of governance, state authorities did not easily tolerate the activities of non-state actors. As more humanitarian agencies became involved, they posed a greater challenge the existing framework of state sovereignty. This led to the emergence of civil society as a by-product of international humanitarian work.<ref> Iriye, p. 141.</ref> | Iriye says this spirit of self-determination was in conflict with local political ambitions and traditional prejudices. Where there was an absence of a system of governance, state authorities did not easily tolerate the activities of non-state actors. As more humanitarian agencies became involved, they posed a greater challenge the existing framework of state sovereignty. This led to the emergence of civil society as a by-product of international humanitarian work.<ref> Iriye, p. 141.</ref> | ||
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Like human rights, developmental assistance also grew in importance among NGOs. More international NGOs were founded as developing countries continued to face problems as competition in trade intensified and the cost of energy rose, leading to the growing rift between countries in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In France, for example, the Catholic Church expanded the scope of existing organizations and created new ones to extend assistance to former French colonies in Africa and Latin America.<ref>Op. cit. Charles Condamines, ''L’aide humanitaire entre la politique et les affaires," (Paris, 1989), pages 21-27 in Iriye, p. 141.</ref> | Like human rights, developmental assistance also grew in importance among NGOs. More international NGOs were founded as developing countries continued to face problems as competition in trade intensified and the cost of energy rose, leading to the growing rift between countries in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In France, for example, the Catholic Church expanded the scope of existing organizations and created new ones to extend assistance to former French colonies in Africa and Latin America.<ref>Op. cit. Charles Condamines, ''L’aide humanitaire entre la politique et les affaires," (Paris, 1989), pages 21-27 in Iriye, p. 141.</ref> | ||
| − | Another aspect came to the forefront as countries became more industrialized – the protection of the environment. In 1973, the UN Environmental Program defined international environment policy in connection with developmental assistance. Adoption was quick: the European Community which was also being established at the time adopted environmental action plans and began coordinating plans to develop common regulations for environmental protection. | + | Another aspect came to the forefront as countries became more industrialized – the protection of the [[Environmental NGOs|environment]]. In 1973, the UN Environmental Program defined international environment policy in connection with developmental assistance. Adoption was quick: the European Community which was also being established at the time adopted environmental action plans and began coordinating plans to develop common regulations for environmental protection. |
NGOs also became more outspoken in the protection of endangered species. They became more successful than ever in persuading governments to take wildlife protection seriously. In 1972, the World Wildlife Fund and Friends of the Earth spearheaded a campaign to save the whales through newspaper advertisements and street marches in London. The efforts led to the British government imposing a ban on the import of products made from baleen whales. | NGOs also became more outspoken in the protection of endangered species. They became more successful than ever in persuading governments to take wildlife protection seriously. In 1972, the World Wildlife Fund and Friends of the Earth spearheaded a campaign to save the whales through newspaper advertisements and street marches in London. The efforts led to the British government imposing a ban on the import of products made from baleen whales. | ||
Another aspect of protection of the environment was being championed: historical and cultural landmarks. At a 1972 UNESCO meeting in Paris, a convention to protect the world cultural and natural heritage was signed by 75 countries. | Another aspect of protection of the environment was being championed: historical and cultural landmarks. At a 1972 UNESCO meeting in Paris, a convention to protect the world cultural and natural heritage was signed by 75 countries. | ||
| − | Activities of NGOs in the 1980s and onwards were similar with what they had been doing before, but their importance in the world had increased. They also increasingly came into the spotlight and became more involved in local communities, sometimes coming into conflict with intergovernmental organizations in carrying out their missions. New causes became championed by NGOs, such as AIDS and landmines. | + | Activities of NGOs in the 1980s and onwards were similar with what they had been doing before, but their importance in the world had increased. They also increasingly came into the spotlight and became more involved in local communities, sometimes coming into conflict with intergovernmental organizations in carrying out their missions. New causes became championed by NGOs, such as AIDS and landmines. |
==Conclusion== | ==Conclusion== | ||
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==Footnotes== | ==Footnotes== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
Latest revision as of 11:20, 6 August 2008
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as we know them today are generally thought to have come into existence around the mid-nineteenth century. It was only about a century later that the importance of NGOs was officially recognized by the United Nations. At the UN Congress in San Francisco in 1968, a provision was made in Article 71 of the Charter of the United Nations framework that qualified NGOs in the field of economic and social development to receive consultative status with the Economic and Social Council.
The development of modern NGOs has largely mirrored that of general world history, particularly after the Industrial Revolution. NGOs have existed in some form or another as far back as 25,000 years ago. Since 1850, more than 100,000 private, not-for-profit organizations with an international focus have been founded. The growth of NGOs really took off after the Second World War, with about 90 international NGOs founded each year, compared with about 10 each year in the 1890s. Only about 30 percent of early international NGOs have survived, although those organizations founded after the wars have had a better survival rate. Many more NGOs with a local, national or regional focus have been created, though like their international counterparts, not all have survived or have been successful.
This article presents an overview of the history of modern day NGOs, with particular emphasis on international organizations. It looks at the different causes that have been championed by NGOs as the events in world history have unfolded, from the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution to the World Wars and through the aftermath of the Cold War. It also looks at the evolution of the structure and purpose of NGOs as they have matured over the years.
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