Difference between revisions of "Humanitarian NGO Sector"
From NGO Handbook
(→History: How did the Humanitarian NGO movement start?) |
|||
| (19 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | 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 [[Overview of NGOs|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 | + | 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. <membersonly> |
==History: How did the Humanitarian NGO movement start?== | ==History: How did the Humanitarian NGO movement start?== | ||
| − | + | Although voluntary organizations have existed throughout history, NGOs have greatly developed in the past two centuries. One of the first humanitarian organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, was founded in 1863. A rise in humanitarian NGOs occurred post World War II with the creation of the UN and the revisions to the Geneva Conventions. On August 12, 1949, an additional convention was created “for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea”. After the experiences of World War II, the Fourth Geneva Convention, a new Convention “relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War,” was established. The Geneva Conventions are significant to humanitarian NGOs because they set the standards for the international laws for humanitarian concerns. It is with the Geneva Conventions' provisions in mind that humanitarian NGOs work to uphold these principles around the world. Today, the International Red Cross and the Red Cresent Movement are the world's two largest groups of humanitarian NGOs. | |
==The Function of Humanitarian NGOs== | ==The Function of Humanitarian NGOs== | ||
| − | Humanitarian NGOs function to serve areas that are affected by humanitarian crises such as | + | Humanitarian NGOs function to serve areas that are affected by humanitarian crises such as Iraq, Sri Lanka and East Timor, and areas affected by tsunami devastations. They play an important role in providing assistance and protection to displaced people and refugees. Humanitarian NGOs are an influential and significant entity because they deliver valuable services and provide support both monetarily and physically. They have given billions of dollars in development assistance, humanitarian aid and technical support to the world's poorest areas and populations. In 1992, it was estimated at over $8 billion. |
NGOs obtain their money from a variety of sources including citizens, institutions such as the World Bank, as well as government and foundation money. In recent years, funding from private sources and corporations has become another option of how NGOs acquire money. One consequence of obtaining funding from private sources is that it may undermine NGOs. The most effective NGOs are careful about how they receive their funding and try to remain independent in that realm. | NGOs obtain their money from a variety of sources including citizens, institutions such as the World Bank, as well as government and foundation money. In recent years, funding from private sources and corporations has become another option of how NGOs acquire money. One consequence of obtaining funding from private sources is that it may undermine NGOs. The most effective NGOs are careful about how they receive their funding and try to remain independent in that realm. | ||
| − | Humanitarian NGOs offer protection by their presence in these areas and help save hundreds of lives. The assistance and protection that NGOs provide do come at a cost, with volunteers and workers risking their lives on a daily basis. Humanitarian NGOs also play a key role in the dissemination of information regarding human rights conditions in third world countries. They “bring back useful information, and make it part of their brief to do so …As the staff of foreign embassies shrink, and the need to keep abreast of events abroad increases, governments inevitably turn to private sources of information. In some benighted parts of the world, sometimes only NGOs can nowadays reveal what is going on” (The Economist 2000). The presence of NGOs in these countries allows them to channel information out regarding the political climate and the treatment of the country’s citizens. One example of this is Amnesty International, which has about one million members in over 162 countries. Amnesty’s campaigns for human rights, against political repression and unfair imprisonment are known around the world. The information it gathers is often unavailable from other sources. | + | Humanitarian NGOs offer protection by their presence in these areas and help save hundreds of lives. The assistance and protection that NGOs provide do come at a cost, with volunteers and workers risking their lives on a daily basis. Humanitarian NGOs also play a key role in the dissemination of information regarding [[Human Rights NGOs|human rights]] conditions in third world countries. They “bring back useful information, and make it part of their brief to do so …As the staff of foreign embassies shrink, and the need to keep abreast of events abroad increases, governments inevitably turn to private sources of information. In some benighted parts of the world, sometimes only NGOs can nowadays reveal what is going on” (The Economist 2000). The presence of NGOs in these countries allows them to channel information out regarding the political climate and the treatment of the country’s citizens. One example of this is Amnesty International, which has about one million members in over 162 countries. Amnesty’s campaigns for human rights, against political repression and unfair imprisonment are known around the world. The information it gathers is often unavailable from other sources. |
One of the main objectives of humanitarian NGOs is to provide humanitarian aid to people afflicted by disasters, including natural disasters such as earthquakes and social disasters such as war. The help and aid provided by NGOs can lessen the effects of such conflicts by providing basic human needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. Although much good can come from humanitarian aid, this aid can also make a conflict worse. One example is that it can lead to dependency, discouraging people from becoming independent. NGOs must be very careful about how, where, when and what kind of aid is provided. | One of the main objectives of humanitarian NGOs is to provide humanitarian aid to people afflicted by disasters, including natural disasters such as earthquakes and social disasters such as war. The help and aid provided by NGOs can lessen the effects of such conflicts by providing basic human needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. Although much good can come from humanitarian aid, this aid can also make a conflict worse. One example is that it can lead to dependency, discouraging people from becoming independent. NGOs must be very careful about how, where, when and what kind of aid is provided. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
==Differences Among Humanitarian NGOs== | ==Differences Among Humanitarian NGOs== | ||
| − | Although the objectives of NGOs are generally the same, there is a difference among Humanitarian NGOs in the 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 NGO Sector|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 had a long term vision, preparing a long-term plan for rehabilitation and reconstruction work. World Vision International is another organization that has a long-term plan, working 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== | ||
| − | A challenge that NGOs face is the ongoing global campaign against terrorism. Humanitarian NGOs have | + | A challenge that NGOs face is the ongoing global campaign against terrorism. Humanitarian NGOs have had difficulty adopting an approach to terrorism. They want to denounce the campaign against terrorism and its dire consequences, while getting ready to work in the countries in conflict. |
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) demands that humanitarian organizations adhere to their political principles against terrorism. The anti-terrorist campaign affects humanitarian NGOs because it decides which countries should receive humanitarian aid. Politics plays an integral role regarding the decisions humanitarian NGOs have to make. There are countries that are allies and foes of the United States, making it difficult for NGOs to have the opportunity to assist all people who are in need of assistance. | The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) demands that humanitarian organizations adhere to their political principles against terrorism. The anti-terrorist campaign affects humanitarian NGOs because it decides which countries should receive humanitarian aid. Politics plays an integral role regarding the decisions humanitarian NGOs have to make. There are countries that are allies and foes of the United States, making it difficult for NGOs to have the opportunity to assist all people who are in need of assistance. | ||
| − | ===Examples of How Terrorism/Violence Affects Humanitarian NGOs=== | + | ===Examples of How Terrorism/Violence Affects Humanitarian NGOs=== |
| + | Humanitarian NGOs are an integral component during social disasters, such as war. While these NGOs try to bring good to certain countries, they are also targeted. For example, the Red Cross was deliberately targeted in a bomb attack in Baghdad in 2003. That bomb attack prompted many aid agencies operating in Iraq to re-evaluate their presence. Five humanitarian NGOs in particular were affected by this event while providing humanitarian assistance in Iraq at the same time. Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, Save the Children, Care International, and the World Food Program are all humanitarian NGOs that sent teams and volunteers to Iraq. However, they were also put at risk while operating there. | ||
| − | Doctors Without Borders has been working to provide medical assistance to hospitals in Iraq. The war disrupted the distribution of basic medical supplies, while many hospitals lost key equipment in the looting that took place after the war. Following the bomb attacks, DWB reduced its team of seven who worked in Baghdad. Those taken off their assignment were sent to Jordan and waited until it was safe to return. | + | Doctors Without Borders has been working to provide medical assistance to hospitals in Iraq. The war disrupted the distribution of basic medical supplies, while many hospitals lost key equipment in the looting that took place after the war. Following the bomb attacks, DWB reduced its team of seven who worked in Baghdad. Those taken off their assignment were sent to Jordan and waited there until it was safe to return. |
| − | Oxfam, a British-based aid agency, has primarily been involved with water and sanitation projects. There have been problems with accessing clean water and | + | Oxfam, a British-based aid agency, has primarily been involved with water and sanitation projects. There have been problems with accessing clean water and electricity, both impacting the sewage treatment. After the attack on the United Nations Baghdad headquarters in August, Oxfam pulled its entire foreign staff out of the country and they now rely on a core team of 50 nationals. |
| − | Save The Children has primarily been involved | + | Save The Children has primarily been involved in assisting Iraqi health and education services. One hundred staff continue to work in the country, including expatriates and Iraqi nationals. Following the attack on the UN, the agency suspended all operations in Baghdad. In order to ensure their safey, their staff had to be scaled down, impacting the efficiency of their work. |
Care International is helping to repair waste and sanitation facilities, as well as assisting with health education. It is one of the few agencies to have increased its presence despite the bomb attack. While other workers have been pulled out of Baghdad, Care International has moved its staff into the capital. | Care International is helping to repair waste and sanitation facilities, as well as assisting with health education. It is one of the few agencies to have increased its presence despite the bomb attack. While other workers have been pulled out of Baghdad, Care International has moved its staff into the capital. | ||
| − | World Food Programme , | + | World Food Programme , a United Nations agency, provides 60% of the Iraqi population (about 16 million people) with food parcels of wheat, flour, sugar, rice, milk powder, tea, detergent, pulses and cooking oil. |
| + | |||
| + | It is challenging for humanitarian NGOs to provide aid and relief efforts when they themselves are also at risk. Iraq is just one conflict zone that has put relief workers at risk the past few years. The current conflict in Darfur is preventing aid and humanitarian NGOs from going there and providing assistance because of the dangers it poses to their relief workers. A recent article from BBC News stated that nearly half a million people in the Darfur region of Sudan have less access to aid because of the increase in violence. Because of this violence, there has been a temporary withdrawal of workers that serve a total of 488,000 people. Those that withdrew humanitarian workers include Oxfam, the International Rescue Committee, Goal, Concern, World Vision, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. They said that violence against humanitarian workers have increased throughout Darfur since the beginning of December. “If the deterioration is allowed to continue, the impact on civilians could be devastating,” says Paul Smith-Lomas, Regional Director for Oxfam. “With new displacements and attacks, the presence of aid agencies is more important than ever. Yet every day brings one huge blow after another to aid efforts,” he adds. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Because of the violence and increased conflict in these areas, humanitarian NGOs cannot provide aid, shelter, or food to the people. The violence and terrorism that occur affects the local populations not only because it puts their lives in danger and deteriorates their quality of life, but it prevents them from receiving aid from humanitarian NGOs. As much as the aid workers want to help the victims, when their own lives are put at risk, they have to withdraw until the situation is deemed safe to return. | ||
| − | |||
==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 | + | Since World War II, humanitarian NGOs have played an important role in a world that faces many 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 corruption and terrorism, they must persevere in order to continue to provide aid and relief throughout the world. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | Humanitarian NGOs have been instrumental in alleviating the effects of wars and disasters for the past two centuries. With their growing influence and significance in the world, they have become a ray of hope for displaced people around the world who rely on their aid and support. | |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 11:19, 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.
