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Credibility and Legitimacy of NGOs
NGOs play an increasingly active role in today’s political and social arenas. Civil society organizations are sprouting up all over the world. According to the 2002 UNDP Human Development Report, nearly one-fifth of the world’s 37,000 NGOs were formed in the 90’s. Sometimes, local and international NGOs act irresponsibly and undermine the credibility of civil society in general. Organizations must be as accountable as the governments they criticize. This poses a great challenge to the NGO movement and to global democracy more generally.
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Articles
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Rev. Moon and the United Nations: A Challenge for the NGO Community (November 2001)
According to WEED, three Moon front groups operate as accredited NGOs at the UN and more have applied for NGO status. This paper raises questions about who should qualify for NGO status and what protections should be developed against well-financed charlatans. Click here for the PDF document.
Swindling by Fake NGOs (March 15, 2008) 2008
Legitimate NGOs in Bangladesh struggle to preserve a pristine image whilst corrupt law enforcement agencies register fake NGOs as fronts for illegal operations. This Daily Star article identifies thirty illicit NGOs who swindle the poor in remote Bangladeshi villages and misappropriate foreign funds. Transparency International Bangladesh recommends that the government swiftly establishes an independent NGO commission2007
Silences in NGO Discourse: The Role and Future of NGOs in Africa (2007)
This collection of essays argues that NGOs are Africa’s new missionaries. They dispense services in a spirit of “charity and pity” as puppets of “neo-colonial” powers. NGOs rely on their funding partners in a paternalistic relationship where foreign “true friends” – as one US ambassador termed donors – treat the poor as recipients of aid and exclude citizens from policy-making. The author recommends that NGOs in Africa stop pretending neutrality and engage in political activism. (Fahamu)Western Humanitarianism or Neo-Slavery? (November 7, 2007)
In October 2007, Chadian authorities arrested European NGO workers for kidnapping more than 100 children they falsely claimed were Sudanese orphans. In light of this scandal, UNESCO Chair in Human Rights, Professor Amii Omara-Otunnu critically assesses “Western humanitarianism” and the role of NGOs in Africa. Omara-Otunnu argues that “little has changed since the mid nineteenth century,” when Christian missionaries viewed African people as lesser human beings who needed to be saved through European colonization. (Black Star News)An Atrocity That Needs No Exaggeration (August 12, 2007)
The New York Times reveals that the “Save Darfur” campaign greatly inflated the number of deaths in order to heighten the sense of crisis in Darfur and press for intervention. Experts have contested the widely advertised death toll of 400,000 and the most reliable estimate suggests that there were 131,000 excess deaths in Darfur as of June 2005, after which date, United Nations and relief groups register a sharp drop. According to the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disaster, most deaths were due to malnutrition and disease, not violence. “Ultimately, the inflated claims fuel a death race in which aid and action are based not on facts but on which advocacy group yells the loudest,” concludes the article. Facts were manipulated in order to promote a policy of humanitarian intervention.Civil Society Wants Transparency - For Itself as Well (May 14, 2007)
Most NGOs strive to make the allocations of their funds transparent to the public, especially to skeptical benefactors. However, keeping track of finances and making the records accessible to outside parties can have high costs. Some NGOs that cannot afford a formal audit, hold regular meetings, require multiple directors’ signatures for expenditures, or write down expenses on a blackboard in order to keep track of their accounting. An Argentine organization, Help Argentina, which aims to increase NGO credibility has created a “self-evaluation” booklet for its member organizations to use to analyze their transparency. (Inter Press Service)Do Aid Agencies Pull Too Many Strings? (April 20, 2007)
This AlertNet opinion piece discusses some problems that could arise when wealthy, foreign NGOs appear to wield more influence than domestic groups on social, political and economic issues. According to the article, the dilemma of “cash-rich” international organizations pushing agendas that do not seem to correspond with the needs of the local populace “can easily be seen and felt as neocolonial.” The author calls on foreign NGOs to use their resources to not only carry out their mandates, but to also help strengthen the local NGO sector without overshadowing it.Impact Measurement and Accountability in Emergencies: The “Good Enough” Guide (February 9, 2007)
Drawing from the experiences of a number of international aid agencies, this guide outlines how NGOs can assess the effectiveness of their responses to humanitarian crises. This report emphasizes the need for an assessment system to enable the people affected by emergencies – as well as donors and host governments – to hold relief workers to account for their activities. Further, with evaluations that more accurately reflect the impact of their work, NGOs can improve existing field operations and better prepare for future unforeseen disasters. (Oxfam UK)2006
Foreign NGOs Have Their Own Agenda (October 5, 2006)
This Yemen Times piece recognizes the important contribution that foreign NGOs can make to the development of their local counterparts, particularly those in fledgling democracies. But the author cautions against relying too heavily on foreign groups whose agendas may not necessarily align with domestic needs. The author calls, instead, for greater popular support for local NGOs which, once better equipped, can play a more formative role in engaging their fellow citizens in domestic political, economic and cultural affairs.Strengthening Democratic Governance: The Role of Civil Society (September 21, 2006)
This Wilton Park report delves into the challenges that grassroots organizations face in their efforts to promote government accountability and citizen participation. In their intertwined activities of advocacy, monitoring and providing services, NGOs often encounter government interference, unreasonable donor demands and questions about their own legitimacy. The report encourages NGOs to focus on attaining sustainable results and to “not be diverted” in their operations by such obstacles.For Some NGOs, Another Disaster Means New Flashy Cars (August 24, 2006)
This Jakarta Post article draws attention to the increasing incidence of corruption and embezzlement among local and international NGOs in Indonesia. A UN official has charged that some NGO representatives use hard-earned funds for personal gratification, destroying potentially successful reconstruction projects. In an attempt to stem this corruption, a network of independent groups will rally against the issuance of work permits to “notorious” NGOs.How Genuine Are NGOs? (August 7, 2006)
According to this New Times opinion piece, western donors, particularly the US, have historically used NGOs to exploit economic opportunities in poor countries or to counter hostile political ideologies. Citing US-led wars and the ensuing relief efforts in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, the author strongly criticizes what he calls the “mockery of humanitarian aid.” This occurs when donor nations use NGOs to provide humanitarian assistance in countries occupied by their troops. The article concludes that government-dependent NGOs work more to attract funds than to strengthen democracy.The NED, NGOs and the Imperial Uses of Philanthropy (May 14, 2006)
Agencies such as the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED) have, for many years, funded foreign NGOs who support chaotic “democratization” and “development” processes such as overthrowing elected governments and stemming any reformist movements. Oxfam UK, which receives significant donations from the US, has pulled its workers out of Iraq, showing that the source of funding largely influences NGO activities. In addition, the same sources funding NGO activities often also provide the information necessary for assessing local support for these NGOs. (Counter Punch)Marketing Humanitarian Crises (March 31, 2006)
YaleGlobal Online reports that many of the worlds’ worst crises “remain off the international agenda.” NGOs carefully choose which international issues to devote time too, due to limited resources and “internal needs” such as pleasing funders. As a result victims must “sell themselves” to NGOs, in order to gain attention and major support.Overview of Accountability Initiatives (January 2006)
This One World Trust working paper provides information on initiatives promoting accountability of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), transnational corporations (TNCs) and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). In addition to a brief description about accountability within each sector, it provides an extensive database on organizations focusing on accountability.The Power Shift and the NGO Credibility Crisis (January 2006)
Over the past half century, NGOs have increased four-fold and become astute at mobilizing support. In the midst of transnational threats, like global warming, and a wave of democratization, international and domestic institutions rely critically on NGO input. Yet there is a dearth of mechanisms to scrutinize NGOs themselves. This paper argues for a set of “industry-wide standards” to enhance NGO credibility. (International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law)2005
Foreign NGOs Map New Route to African Legitimacy (October 9, 2005)
While NGOs have contributed to advances in human rights and poverty reduction in Africa, their success on these issues is not always matched by organizational achievements. Specifically, many international NGOs have fueled the problems of power discrepancies facing Africans. "The issue of who is speaking for who is at the core of this," said one African NGO leader, indicating that Northern NGOs unwilling to cede power to locals in the field can cause problems of aid dependence and disempowerment on the continent. (Reuters)NGOs Can Add to Disasters (October 5, 2005)
The involvement of several dubious NGOs in the 2005 tsunami-relief effort cast a pall on the accomplishments of more credible members of the NGO community. Questionable activities, including undocumented vaccinations of Indonesian children, led many NGOs to demand that a code of ethics be adopted and applied to all organizations offering humanitarian assistance. (Inter Press Service)Where the Money Is? (September 5, 2005)
This Newsweek article follows the growth of NGOs. Some larger NGOs now operate like "big business," managing million-dollar budgets and streamlining into “specialty niches.” Many NGOs now project a corporate image, hiring from the business sector and increasingly participate in foreign policy and development assistance. The author writes that as a result of this growth, NGOs are in need of increased regulation.The Right’s Hostility to NGOs Glimpsed in Amnesty Flap (June 6, 2005)
As this Inter Press Service article makes clear, the recent Bush administration attack on Amnesty International is but a small facet of the neo-conservative campaign to de-legitimize NGOs. By branding influential organizations as part of a “veritable conspiracy of leftists and ‘globalists’” who wish to “subvert […] democratic governance,” Washington attempts to damage civil society and so strengthen its authority.Humanitarian Engagement with Non-State Armed Actors: The Parameters of Negotiated Access (June 2005)
This Humanitarian Practice Network paper investigates the extent to which NGOs in conflict zones can successfully negotiate with rebels and other armed non-state groups for access to civilians. In seeking dialogue with warring parties, aid agencies must consider the safety of their workers and whether negotiations could actually worsen the plight of civilians. As humanitarian organizations risk damaging their reputations and compromising the perceived neutrality of their assistance by negotiating with armed groups, the report encourages the NGOs to make agreements that are as open as possible.Afghanistan: New Code of Conduct to Regulate NGOs (May 31, 2005)
Following Kabul’s accusations that NGOs hinder local reconstruction and economic growth, aid organizations in the Afghan capital signed a code of conduct that would allow greater regulation of their operations. NGOs contend that they are being confused with foreign private contractors – who often register as NGOs – and some organizations agreed to sign the code to build trust and understanding. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)The Power Shift and the NGO Credibility Crisis (Winter/Spring 2005)
This article analyses the proliferation of NGOs over the past two decades and the role they now play in providing information to governments, international institutions and the public. The author argues many NGOs lack credibility and transparency due to unknown funding sources and influences, reliance on the internet and issues of neutrality. The author recommends the development of a set of “international best practices and minimum standards” that will hold NGOs accountable for their actions and integrity. (Brown Journal of World Affairs)Why Oxfam is Failing Africa (May 30, 2005)
Contrary to trends in NGO-state dissonance, this New Statesman article maintains that the relationship between Oxfam and the British government is “far too cozy.” The author reports that other NGOs criticize Oxfam for letting the government “take over” and “dilute” their crusade against poverty and for growing weaker by working so closely with the Labor Party.Faking Civil Society (April 6, 2005)
Pro-democracy movements began in the 1970s, spreading from Europe to Latin America to Asia and Africa, and “the actors in this benign contagion acquired a name: civil society.” However, civil society groups have since played an increasing role in partisan politics, especially within the US. As media manipulation and right-wing government propaganda become more apparent, this TomDispatch author urges the more left-leaning public not to engage in the same tactics of “faking” civil society.Holding NGOs Accountable (April 5, 2005)
This Forbes piece looks into donor, academia and UN pressures to increase NGO accountability. As US legislative action paves the way for international NGO reform, the article suggests that increased credibility will create a breed of more successful NGOs.Under Attack (April 2005)
NGOs have gained more trust than governments and businesses, and the public has especially praised NGOs for well-coordinated relief efforts and their campaign for corporate social responsibility. But this Development and Cooperation article warns that the attention has highlighted NGOs’ own needs for accountability as well. The author believes already-present international NGO networks have helped the organizations promote their business aspects and address their legitimacy issues, as they are each “only as strong as the weakest part of the network.”From the Streets to the Inner Sanctum (February 20, 2005)
Though big businesses shunned activists in the 1990s as little more than a nuisance, NGOs have been highly successful in improving their own trustworthy image while pressuring large organizations to open meetings, release documents and monitor social and environmental affects of their actions. The Los Angeles Times points to the Internet, better fundraising, alternative ideas and activists’ participation in World Trade Organization discussions and the Davos World Economic Forum as reasons for the rising status of NGOs.Disaster Aid Furthers Fears of Proselytizing (January 31, 2005)
While most NGOs ban openly promoting religion, evangelical Christians have since 2000 concentrated on “the 10/40 Window” that includes many Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim nations affected by the December 2004 Asian tsunami. Reports of aid workers trying to spread their “spiritual message” with aid could spur increased tensions and call into question the legitimacy of aid NGOs worldwide. (Christian Science Monitor)The Unhelpful Hand: Time to Free the Palestinians from NGOs (January 10, 2005)
The Wall Street Journal Europe vindictively blames NGOs for being “like the United Nations… part of the problem, not the solution” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The author accuses human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International of double standards and questions NGO legitimacy due to their so-called pro-Palestinian stance.2004
Help That Hinders (November 2004)
In a scathing critique on NGOs, this Le Monde diplomatique article claims that financial support from Western governments, multinational corporations and “multilateral” institutions makes NGOs “accountable to their funders, not to the people they work among.” Such organizations, “secular missionaries of the modern world,” mean well but instead dampen local resistance movements.Development Gateway: Biased, Unaccountable and Overpriced? (September 22, 2004)
A Bretton Woods Project study criticizes the Internet portal “Development Gateway” for its close connection with the World Bank. The study concludes that the portal, initially a non-profit organization, presents biased and poor knowledge on development issues, reflecting all too often the viewpoints of the World Bank.In the Line of Fire (August 4, 2004)
USAID, a governmental aid donor, threatened to discontinue contracts with NGOs that do not show willingness to conform to US foreign policy. In the face of losing a major source of aid many NGOs comply, but risk losing credibility in the eyes of other donors. (New York Times)Iraq Scandal Reveals Red Cross Pressures (May 15, 2004)
Did the International Committee of the Red Cross do the right thing by not publishing their reports on prison abuses in Iraq until the media leaked allegations of torture? The Red Cross argues that its policy of “keeping quiet” allows the organization to uphold its mandate- visiting prisoners and ensuring their humane treatment. (BBC)Asking Do-Gooders to Prove They Do Good (January 3, 2004)
The growth of NGOs both in number and importance puts the spotlight on their accountability. NGOs see conservative initiatives such as the “NGO Watch” as an excuse to “go after liberal or progressive NGOs,” rather than a genuine effort to hold them accountable. (New York Times)
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