Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
| ||||||||||||
NGOs and States
The relationship between NGOs and states is linked to new issues in international law. Do NGOs threaten state sovereignty, or on the contrary are NGOs too weak and subordinate to more powerful forces in the international system?
Back to: NGOs
Also See GPF's page on: Credibility and Legitimacy of NGOs | Funding for NGOs
Archive
A New Geography of Power? (1999)
In this essay, Sociologist Saskia Sassen discusses the "incipient unbundling of the exclusive authority" of the state. She cites the proliferation of NGO's and the internet as two examples of the new power.
Stephen Toulmin highlights a shifting balance of NGO and Nation State Governments’ influence in global affairs, resulting in increased tension between them in international institutions. (Peace Research Institute)
This essay analyzes the effects of government policy on NGOs. The author outlines the necessary political preconditions for effective NGO operations and stresses the importance of sharing common objectives to promote development. (Global Development Research Center)2008
Trials of Muslim Charities Likened to a Witch-Hunt (April 21, 2008)
This article argues that the US government has undermined charity work through a tactic of “guilt by association” to target NGOs it suspects finance terrorism. US law criminalizes organizations that provide support for “specially designated terrorists”; yet federal statutes do not define this term. Therefore, the government may freeze the operations of whichever organizations it chooses, and treats these NGOs as guilty until they prove their innocence. (Inter Press Service)Civil Society Development Important for a Nation (March 19, 2008)
NGOs across the developing world unite scattered individuals to pressure for tangible government reform. In Rwanda, for example, NGOs have helped spread democratic principles in the wake of conflict. This article describes how groups traditionally skeptical of non-state organizations, like Muslim communities of the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, are engaging in pro-democracy activism thanks to the mediation of NGOs. (New Times)The Global Links Initiative Story (March 11, 2008)
There are numerous NGOs in urban areas in China, but none can acquire non-profit status due to the lack of a legal framework. Without access to domestic funding, Chinese NGOs must rely on international aid. But as the Chinese economy develops, donor countries and foundations are decreasing their financial support. The absence of NGO help during the heavy 2008 snow storms in Southern China is a tragic consequence. This article by the executive director of Global Links Initiative looks to the emerging class of “new rich” Chinese philanthropists to remedy the domestic funding dilemma. (Policy Innovations)Haiti's Catch-22 (February 27, 2008)
NGOs and foreign charities provide 85 percent of services in Haiti. No wonder, argues political activist Patrick Elie in Dominion, that NGOs “slowly remove all the flesh from the state.” In a country brutalized by successive coups and grinding poverty, foreign aid institutions control the machinery that should be in the hands of the state. Elie concludes a “plague of NGOs” has eroded Haitian sovereignty.2007
Don't Cramp the NGO's Style (August 8, 2007)
This Mail & Guardian article argues that some governments use regulatory constraints on NGOs in order to achieve political ends. The author states that governments will often applaud NGOs when they provide humanitarian services but then condemn or restrict them when they advocate for improved policies and “demand accountability from the state.” The Zambian government, for example, has introduced a bill that would give the government authority over the NGO sector.What Happens to Governments When Aid Agencies Are Around? (April 12, 2007)
This AlertNet opinion piece points out the dilemma that arises when NGOs appear to compete with the governments of poor countries. The author argues that, by dominating the delivery of social services – widely considered the government’s responsibility – NGOs risk “creating a negligent state.” The article highlights the need for countries to coordinate with the NGO sector so as to provide the best assistance to those who need it most.NGOs in China: Development Dynamics and Challenges (April 2007)
Chinese law bans social groups like migrant laborers and laid-off workers from forming NGOs. Government officials also disband NGOs they claim duplicate the work of others. Disabled people, for example, cannot form NGOs because of a government-initiated Disabled Persons’ Federation, even though a number of families in this study feel the Federation does not represent their interests. When individuals criticize restrictions on NGOs, the government appeases them with pay or silences them with threats. This paper argues that the state-society relationship in China wrecks the social utility of NGOs. (University of Nottingham China Policy Institute)2006
Foreign NGOs Suspend Work in Russia (October 19, 2006)
Several foreign NGOs working in Russia, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, had to discontinue their activities after failing to meet a registration deadline. The cumbersome process included demands for NGOs to submit names, passport details and phone numbers of all Russian-based employees as well as a “detailed work plan for 2007.” Though Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has defended the controversial NGO law as a matter of national security, it clearly demonstrates the Russian government’s desire for control over such basic freedoms. (Reuters)Foreign NGOs Rush to Beat Registration Deadline (October 16, 2006)
In June 2006, the Russian government imposed an October 18, 2006 deadline for all foreign NGOs operating in the country to “reregister or close down.” The impending deadline has forced groups to divert a considerable amount of time and resources from their regular activities to the overly bureaucratic registration process. These new regulations reflect Moscow’s attempts to clamp down on organizations which challenge its policies on human rights and press freedom. (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)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.Russian Civil Society: The G8 and After (July 19, 2006)
According to this openDemocracy article, the Russian government attempted to use the Civil G8 Forum and other NGO events to demonstrate the country’s commitment to democracy and human rights. On the other hand, local NGOs used this occasion to express their recommendations and concerns about laws that limit their autonomy. Despite the flurry of activity during the 2006 G8 summit, the author concludes that the relationship between Russian NGOs and the government will not improve.Who Else Will Do the Work? (July 16, 2006)
According to this Worldpress piece, some Eastern European governments respond too slowly, or not at all, to the needs of poor and underrepresented communities. The article suggests that Eastern Europe has consequently followed the US “model” of social welfare in which NGOs provide key services that “should fall under the mandate” of the state. While sometimes effective in addressing the problems of the poor, NGOs usually cannot provide nearly the same level of social services as states can.President Vladimir Putin Must Deliver on an Enabling Environment for Civil Society in Russia (July 5, 2006)
After meeting with President Vladimir Putin and several NGO leaders in the run up to the 2006 G8 Summit, Amnesty International urges the Russian leader to re-evaluate the country’s implementation of laws regulating NGOs. Putin has rejected petitions to amend the laws, some of which restrict foreign funding to NGOs that criticize Moscow’s human rights policies. This letter calls on Putin to demonstrate Russia’s leadership role by actively engaging in efforts to establish a genuinely free and independent environment for NGOs.Civil Society Feels Conservatives’ Wrath (July 3, 2006)
Since Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to power in 2005, conservatives have tried to reverse the previous government’s liberal trends by suppressing NGOs, journalists, women’s groups and other activists. Iranian NGOs fear that the Ahmadinejad Administration seeks to create “counterfeit” NGOs that support the government’s official viewpoints rather than voice society’s interests. However, given the growing media focus on Iran, the government cannot use direct measures to control NGOs without attracting international criticism. (TerraViva)Chinamasa Attacks Civil Society at UN Human Rights Council Inauguration (June 22, 2006)
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, berated local NGOs, charging that Western nations use them to cause political unrest “against the popularly elected government.” A spokesman for the National Association of NGOs (NANGO) dismissed Chinamasa’s scathing comments as unsubstantiated, saying that NGOs have stepped in to help the once-prosperous society where the government has failed. Formerly a member of the UN Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe stands accused of human rights violations. (SW Radio Africa)All (Reasonably) Quiet on NGO Front- For Now (June 21, 2006)
The NGO community in South Africa fears that Pretoria’s threat to introduce laws to prevent whistleblowing will discourage NGOs from voicing their concerns about government policies. NGOs that actively lobby for policy change also tend to receive less funding than NGOs which only provide services. This TerraViva article draws attention to the limits that financing problems and conservative legislation can impose on NGOs’ activities.Civil Society and Political Power: Power Is Finding New Paths (June 20, 2006)
According to this article, the NGO movement has stepped up efforts to dispel the perception many have of NGOs as “dubious do-gooders” with no significant influence. The director general of Inter Press Service argues that NGOs have more courage than politicians to strengthen democracy. While a few governments have embraced NGO initiatives to increase citizen participation in policymaking, others still try to undermine NGOs. (TerraViva)Civil Society’s Policy-Making Role a Work In Progress (June 19, 2006)
NGO representatives in Kenya complain that the government often does not consult with their groups beyond the primary stages of public policymaking. They charge that the government approaches NGOs to “rubberstamp what it has already decided on.” Seeking to improve the democratic system, NGOs launched a campaign to educate citizens about a Nairobi-backed constitution, ultimately rejected, that would have given more power to the president. (TerraViva)AIDS Gathering Highlights Tensions Between Government, NGOs (June 5, 2006)
The UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) "has tested relations between government and civil society in South Africa," reports Inter Press Service. NGOs complain that, despite UN encouragement to do so, Pretoria did not incorporate their views in the report detailing their country’s progress in fighting the pandemic. NGOs in South Africa also accuse the government of failing to acknowledge NGO efforts in the battle against AIDS as well as excluding the organizations from policymaking at the national level.Why NGOs Will Never Change the World (April 14, 2006)
The nature of the relationship between NGOs and governments can limit NGO development initiatives, especially when governments view NGOs as their competitors. The author of this article rejects the notion that NGOs operating in Africa avoid political affiliations. He argues that while giving NGOs the opportunity to work in a country, establishing a good rapport with the local government also compromises the NGOs’ accountability to the people they intend to help. (Arusha Times)Chinese Turn to Civic Power as New Tool (April 11, 2006)
The New York Times reports that the Chinese government faces growing pressure from an increasing number of NGOs and civil society advocates. Although police still attempt to hinder NGO action, many Chinese authorities now recognize the limitation of government action in many areas and the value of NGOs’ contribution. Chinese advocates stated that previously “if you raised issues, the government basically ignored you,” but that “nowadays, there will be feedback.”NGOs Losing Privileged Status (January 31, 2006)
NGOs are facing increased regulation by governments such as Russia and bodies such as the the European Commission. As governments increasingly rely on NGOs for information and analysis, they want to further regulate and monitor NGO activities that impact on decision making, as well as NGOs that have differing political objectives. Some NGOs choose to work with governments and participatory processes and funding has been established, however other NGOs express concern that such relationships compromise independence. (Epoch Times)Putin Signs Restrictive NGO Bill (January 17, 2006)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill aimed at regulating the work of NGOs, in particular those that are focused on an independent media and freedom of the press. This coupled with the closing of two British and German NGOs in the Republic of Ingushetia (Russian territory) for engaging in unspecified “unlawful” activities signifies a worrying trend of state regulation over NGO operations. (Committee to Protect Journalists)NGOs in NKR: The Challenges of Non Governmental Organizations in an Unrecognized Republic (January 9, 2006)
NGOs and states often have policy disagreements and some difficulty getting along. However, NGOs in Nagorno-Karabakh (NKR), in Eastern Europe, might welcome the challenge such a relationship may bring. However, NKR does not have international diplomatic recognition, thus severely limiting the resources of its “domestic” and “national” NGOs. (ArmeniaNow.com)2005
Managing Civil Society: Are NGOs Next? (November 22, 2005)
Since Russian President Vladimir Putin first took office, the Kremlin has systematically dismantled political and civil checks and balances to Putin’s power, such as the Russian independent media and independent judiciary. In the latest step of this campaign, the Russian State Duma will consider a bill whose “express purpose” is to “emasculate” NGOs in Russia, which are considered the last independent voices preventing Putin from becoming entirely dictatorial. (Human Rights Watch)Nepal King Wages War on NGOs (November 14, 2005)
NGOs in Nepal are struggling against a repressive NGO “code of conduct” issued by the Nepalese king. Maoist rebels are putting pressure on the king’s rule, leading many NGOs to speculate that the government issued the code in order to prevent investigations into government-sanctioned human rights violations, which NGOs in Nepal have historically exposed. (ISN Security Watch)NGO Bashing (November 13, 2005)
After gaining increased influence and respect in the 1990s, NGOs are experiencing a reversal of this phenomenon, argues this Worldpress.org article. Governments are passing laws limiting NGO activity, and even banning some NGOs from their nations. Washington fuels this trend by promoting many NGOs as an “arm of the US government.” In response to perceived US interventionism, wary governments respond by limiting the freedoms of all NGOs within their borders.Mbeki's Attacks on NGOs Undermine Civil Society's Right and Duty to Criticise (October 25, 2005)
South African NGO leaders respond strongly to President Thabo Mbeki’s allegations that NGOs in the country are too complicit with foreign donors and the agendas of foreign governments. The NGO leaders acknowledge that the government’s distrust of civil society has historical roots in South Africa’s apartheid era. However, they point out that foreign NGOs also played a positive role in the anti-apartheid struggle, and helped Mbeki’s African National Congress party rise to power. (Cape Times)NGOs Tiptoe through Africa’s Political Minefields (October 11, 2005)
Spurred by fears of neocolonialism, many African governments view NGOs as “Trojan horses for Western governments.” Many Northern NGOs receive a large amount of funding from their own governments, and are thus inclined to support that government's foreign policies on the ground. Countries like Eritrea, Zimbabwe and the Sudan have passed laws limiting the functionality of foreign-funded NGOs within their borders. Critics of these new policies accuse the African governments of espousing undemocratic values, and attempting to conceal human rights abuses. (Reuters)‘We the Peoples,’ Not the States (September 2005)
The UN system was founded on state sovereignty and protection from foreign intervention. From human rights to the provision of peace, sovereign states provide most social services. Whether weak or strong, some states either cannot or do not perform these functions. In their place, NGOs represent “popular sovereignty” by conveying the will of “we the peoples,” as set out in the UN Charter. (Le Monde diplomatique)New NGO Law Spells End of Autonomy, Say Activists (August 17, 2005)
In a move that “will defeat the whole object of an NGO sector,” the Nepalese government passed the Social Welfare (First Amendment) Ordinance 2005. The act enables the government to control the programs run by domestic and international NGOs working in Nepal. Nearly 30,000 NGOs in Nepal plan on staging a series of protests to object to the act. (UN Integrated Regional Information Networks)Russia: Putin 'Foreign Funding' Remarks Draw Civil Society Concerns (July 21, 2005)
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused foreign-funded NGOs of serving “dubious group and commercial interests,” and instead offered financial support from the Kremlin. While some experts applaud Putin’s proposal, it seems very unlikely that a “not free”-rated country would support groups that monitor human rights abuses and that criticize the stifled political atmosphere. (Radio Free Liberty/Radio Europe)Ethiopia: NGO Body Threatened with Ban for "Political Bias" (July 18, 2005)
The Ethiopian government threatens to expel a prominent NGO body, accusing it of being bent on “realizing a hidden political agenda.” The group expressed concern over mass arrests and killings following the country’s May 15 elections, and its suppression is but one of the measures the Ethiopian government is taking to stifle voices of dissent. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)Civil Society in Vietnam: Moving from the Margins to the Mainstream (July 2005)
As the country’s political and economic context changes, civil society plays an increasingly important role in Vietnam. This paper analyzes the dynamics of shifting from total state domination of development activity to an inclusion of non-governmental organizations, covering the legal framework necessary for the transition. (CIVICUS)Unleash Civil Society in China to Save Lives (July 4, 2005)
While Chinese authorities claim to support civil society, small AIDS NGOs face obstacles in every aspect of their work. Unable or unwilling to help affected groups, the government is conducting arbitrary detentions, siphoning funds and submitting NGOs to grueling registration processes, discouraging outreach to vulnerable citizens. (Asian Wall Street Journal)Egypt: Civil Society Groups Severely Restricted (July 4, 2005)
Human Rights Watch condemns the Egyptian government for placing severe restrictions on NGOs, warning that “the chances of developing a functioning democracy will shrink” if the state continues to stifle civil society organizations. Security services act extra-legally by constantly harassing activists, rejecting NGO registrations, and interfering with donations.Kazakhstan: Tough Bill on NGOs Meets with Unexpected Opposition (June 28, 2005)
A controversial Kazakh bill would require international NGOs to re-register with the government and allow intense scrutiny of their activities and finances. Many, including several members of parliament, worry that authorities will expel organizations that have criticized the regime, discouraging citizen activity in an already stifled environment. (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)Iraq-Attack Think Tank Turns Wrath on NGOs (June 12, 2005)
In an effort to discredit independent voices that challenge US policy, a think tank close to the Bush administration has launched an attack on NGOs. Calling civil society organizations “Stalinist”, exponents of the right-wing group – funded mainly by major corporations – are part of a troublesome movement on the part of the Bush government to undermine NGO legitimacy. (Inter Press Service)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.Mususu Calls on Government Not to Hijack Enactment of NGO Bill (June 1, 2005)
NGOs in Zambia are urging the government to repeal a bill, which may suppress NGO freedom. The government claims this is simply “an attempt to identify and recognize NGOs so that they have the pride of being open to scrutiny, transparency and accountability,” but judging from the government’s “previous machinations” NGO fears seem justified. (Post)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)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.Sudan Charges MSF Man over Report (May 30, 2005)
Sudan has charged Paul Foreman, a representative of the Dutch section of the NGO Medecins Sans Frontieres, with crimes against the state for refusing to hand over confidential evidence on which a report on rape in Darfur was based. Foreman accuses Khartoum of charging him as part of a "concerted drive by the Sudanese authorities to end western criticism of their behaviour in the region." One wonders how NGOs’ effectiveness can persist in an environment which rejects independent scrutiny. (BBC)Nepal: Civil Society Caught Between the Devil and Deep Blue Sea (May 23, 2005)
NGOs in Nepal face constant extortion and aggression by Maoist rebels. In addition, the government imposed travel restrictions on aid agencies; the objective of the measure is ironically to “solve the nation's problems and restore democracy.” Government restraints add to rebel risk and undermine NGO activity to such an extent that many organizations choose to exit the country.(Inter Press Service)Jordan: Draft Bill Would Muzzle Civil Society (April 7, 2005)
The Jordanian parliament has drafted a bill that sets up a civil society monitoring agency and requires associations to get approval for meetings and limit the discussions to only “professional matters.” Human Rights Watch argues that such a law, if approved, demonstrates “a major step backwards” for human rights and civil liberties in the country.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.Afghan Government Accuses Aid Agencies of Wasting Cash (April 4, 2005)
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai accused NGOs of wasting public funds for reconstruction on themselves, reports the Guardian. In order to separate out what the article calls “profit-making ventures,” Karzai announced plans for a task force to evaluate NGO actions. The comments come just a week after the government discussed a law barring aid agencies from participating in reconstruction projects, a move that “genuine” NGOs say hinders their efforts and purpose in the country.Mugabe Urged to Ditch NGOs Bill (April 4, 2005)
NGOs in Zimbabwe petitioned President Robert Mugabe not to sign a bill barring them from taking foreign funding for “governance issues.” Arguing that “the NGO sector is a safety net” for the suffering population, the NGOs also cite tourism and necessary rights to food and health treatment as reasons to continue their work. (Standard - Zimbabwe)Afghaniscam (March 30, 2005)
Afghanistan’s great need for reconstruction brought several NGOs to the country, but many of them simply went for “gold-digging,” alleges Der Spiegel. This article asks what has happened to all the foreign aid in the country, noting the striking contrasts between poor Afghans’ lifestyles and those of the foreign aid workers. However, the author does not question the motives of former minister Ramazan Bachardoust in his tirades against NGOs, and fails to mention any defense of aid agencies and their credibility in Afghanistan.“All NGOs to Account for Donor Funds” (March 10, 2005)
The Zimbabwean government, citing the wish for more “transparency and accountability,” gave several NGOs a deadline for reporting the money they had received from donors through the United Nations Development Programme. A government official claimed the move was “nothing out of the ordinary,” but critics believe it relates to the NGO bill passed in December 2004 that heavily monitors NGO activities. (Herald – Zimbabwe)2004
Under Siege in Afghanistan, Aid Groups Say Their Effort Is Being Criticized Unfairly (December 19, 2004)
Afghanistan Minister of Planning Ramazan Bachardoust, who has increasingly condemned local aid NGOs for spending money on themselves rather than Afghans, called for nearly 2,000 local agencies to dissolve. NGOs say the government should take on more reconstruction responsibilities and pass legislation to distinguish between good and bad agencies. However, they deny much of the criticism, citing increased spending due to insecurity in the country. (New York Times)The Impact of Regional and International Blocks on the Role of Civil Society Organizations (December 14, 2004)
Non governmental organizations fill a vacuum and provide social goods when the government fails to do so, claims this Arab NGO Network for Development paper. NGOs also give local groups, like small firms and farmers, a voice in the policy making process. Yet, as governments in the Arab world make alliances, like the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, to tackle the challenges of opening their economies to international markets, they are consulting NGOs less frequently. This blocks NGO access to the policy agenda.Zimbabwe to Outlaw Groups That Promote Human Rights (December 10, 2004)
Zimbabwe’s Non-governmental Organizations Bill succeeds in barring all foreign and foreign-supported NGOs—including those that accept donations from any of the nearly three million Zimbabweans living abroad. Activists, who worry that the bill could shut down several organizations supporting civil and human rights, believe President Robert Mugabe’s restrictions demonstrate his will to cut down the opposition before the country’s March 2005 elections. (New York Times)New Law on NGO Activity in Turkmenistan Greeted With Caution (November 30, 2004)
A 2002 assassination attempt against Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov led to heavily restrictive legislation on NGOs, virtually shutting down all activity that did not have “explicit state approval” and causing some NGOs to trade in their independence for the chance to function at all. Though the legislation was amended on November 2, 2004, activists worry that the changes were “designed more to blunt international criticism of Turkmenistan’s human rights practices” than to allow more freedom for NGOs. (EurasiaNet)Minister Scorns NGOs’ Work (November 11, 2004)
Afghani Planning Minister Dr. Ramazan Bashar Dost has tried to rid the country of international aid NGOs since he stepped into office, citing that the numerous NGOs in the country “have largely failed to deliver effective assistance to the Afghan people.” If the government passes Bashar Dost’s draft law, NGOs could face increased restrictions on spending and their ability to deliver aid. (Institute for War and Peace Reporting)Government Justifies Civil Society Probe (October 12, 2004)
The European Union questions the legitimacy of accusations in a Rwandan government ordered investigation on “civil society” groups and individuals with a “genocide ideology.” Critics say the government enforces laws to suppress freedom of expression while the government claims these groups and individuals promote ethnic divisions. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)NGOs Have Critical Role to Play in Development (August 26, 2004)
This Financial Gazette article criticizes a Zimbabwean bill that calls for increased regulation on NGO activity, including a ban on NGOs that have foreign funding, in order to comply with the “general wellbeing of the sovereign state.” The author emphasizes the importance of NGOs in monitoring global justice issues and asserts the bill conflicts with citizens’ constitutional rights.NGOs Warned They May Be Next (May 27, 2004)
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused NGOs of serving the interests of "dubious group and commercial interests" while neglecting problems faced by the people. NGOs, criticizing Putin for curbing media freedom and trying to pass a bill banning most public demonstration, see the remarks as a warning to refrain from opposing the Kremlin. (Moscow Times)New Restrictions Imposed on NGOs Working in the South (May 28, 2004)
The emerging Sudanese government and local authorities are imposing ad hoc taxes and restrictions on work permits for NGOs operating in the country’s south. The new limitations affect the organizations’ budgeting and hinder their ability to perform effectively. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)Officer Says Army Tried to Curb Red Cross Visits to Prison in Iraq (May 18, 2004)
The US army tried to restrict International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) inspections of Iraqi prisons after the organization observed abuses on two unannounced check-ups in October 2003. Following the visit, the ICRC submitted a report highlighting the abuses to which the military responded that inspectors should make appointments before visiting the prisons. (New York Times)NGOs Alarmed at Minister's Criticism (April 26, 2004)
Afghan Planning Minister Ramazan Bashardoost called NGOs operating in the country ineffective and accused them of wasting reconstruction money. NGOs charge that such government attitude makes their work increasingly difficult and causes further insecurity for aid agencies in the field. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)NGOs Attack Government on Restrictive Bill (April 20, 2004)
The Ugandan government pushes for a controversial new bill that requires NGOs to operate with a valid permit, but bars registration of NGOs intending to challenge government policies, plans or public interest. NGOs urge parliamentarians to reject the proposed law, arguing it will expose them to government censorship. (Monitor)Amnesty Barred From Guantanamo Trials (February 24, 2004)
The US defense department has refused to allow Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Human Rights First to attend trials of al-Qaida suspects held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The defense department argues its decision was based on “limited courtroom seating and other logistical issues,” while the NGOs insist the move is intended to “shut out experienced trial observers who could provide the public with independent analysis." (Guardian)Clampdown on Dissenters? (February 12, 2004)
In a new move against activist organizations, John Ashcroft's Justice Department issued a subpoena requiring Drake University to surrender all records relating to an anti-war conference held on their premises. Critics argue that the government’s move to investigate NGO political activities exceeds its authority and is designed to intimidate other activists. (Utne)Mossawa Center Opposes Measures to Restrict NGO Funding (January 15, 2004)
The Israeli government is to pass a law that restricts funding from foreign countries for Israeli NGOs and individuals. This Mossawa Center press release argues that the law gives authority to the NGO register to “ban funds for organizations which seek to change a position or public opinion in Israeli society.”Muddying the World's Conscience (January 9, 2004)
The “war on terror” reformulates many aspects of world politics and the international NGO sector. In the US and elsewhere, ultra-conservative thinktanks have recently set up units to monitor and investigate the NGO sector. NGOs operating in “war on terror” conflicts feel pressured to either act as “sub-contractors for the superpower or pull out.” (Guardian)More Information on NGOs
More Information on NGOs and States
More Information on NGOs and International/Regional Institutions
More Information on States, Nations, and Civil Society
