Human Rights and NGOs Overview

Study Notes

The UN cannot enforce human rights violations or compel compensation for victims.
Critics argue that human rights development is heavily influenced by a small group of Western nations, prioritizing individual rights over collective ones.
Examples of evolving human rights include the rights to democracy, development, internet access, and digital privacy.

NGOs are non-governmental organizations independent from governments, though sometimes receiving government funding.
They are usually non-profit and primarily involved in humanitarian work.
Some NGOs act as lobby groups for corporations, such as the World Economic Forum.
Globalization increased NGO importance in the 20th century, impacting movements like anti-slavery and women's suffrage.
The World Bank categorizes NGO activity into operational (design and implementation) and advocacy groups.

Advocacy NGOs defend or promote particular causes (such as human rights) to influence international organizations and gain media attention.
Operations vary by scale, from local to international.
Charity models are top-down, focusing on beneficiaries receiving aid.
Participatory models involve local involvement in projects.
Empowerment models focus on helping people understand and control their social & economic circumstances.
Professional NGOs bring together people with shared interests (such as culture or sports).

NGOs emphasize humanitarian issues, development aid, and sustainable development.
NGO funding often comes from donations, corporate funding, private donations, and international institutions/national governments.
Some NGOs prioritize avoiding government funding, such as Greenpeace.
NGOs are often accused of being instruments for specific countries' foreign policies or not fully representing the world's perspectives.

Some NGOs rely on paid staff, while others use volunteers.
NGO staff's pay is generally lower on average than those in for-profit organizations or governments performing similar work.
NGOs also use international or local staff in developing countries.
Funding for NGO activities has increased, with the Office of Refugee Resettlement's budget rising.
Concerns exist about NGO CEO salaries and whether funding is used appropriately.

Oxfam (founded in 1942): Fights poverty and famine, has faced criticism for sexual abuse allegations and its acceptance of corporate funding.
WWF (founded in 1961): Focuses on nature preservation, facing accusations of human rights violations and greenwashing.
Greenpeace (founded in 1971): Promotes environmental protection and has effectively campaigned against issues like illegal fishing.