Non-governmental organizations

Non-governmental organizations (often abbreviated as NGOs) are non-profit, citizen-based groups that function independently of government. NGOs, sometimes called civil societies, are organized on community, national and international levels to serve specific social or political purposes, and are cooperative, rather than commercial, in nature.

Definition and Classification

The term "non-governmental organization" was first coined in 1945, when the United Nations (UN) was created. The UN, itself an intergovernmental organization, made it possible for certain approved specialized international non-state agencies — i.e., non-governmental organizations — to be awarded observer status at its assemblies and some of its meetings.

NGOs are difficult to define, and the term 'NGO' is not always used consistently. In some countries the term NGO is applied to an organization that in another country would be called an NPO (nonprofit organization), and vice-versa. There are many different classifications of NGO in use.

History

The first NGOs were created in the early 19th century. The International Committee of the Red Cross, established in 1863, is considered to be the earliest international NGO. The first national NGOs were established by social activists who wanted to alleviate poverty and combat the spread of diseases.

Roles

NGOs perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to Governments, advocate and monitor policies and encourage political participation through provision of information. Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, environment or health.

Criticisms

Despite the good that NGOs can do, they have also been criticized. Criticisms include: they can be fronts for political interests; they can distort the market; they can promote Western values; they can be driven by the interests of their funders rather than the needs of the people they are supposed to serve.

See also

• International non-governmental organization
• Non-profit organization
• Civil society

Non-governmental organizations Resources
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