NGOs Have Done More Good Than Harm to The Society

NGOs HAVE DONE MORE GOOD THAN HARM TO THE SOCIETY Student’s Name Course Date NGOs Have Done More Good Than Harm to The Society The history of non-governmental organizations dates back to at least 1839 and its estimated that by 1914 there were at least 1083 international NGOs across the world ('Non-governmental organization', 1). However, their prevalence and proliferation in society became apparent in the 1980s and the 1990s (Lewis, 2010, 1056). For instance, in 1992 during UN Earth Summit, NGOs for the first time moved the spectator gallery to the decision-making table (Bond, Michael Shaw, 2000, 54). All throughout history, the organizations have played a great role in the promotion social, political and economic development in different societies. However, there are some few cases where they have proved to be a curse to the society particularly in terms of overreliance on their support. Also, some of them have been identified to interfere with the political systems of the countries where they operate with some singled out as projects meant to taint the image of government in terms of its inability to cater for needs of its citizens, which is its fundamental role. That notwithstanding, these organization shave stood the test of time as special agents in the promotion of economic growth and development and also in the fight for justice and human rights. Therefore, in this research paper I argue that despite the challenges that come with the NGOs, they have done more good than harm to the society. The place of Non-Governmental Organizations in our midst is attributed to the concept of “the global world without global government.” The NGOs therefore by their nature and definition are the ideal agent of the global citizens best suited to address or take care of their interests in this state of non-accountable global government (Stroup, Sarah and Wendy Wong, 2016, 139-140). To fully understand and appreciate their relevance and pinpoint the good or harm that they have done to the society, there is a need to first understand the terrain along and on which they operate. Generally, NGOs are categorized into “Advocacy NGO” and “Operational NGO.” While the former aims to influence government with specific goals, the latter provide services. The big International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) operates on or cover three broad main areas; human rights, development and environment (Bond, Michael Shaw, 2000, 55) It is along these areas that the good or harm that they bring to the society can be gauged. Arguably, the power to do good is also the power to do bad. Therefore, there is no doubt that the influence and nature of powers that NGOs particularly the big INGOs wield affect or impact on the society both positively and negatively. The United Nations defines an “NGO” as “a not-for-profit group, principally independent from government, which is organized on a local, national, or international level to address issues in support of the public good. Scholars and practitioners use the term NGO to refer to a wide range of organizations, which are often differentiated in terms of geographic scope, substantive issue area, and/or type of activity (Betsill, Michele and Elisabeth Corell 2008, 9). The above two definitions observed keenly is very illustrative not only of the structure of NGOs and their operational framework but also proves a significant help and guide in unpacking their positive contributions to the economy if any. It is also a viable premise upon which the criticisms of NGOs are based. It is from the foregoing and other premises that the claim that NGOs have caused the society more harm than good becomes sustainable or unsustainable. In terms of development, NGOs forced the World Bank to review its funding strategy, helped to create in the UN, the office or the position of United Nations High Commissioner for human rights. They also helped to win a pledge from Britain and some lenders (still under consideration) to write off the debts of the world's poorest countries (Bond, Michael Shaw, 2000, 53). The above mentioned initiatives and achievements are narrowly tied around two of the three main areas covered by NGOs; development and human rights. Collier (2007) noted that about 10 per cent of all development aid is channeled through NGOs, and there is a possibility that this figure will rise. With regard to area of human rights, organizations, like the International Justice Mission, are working in effective and legitimate judicial systems, which enhance a country's legitimacy and development (2-3). This has been achieved through setting up an international judicial standard that respects the rights of every human being and promote the empowerment of disadvantaged communities. Most INGOs are involved in and implement grassroots or sustainable development. They have capacity to and have succeeded in mobilizing public opinion through media and embarrass officialdom or business into action without fear or favor (William Fisher, 1997, 447-452). In poor countries, Foreign NGOs have provided assistance and poverty relief faster than the bureaucratic government agencies. Out of the total aid-related developments all over the world, 15% is attributed to NGOs (Collier, Paul, 2007, 3). This is an illustration of the relevance and importance of NGOs in modern Society. Advocacy NGOs play a takes part in decision-making process thus pl...