Nongovernmental Organizations and Accountability in an Era of Global Anxiety (original) (raw)
of the role of NGOs as public benefit organizations, and the unique accountability relationships they have. It will offer both a defense of the NGO approach as well as some suggestions for change that not only reduce their vulnerability to criticism but also improve their effectiveness. THE ROLE OF NGOS A recurring theme in the modern development discourse is the role of development and other NGOs in strengthening civil society for poor and marginalized communities. 1 This process inter alia includes organizing and 'empowering' marginalized communities to overcome the effects of disadvantage and marginalization. This is done generally through promoting the greater participation of the poor and marginalized in the economic, social, and civic domains within their communities. 2 Hopefully, the poor and marginalized can gain improved access to government and community resources that previously has been denied, and to engage in the process of government as citizens. In short, NGOs are seen to have a role in democratization. This task, however, involves more than the provision of services, it involves advocacy, and some entry into the policy debate by NGOs. This can occur both at a local and national level, but also at an international level in those issues such as human rights and globalization, which have profound effects on marginalized citizens in developing countries. However, critics such as the corporate interest NGOs like the Free Enterprise Institute in the Unites States, or the Institute of Public Affairs in Australia ask the question: from where do NGOs obtain their mandate to enter the public policy debate as advocates for social change?
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