The role of non-governmental organizations in shaping global policy

Peter Hallward has criticized NGOs like ActionAid for supporting imperialist agendas, such as condoning the 2004 US-backed coup in Haiti, raising concerns about their autonomy.

NGO pressure in the 1990s led the World Bank to appoint the Morse Commission to review the Sardar Sarovar Dam, improving transparency.

NGOs submit shadow reports to UN human rights bodies, providing independent perspectives on state compliance with international treaties.

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines, a coalition of NGOs, led to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, a landmark in disarmament policy.

NGOs face questions about legitimacy and accountability, as their representativeness and transparency are sometimes challenged by governments or donors.

Greenpeace uses public campaigns, protests, and research to pressure governments and corporations to adopt sustainable environmental policies.

Amnesty International’s reports on human rights abuses influence global policies by pressuring governments and informing UN processes.

Advocacy NGOs influence policies by raising awareness, lobbying governments, and mobilizing public support, as seen with Amnesty International’s human rights campaigns.

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) grants consultative status to NGOs, allowing them to influence UN policies and attend meetings.

The term NGO was introduced in Article 71 of the UN Charter in 1945, granting NGOs consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).