Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are in a unique position to provide a voice for those most affected by globalism. Because they are created and run by citizens, not governments, they are not responsible for supporting any one country’s political agenda. Instead, they are chartered with advancing a cause they feel is in the public interest. NGOs are non-profit organizations funded in a variety of ways, most often by institutions or individuals.
NGOs often have no permanent allies and no permanent enemies, which implies that they are not tethered to any specific group, but align themselves with others according to issues. In this way, they are not accountable to anyone other than their membership and, as such, are free to challenge governments, companies and individuals they feel are acting out of accordance with their goals and interests.
NGOs operate in a variety of ways, some focus on advocacy about an issue or policy, others provide direct aid to those in need, still others are involved in scientific research to find solutions to a particular issue.
There are a multitude of NGOs, just as there are a multitude of social issues citizens are concerned with. Some groups working to eradicate injustices created by or associated with globalism include the following:
Human Rights NGOs:
Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning NGO focused on protecting people suffering from injustice, or a denial of truth and dignity. Amnesty International works to investigate abuses and make them public, raise public awareness and engage people to create a safer, more just world. They have more than 2.8 million members in over 150 countries.
Human Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch is dedicated to defending and protecting human rights wherever they are violated. They conduct investigations into human rights violations, work to raise awareness of abuses and advocate for the victims. For more information, visit their webiste at www.hrw.org
International Committee of the Red Cross: Perhaps one of the most well known NGOs, Red Cross has been working to provide assistance to people affected by conflict and other violence. In addition to providing for or facilitating access to health care services, food and water, Red Cross is charted with promoting and monitoring compliance with international humanitarian law. For more information visit their website at www.icrc.org
CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere): CARE is an NGO dedicated to eradicating poverty. Their mission is to “serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from our global diversity, resources and experience, we promote innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility.” For more information visit their website at www.CARE.org
World Health NGOs:
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focuses on concerns in three key areas; global poverty and hunger, global health, and education access and improvement and housing stability within the U.S. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provides grants, develops partnerships and conducts advocacy activities within these three areas. More information can be found at www.gatesfoundation.org
Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres: Another Nobel Peace Prize-winning NGO, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is “an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and jounalists in France in 1971. MSF provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters.” More information is available at www.doctorswithoutborders.org
Environmental NGOs:
Rainforest Alliance: Rainforest Alliance focuses on conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods through “transforming land- use practices, business practices and consumer behavior”. Rainforest Alliance has developed their own verification marks to recognize businesses and organizations that have met sustainability milestones. More information is available at www.rainforest-alliance.org
Greenpeace: “Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.” Greenpeace focuses on climate change, protection of marine resources, disarmament and peace, alternatives to toxic chemicals and sustainable agriculture. Greenpeace is present in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific. For more information go to www.greenpeace.org
Corporate Social Responsibility NGOs:
CorpWatch: CorpWatch is a source for investigative research and journalism exposing corporate malfeasance and advocating for multinational corporate accountability and transparency. CorpWatch seeks “to expose multinational corporations that profit from war, fraud, environmental, human rights and other abuses, and to provide critical information to foster a more informed public and an effective democracy.” Visit www.corpwatch.org for more information.
There are many, many more NGOs working to promote social justice around the world across a range of social justice issues. Take some time to look into who's working to further a cause you are passionate about.
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