International non-governmental organization

An international non-governmental organization (INGO) is an organization which is independent of government involvement and extends the concept of a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an international scope. INGOs can admit members affiliated to government authorities as long as it does not interfere with their freedom to express themselves.[1] Around the world, there are about 75,000 international organizations and about 42,000 of them are active. [2]

NGOs are independent of governments and can be seen as two types: advocacy NGOs, which aim to influence governments with a specific goal, and operational NGOs, which provide services.[3] Examples of NGO mandates are environmental preservation, human rights promotions or the advancement of women. NGOs are typically not-for-profit, but receive funding from companies or membership fees.[4] Many large INGOs have components of operational projects and advocacy initiatives working together within individual countries.

Intergovernmental organizations such as International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations are formed when sovereign states form treaties but INGOs are not bound by state treaties when operating internationally.

INGOs can either be private philanthropic organizations such as Carnegie, Rockefeller, Gates, and Ford Foundations or as arms of existing internation insitutions like the Catholic Church. After World War II, INGOs began to increase due to the need for economic development or humanitarian needs. Such INGOs include SOS Children's Villages, Oxfam, Catholic Relief Services, Care International, and Lutheran World Relief. However, the influence of INGOs started to extended heavily in the 1980s.[5]

Except for incorporation under national laws, no current formal legal status exists for INGOs, which can lead to complications in international law.[dubious – discuss] INGOs have been trying to get a legal status under the international law. They have not legal personality and therefore, no formal rights.[6] INGOs must then operate under state laws. China for instance, only allows foreign NGOs that have Chinese sponsor organizations.[7]

  1. ^ "The Yearbook of International Organizations | Union of International Associations". uia.org. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  2. ^ "The Yearbook of International Organizations | Union of International Associations". uia.org. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  3. ^ IGO-NGO Cooperation." .https://guides.library.duke.edu/c.php?g=289595&p=1930435 (accessed February 19, 2020).
  4. ^ Goode, Walter, ed. (2007). Dictionary of trade policy terms. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521885065.
  5. ^ "International NGOs". Commonwealth of Nations. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  6. ^ "Domestic Restrictions on Non-Governmental Organizations and Potential Protections through Legal Personality: Time for a Change? | Chicago Journal of International Law". cjil.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  7. ^ "Domestic Restrictions on Non-Governmental Organizations and Potential Protections through Legal Personality: Time for a Change? | Chicago Journal of International Law". cjil.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-20.