The Contribution of International Nongovernmental Organizations to the Protection of Human Rights*

Abstract

Abstract This chapter on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) introduces the reader to the use by NGOs of international fora. Section I.A. sketches the structure and characteristics of NGOs. Section I.B. describes the fact-finding techniques of NGOs, while Section I.C. considers their work, including diplomatic efforts, public discussions of human rights violations, contributions to international investigative procedures, aid to human rights victims, and local activities. Section I.D. discusses the contribution of NGOs to the development of human rights norms. Section II suggests an overall approach to the teaching of human rights through the work of NGOs, with a description of two classes on how NGOs contribute to the protection of human rights, and includes a hypothetical which might serve as the basis for class discussion, as well as suggestions for issues which should be raised by the teacher. Section III contains a syllabus outlining the topics which a teacher might cover in dealing with NGOs. Section IV presents a bibliography on nongovernmental human rights organizations; the remaining two sections suggest a shorter syllabus and bibliography for more abbreviated treatment of the subject.