Articles
Pradeep Pathak
Published 2017-04-30
Keywords
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How to Cite
Pathak, P. . (2017). The UN System and the Non-Governmental Organisations. Kathmandu School of Law Review, 5(1), 153–161. Retrieved from https://kslreview.org/index.php/kslr/article/view/992
Abstract
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization formed with aims to maintain international peace and security, to develop friendly relations among nations and to promote social progress, better living standards and human rights respectively. The UN system is the whole network of international organizations, treaties and conventions that are created by the UN; and it includes specialized agencies, funds and programs.1 The UN system works through its main bodies: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice and the Secretariat. Role of non-governmental organization (NGO) in the UN system is widely discussed in relation of accomplishing the aims of the UN. This article advances the growing role of NGOs in helping the UN to reach its goals through analyzing the space and role of NGOs in the UN system together with the perspectives of their criticism.
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References
1 United Nations, 'UN at a Glance', n.d, United Nations Official Website available at http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/index.shtml, accessed on 17 February 2017.
2 Global Policy Forum, 'ECOSOC Resolution 1296 (XLIV)', 1968, Global Policy Forum Official Website available at https://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/177/31832.html, accessed on 15 February 2017.
3 United Nations, 'ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31', n.d, United Nations Official Website available at http://www.un.org/esa/coordination/ngo/Resolution_1996_31/, accessed on 16 February 2017.
4 NGO Branch Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 'Basic Facts about ECOSOC Status', n.d, United Nations Official Website available at http://csonet.org/index.php?menu=17, accessed on 3 February 2017.
5 United Nations, 'Civil Society', n.d, United Nations Official Website available at http://www.un.org/en/sections/resources/civil-society/index.html, accessed on 17 February 2017.
6 Treaty bodies are independent specialist committees formed under the Articles of the Conventions. ICCPR, Article 28 (Human Rights Committee); ICESCR (Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights established by ECOSOC Resolution in 1987); ICERD, Article 8 (Committee on the Elimination of Race Discrimination); CEDAW, Article 17 (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women); UNCAT, Article 17 (Committee Against Torture); UNCRC, Article 43 (Committee on the Rights of the Child), for example, provides mandate for the treaty bodies.
7 Conway Blake, 'Normative Instruments in International Human Rights Law: Locating the General Comment', Center for Human Rights and Global Justice Working Paper Number 17 (2008) available a http://chrgj.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/blake.pdf, accessed on 17 February 2017.
8 Daniel C. Thomas, 'International NGOs, State Sovereignty, and Democratic Values', vol. 2, Chicago Journal of International Law p.389, 2001, p.391.
9 Ann Marie Clark, ‘Diplomacy of Conscience: Amnesty International and Changing Human Rights Norms,’ Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2001, p. 124.
10 Ramesh Thakur, 'Human Rights: Amnesty International and the United Nations', vol. 31, no. 2 Journal of Peace Research p.143, 1994, p.157.
11 Kofi Annan, ‘In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All,’ Report of the UN Secretary-General, UN Doc. A/59/2005, 21 March 2005, para 20.
12 Ibid (n 10), p. 153.
13 Sally Engle Merry, ‘Human Rights and Gender Violence: Translating International Law into Local Justice,’ University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2006, pp. 50-52.
14 John Boli & George M. Thomas, 'INGOs and the Organisation of World Culture', in Constructing World Culture: International Nongovernmental Organisations since 1875,’ Eds G Boli & GM Thomas, Stanford University Press, Stanford, 2007, p. 17, 29.
15 Ramesh (n 10) p. 144.
16 William F. Fisher, 'Doing Good? The Politics and Anti-politics of NGO Practices', vol. 26, Annual Review of Anthropology p.439, 1997, pp. 439-64.
17 Conway (n 7), p. 14.
18 Ibid, (n 10) p. 153.
19 William Korey, NGOs and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: a curious grapevine, Palgrave, New York, 2001, pp. 1-10.
20 Richard Price, 'Reversing the Gun Sights: Transnational Civil Society Targets Land Mines', vol. 52, no. 3, International Organization p.613, 1998, p.617.
21 Margaret E. Keck & Kathryn Sikkink, 'Transnational Advocacy Networks in International Politics: Introduction', Activists Beyond Borders: Advocacy Networks in International Relations, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York, 1998, p. 1.
22 Richard (n 20), p. 615.
23 Margaret & Kathryn (n 21), p. 12.
24 John & Gorge (n 14), p. 48.
25 Ibid (n 10), p. 153.
26 Makau Mutua, 'Human Rights International NGOs: A Critical Evaluation, in NGOs and Human Rights: Promise and Performance,’ ed. CE Welch, University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, 2001, pp. 151.
27 Daniel (n 8), p. 391.
28 Morton E. Winston, 'Assessing the Effectiveness of International Human rights NGOs: Amnesty International', in NGOs and Human Rights: Promise and Performance, ed. CE Welch, University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, 2001, pp. 25-54.
29 Richard (n 20), p. 615.
30 William (n 19), p. 3.
31 Ibid (n 10), p. 154.
32 Theo van Boven, 'The Role of the United Nations Secretariat in the Area of Human Rights', vol. 24, issue 1, New York University Journal of International Law and Politics p.69, 1991, p.72.
33 Margaret & Kathryn (n 21), p. 25.
34 Julie Mertus, 'The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights', The United Nations and Human Rights: A Guide for a New Era, Global Institutions Series,’ Routledge, London & New York, 2005, pp. 8-43.
35 William (n 19) & Margaret & Kathryn (n 21).
36 United Nations Doc. A/CONF.183/9*, Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, United Nations.
37 Ibid (n 10), p. 150.
38 Rachel Brett, 'The Role of NGOs- An Overview', In International Human Rights Monitoring Mechanisms: Essays in Honour of Jakob Th. Moller, eds G Alfredsson, J Grimheden, BG Ramcharan & Ad Zayas, Martinus Nijhoff, 2nd Revised Edition, 2009, p. 673.
39 Philip Alston, 'The Commission on Human Rights', in The United Nations and Human Rights: A Critical Appraisal, eds. P Alston, Oxford University Press, New York, 1992, pp. 159.
40 United Nations Doc. A/57/387, 'Strengthening of the United Nations: An Agenda for Further Change', n.d, United Nations Official Website available at http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan005675.pdf, para 136, accessed on 18 February 2017.
41 Global Policy Forum, 'NGOs and the United Nations', 1999, Global Policy Forum Official Website available at http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/176/31440.html, accessed on 18 February 2017.
42 William (n 16), p. 440.
43 Kofi (n 11).
44 Ann Marie (n 9), p. 132.
45 Gerald M. Steinberg, 'Monitoring the Political Role of NGOs', Jerusalem Letter/Viewpoints, no. 499 (2003) available at http://www.jcpa.org /jl/vp499.htm, accessed on 15 February 2017.
46 William (n 16), p. 447.
47 Anand P. Shrestha, A (ed.) ‘The Role of Civil Society and Democratisation in Nepal,’ Nepal Foundation for Advanced Studies, Kathmandu, 1998.
48 Daniel (n 8), p. 393.
49 Rachel (n 38), p. 674.
50 Daniel (n 8), p. 389.
51 Sally (n 13), pp. 50-72.
2 Global Policy Forum, 'ECOSOC Resolution 1296 (XLIV)', 1968, Global Policy Forum Official Website available at https://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/177/31832.html, accessed on 15 February 2017.
3 United Nations, 'ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31', n.d, United Nations Official Website available at http://www.un.org/esa/coordination/ngo/Resolution_1996_31/, accessed on 16 February 2017.
4 NGO Branch Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 'Basic Facts about ECOSOC Status', n.d, United Nations Official Website available at http://csonet.org/index.php?menu=17, accessed on 3 February 2017.
5 United Nations, 'Civil Society', n.d, United Nations Official Website available at http://www.un.org/en/sections/resources/civil-society/index.html, accessed on 17 February 2017.
6 Treaty bodies are independent specialist committees formed under the Articles of the Conventions. ICCPR, Article 28 (Human Rights Committee); ICESCR (Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights established by ECOSOC Resolution in 1987); ICERD, Article 8 (Committee on the Elimination of Race Discrimination); CEDAW, Article 17 (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women); UNCAT, Article 17 (Committee Against Torture); UNCRC, Article 43 (Committee on the Rights of the Child), for example, provides mandate for the treaty bodies.
7 Conway Blake, 'Normative Instruments in International Human Rights Law: Locating the General Comment', Center for Human Rights and Global Justice Working Paper Number 17 (2008) available a http://chrgj.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/blake.pdf, accessed on 17 February 2017.
8 Daniel C. Thomas, 'International NGOs, State Sovereignty, and Democratic Values', vol. 2, Chicago Journal of International Law p.389, 2001, p.391.
9 Ann Marie Clark, ‘Diplomacy of Conscience: Amnesty International and Changing Human Rights Norms,’ Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2001, p. 124.
10 Ramesh Thakur, 'Human Rights: Amnesty International and the United Nations', vol. 31, no. 2 Journal of Peace Research p.143, 1994, p.157.
11 Kofi Annan, ‘In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All,’ Report of the UN Secretary-General, UN Doc. A/59/2005, 21 March 2005, para 20.
12 Ibid (n 10), p. 153.
13 Sally Engle Merry, ‘Human Rights and Gender Violence: Translating International Law into Local Justice,’ University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2006, pp. 50-52.
14 John Boli & George M. Thomas, 'INGOs and the Organisation of World Culture', in Constructing World Culture: International Nongovernmental Organisations since 1875,’ Eds G Boli & GM Thomas, Stanford University Press, Stanford, 2007, p. 17, 29.
15 Ramesh (n 10) p. 144.
16 William F. Fisher, 'Doing Good? The Politics and Anti-politics of NGO Practices', vol. 26, Annual Review of Anthropology p.439, 1997, pp. 439-64.
17 Conway (n 7), p. 14.
18 Ibid, (n 10) p. 153.
19 William Korey, NGOs and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: a curious grapevine, Palgrave, New York, 2001, pp. 1-10.
20 Richard Price, 'Reversing the Gun Sights: Transnational Civil Society Targets Land Mines', vol. 52, no. 3, International Organization p.613, 1998, p.617.
21 Margaret E. Keck & Kathryn Sikkink, 'Transnational Advocacy Networks in International Politics: Introduction', Activists Beyond Borders: Advocacy Networks in International Relations, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York, 1998, p. 1.
22 Richard (n 20), p. 615.
23 Margaret & Kathryn (n 21), p. 12.
24 John & Gorge (n 14), p. 48.
25 Ibid (n 10), p. 153.
26 Makau Mutua, 'Human Rights International NGOs: A Critical Evaluation, in NGOs and Human Rights: Promise and Performance,’ ed. CE Welch, University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, 2001, pp. 151.
27 Daniel (n 8), p. 391.
28 Morton E. Winston, 'Assessing the Effectiveness of International Human rights NGOs: Amnesty International', in NGOs and Human Rights: Promise and Performance, ed. CE Welch, University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, 2001, pp. 25-54.
29 Richard (n 20), p. 615.
30 William (n 19), p. 3.
31 Ibid (n 10), p. 154.
32 Theo van Boven, 'The Role of the United Nations Secretariat in the Area of Human Rights', vol. 24, issue 1, New York University Journal of International Law and Politics p.69, 1991, p.72.
33 Margaret & Kathryn (n 21), p. 25.
34 Julie Mertus, 'The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights', The United Nations and Human Rights: A Guide for a New Era, Global Institutions Series,’ Routledge, London & New York, 2005, pp. 8-43.
35 William (n 19) & Margaret & Kathryn (n 21).
36 United Nations Doc. A/CONF.183/9*, Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, United Nations.
37 Ibid (n 10), p. 150.
38 Rachel Brett, 'The Role of NGOs- An Overview', In International Human Rights Monitoring Mechanisms: Essays in Honour of Jakob Th. Moller, eds G Alfredsson, J Grimheden, BG Ramcharan & Ad Zayas, Martinus Nijhoff, 2nd Revised Edition, 2009, p. 673.
39 Philip Alston, 'The Commission on Human Rights', in The United Nations and Human Rights: A Critical Appraisal, eds. P Alston, Oxford University Press, New York, 1992, pp. 159.
40 United Nations Doc. A/57/387, 'Strengthening of the United Nations: An Agenda for Further Change', n.d, United Nations Official Website available at http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan005675.pdf, para 136, accessed on 18 February 2017.
41 Global Policy Forum, 'NGOs and the United Nations', 1999, Global Policy Forum Official Website available at http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/176/31440.html, accessed on 18 February 2017.
42 William (n 16), p. 440.
43 Kofi (n 11).
44 Ann Marie (n 9), p. 132.
45 Gerald M. Steinberg, 'Monitoring the Political Role of NGOs', Jerusalem Letter/Viewpoints, no. 499 (2003) available at http://www.jcpa.org /jl/vp499.htm, accessed on 15 February 2017.
46 William (n 16), p. 447.
47 Anand P. Shrestha, A (ed.) ‘The Role of Civil Society and Democratisation in Nepal,’ Nepal Foundation for Advanced Studies, Kathmandu, 1998.
48 Daniel (n 8), p. 393.
49 Rachel (n 38), p. 674.
50 Daniel (n 8), p. 389.
51 Sally (n 13), pp. 50-72.