BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

SUSTAINING HUMAN RIGHTS: THE ROLE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS NGOS

Author: Sumaiya Kabir

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/ BIISSj2003v24n1a4

ABSTRACT

An ideal human rights NGOs is one which is perceivably independent of both government as well as interest groups seeking direct political power and that does not itself seek such power. The characteristics that set human rights NGOs apart from other NGOs are the volatile and often unpleasant relationship with governments, given that most human rights violations are committed at their behest. The contentious relationship that exists between human rights NGOs and governments is critical in assessing the structure and operation of these organizations at both international and national contexts. Despite their structural differences the common mandate of these various human rights NGOs is to protect and promote human rights worldwide. This paper attempts to explore and examine the role played by human rights NGOs in their endeavours to achieve that goal. Since the field of human rights is indeed a broad one, most human rights NGOs prioritize the areas for intervention. Accordingly they constantly engage in a myriad of functions in differing political, social, economic and cultural contexts in their efforts to assist those whose rights are jeopardized by the state and others cultural contexts in their efforts to assist those whose rights are jeopardized by the state and others.