Abstract
This article examines the unique roles of NGOs with special attention to the changing socio-political contexts of NGOs in
terms of their partnerships with Rights-Holder Organizations (RHOs), which claim the rights of particular groups of excluded
population. It reviews an example of the NGO working with RHOs in Nepal. NGO relationships with RHOs are delicate and not
always equitable due to their different backgrounds and expertise. NGOs, comprising mostly people who are not members of
the rights-holding groups, use their expertise to work for others over fixed periods, whilst RHOs work for their own constituencies
through movements. Until the 1990s, NGOs supported so-called ‘beneficiaries’ who were members of excluded groups whose rights
were being denied. Today, RHOs are formed directly by excluded groups. Some NGOs are trying to change their role to become
promoters for RHOs, whilst others remain as their proxies, which merely creates an extra layer between RHOs and donors. The
article attempts to prove that building equitable relationships between NGOs and RHOs is possible if NGOs have professionalism,
expertise in capacity development and a readiness to become more inclusive. Though there are still several challenges ahead,
such efforts by NGOs make it possible to change funding flows for RHOs and contribute to inclusive aid.
terms of their partnerships with Rights-Holder Organizations (RHOs), which claim the rights of particular groups of excluded
population. It reviews an example of the NGO working with RHOs in Nepal. NGO relationships with RHOs are delicate and not
always equitable due to their different backgrounds and expertise. NGOs, comprising mostly people who are not members of
the rights-holding groups, use their expertise to work for others over fixed periods, whilst RHOs work for their own constituencies
through movements. Until the 1990s, NGOs supported so-called ‘beneficiaries’ who were members of excluded groups whose rights
were being denied. Today, RHOs are formed directly by excluded groups. Some NGOs are trying to change their role to become
promoters for RHOs, whilst others remain as their proxies, which merely creates an extra layer between RHOs and donors. The
article attempts to prove that building equitable relationships between NGOs and RHOs is possible if NGOs have professionalism,
expertise in capacity development and a readiness to become more inclusive. Though there are still several challenges ahead,
such efforts by NGOs make it possible to change funding flows for RHOs and contribute to inclusive aid.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s11266-010-9173-1
- Authors
- Masako Tanaka, Bunkyo Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan
- Journal Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations
- Online ISSN 1573-7888
- Print ISSN 0957-8765