Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs): Additional Resources

These references supplement the Knowledge Base Essay, Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs).

Additional Explanations of the Underlying Concepts:

Online (Web) Sources

Mertus, Julie. Considerations for Human Rights Fact Finding by NGOs.
Available at: http://academic3.american.edu/~mertus/HR%20fact-finding.htm  [Backup Link]
This piece offers and outline of key issues that non-governmental organizations should consider as they put together fact-finding missions. Topics include the selection of fact-finders, collection of evidence, on-site interviews and inspections, and writing up reports.

Helping Prevent Violent Conflict (The DAC Guidelines).
Available at: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/15/54/1886146.pdf  [Backup Link]

This 146-page-on-line book gives NGO's and other organizations guiding principles to follow in their work to prevent violent conflict. Issues of peace-building, security, development, justice, reconciliation, and co-operation are addressed.

Meier, Oliver and Clare Tenner. Non-governmental monitoring of international agreements. Verification Research, Training, and Information Center.
Available at: http://www.vertic.org/assets/VY01-Meier-Tenner.pdf  [Backup Link]
The Verification Research, Training, and Information Center (VERTIC) is dedicated to verifiying international agreements. As well they train individuals on how to do so and provide information of verification actions. This article is mainly about the role of NGOs in verification tasks.

Richmond, Oliver P. "Post Westphalian Peace-Building: The Role of NGOs." , 2001
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

"This paper discusses the increasing focus on issues pertaining to human security , and the emerging role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the development of multidimensional peace-building activities."

Offline (Print) Sources

van Tongeren, Paul J.M. "Coordination and Codes of Conduct: The Challenge of Coordination and Networking." In Peacebuilding: A Field Guide. Edited by Reychler, Luc and Thania Paffenholz, eds. Boulder, CO: Lynne Reinner Publishers, 2001.
With so many entities (governments, NGOS, IGOs) involved in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, coordinating those efforts can be a challenge. Van Tongeren discusses that this coordination is not only desirable, but also attainable. The chapter discusses how, particularly in Europe, networks have been established that lay the foundation for an effective system of collaboration.

Anderson, Mary B. Do No Harm: How Aid Can Support Peace-or War. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, April 1, 1999.
This book examines the positive and negative aspects of humanitarian aid by taking a look at this topic through the eyes of actual aid workers.

Ropers, Norbert. "Enhancing the Quality of NGO Work in Peacebuilding." In Peacebuilding: A Field Guide. Edited by Reychler, Luc and Thania Paffenholz, eds. Boulder, CO: Lynne Reinner Publishers, January 1, 2001.
NGOs have become evermore involved in peacebuilding processes in recent times. However, many criticisms of NGO work have arisen as their presence has become more of a factor. This article addresses those criticisms and makes recommendations for how NGOs can improve their peacebuilding efforts.

Aall, Pamela, Lt. Col. Daniel Miltenberger and Thomas G. Weiss. Guide to IGOs, NGOs, and the Military in Peace and Relief Operations. Herndon, VA: USIP Press, November 1, 2000.
This book explains the roles, organizational cultures, and structures of inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and militaries. It argues that the increased understanding of the three basic types of international peace building actors offered in the book will assist people in one sort of organization to understand and work with people in other sorts of organizations during peace operations. Primary Link [Backup Link]

Verstappen, Beth and Hans Thoolen. Human Rights Missions: A Study of the Fact-Finding Practice of Non-Governmental Organizations. Boston: Martinus Nijhoff, 1986.
This book examines the standards and practices employed by non-governmental organizations engaging in fact-finding missions. The majority of the work is based on analysis of various fact-finding reports from example NGOs.

Anderson, Mary B. "Humanitarian NGOs in Conflict Intervention." In Managing Global Chaos: Sources of and Responses to International Conflict. Edited by Crocker, Chester A., Fen Osler Hampson and Pamela Aall, eds. Washington, D.C.: USIP Press, 1996.
Anderson argues that humanitarian aid provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) "often becomes intertwined with the forces that drive the conflicts that prompted the aid in the first place." [p. 344] Anderson describes the basic missions of NGOs and the ways in which humanitarian aid can exacerbate conflicts. She describes and evaluates strategies NGOs have used to avoid exacerbating conflicts, and closes with suggestions on how these organizations might better proceed in the future. [online abstract]

Princen, Thomas. Intermediaries in International Conflict. Princeton University Press, 1995.
The author examines where mediation fits in the larger realm of diplomatic practice, going beyond the usual state-centric focus to account for the mediating activities of a wide range of actors-from superpowers to small states, from international organizations to nongovernmental groups.

Crocker, Chester A., Fen Osler Hampson and Pamela Aall. "Introduction from "Herding Cats: Multiparty Mediation in a Complex World"." In Herding Cats: Multiparty Mediation in a Complex World. Edited by Crocker, Chester A., Fen Osler Hampson and Pamela Aall, eds. Washington, D.C.: USIP Press, 1999.

Bailey, Sydney D. "Non-Official Mediation in Disputes: Reflections on the Quaker Experience." International Affairs 61:2, 1985.
This article presents a discussion of the role of non-official mediators in international conflicts, such as Quakers. This article represents a relatively early take on the potential role of NGOs in peacemaking activities, as NGOs were just emerging as significant international actors in the mid-1980s. The author notes that the UN was not entirely prepared to relate to, nor effectively utilize the contributions of, NGOs at this point in time.

Aall, Pamela. "Nongovernmental Organizations and Peacemaking." In Managing Global Chaos: Sources of and Responses to International Conflict. Edited by Crocker, Chester A., Fen Osler Hampson and Pamela Aall, eds. Washington, D.C.: United States Institute of Peace Press, January 1, 1996.
The author argues that NGOs have the potential to play key roles in restoring civil society and building peace. First, however, NGOs must recognize that their interventions do affect the course of conflicts, and "that their work in relief and development affects not only the social and economic well-being of their target groups, but also the larger political situation."

"The Conscience of the World." In The Influence of Non-Governmental Organization in the UN System. Edited by Willetts, Peter and Peter Willetts, eds. London: : Christopher Hurst for the David Davies Institute, 1996.

Pagnucco, Ron and Jackie Smith. "The Peace Movement and the Formulation of U.S. Foreign Policy." Peace and Change 18:2, April 1, 1993.
The authors of this article argue that the peace movement should expend more energy on efforts to democratize the process of foreign policy making if it hopes to be more effective in its aims.

The World is a More Dangerous Place - video. 1900.
Explores the complex issues of armed conflicts, peace-keeping operations and humanitarian relief as it relates to globalization. The show includes interviews with former United Nations officials and government officials, humanitarian aid relief workers and peace-keeping operations experts.

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Examples Illustrating this Topic:

Online (Web) Sources

Nation, Fitzroy. "Africa Nets: No Boundaries." Conflict Prevention Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 3 , October 1, 1999
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

Networks of conflict prevention organizations have cast a blanket of peace building across Africa. The author argues that this process is creating an atmosphere where civil society on the African continent is developing less of a narrow national focus, and is becoming more sub-regional, regional, and even Pan-African in character and outlook.

Leenders, Reinoud. "Algeria: Civilians Trampled in a State of Turmoil." , 1999
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article describes the recent history of political conflict in Algeria, outlining the key issues and actors involved. In addition to background on the conflict and the many human rights abuses that have occurred, the piece discusses efforts toward democratization in Algeria, as well as peace work carried out by a number of non-governmental organizations.

Posthumus, Bram. "Angola: War Without End?." , 2000
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article details the history of the Angolan conflict, and the processes that have been used to manage it. Much of the piece discusses the efforts of various United Nations' initiatives in Angola, as well as attempts by other NGOs to bring peace to the nation.

Baharvar, David. "Beyond Mediation: The Integral Role of Non-Governmental Approaches to Resolving Protracted Ethnic Conflicts in Lesser-Developed Countries." Online Journal of Peace and Conflict Resolution, Vol. 4, No. 1 , 2001
Available at: http://www.trinstitute.org/ojpcr/4-1baharvar.htm  [Backup Link]

This article explains the short comings of Track One Diplomacy in resolving protracted ethnic conflict, and the advantages of non-governmental approaches.

Yevsyukova, Mariya. Bottom-Up Peacebuilding in Bosnia - Summary.
Available at: Link
This page is a summary of the article Bottom-up Peace building in Bosnia, by Bruce Hemmer. Hemmer emphasizes the need for empowerment and building civil society in the Bosnia region. Parallel to this there should be efforts directed at reconciliation of the ethnic groups, including reduction of prejudice built up by propaganda and the healing of psychological war traumas. United together, these efforts constitute grass-roots peace-building, "a long-term grassroots cultural change project."

Havermans, Jos. "Burundi: Peace-Initiatives Help Stem the Violence." , 2000
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article describes the peace initiatives that have been agreed upon in order to quell the violent ethnic conflict between majority Hutus and the minority Tutsis in Burundi. The article details the dynamics of the conflict as well as outlining the variety of peacemakign and peacebuilding activities that have occurred in the region.

United States Institute of Peace. Can Faith-Based NGOs Advance Interfaith Reconciliation?: The Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Available at: http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr103.html  [Backup Link]
This report discusses various initiatives taken by faith-based NGOs to help facilitate reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovinia.

Slim, Randa M. "Central Asia: The Ferghana Valley: In the Midst of a Host of Crises." , 2002
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This paper discusses the history of conflict in the Ferghana Valley of central Asia. The conflicts there have deep historical roots, and are now primarily over borders and resources. The valley is divided between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, with each side possessing ethno-nationalist motivations. The paper discusses hthe variety of crises faced by these nations and how this tense situation might be managed.

Lord, David. "Civil Society and Peacebuilding:The Role of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone." Accord, Vol. 9 , September 2000
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article examines the history and role of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) in negotiating the Lome Peace Agreement. The author argues that the IRCSL stands out as the most visible non-governmental bridge builder between opposing factions and Sierra Leone civil society.

Havermans, Jos. "Congo DR: Africa's Most Worrying Battle Field." , 2000
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article details the dynamics of the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has involved multiple warring factions from the region.

Kruhonja, Katarina, Ivan Stanic and Milan Ivanovic. "Croatia: Struggling with Unresolved Postwar Issues." , 2002
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article outlines the dynamics of the war in Croatia and examines the post-conflict situation, namely the difficult transition from communism to democracy. The authors identify many unresolved issues that continue to cause problems such as the prosecution of war criminals, the return of refugees, the protection of minority rights, and reconciliation.

Leenders, Reinoud. "Egypt: State Control Versus Armed Islamic groups." , 2000
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This is an article about the decades-long political conflict in Egypt between the state government and Islamic activists that want to participate in the nation's constitutional political life.

van Beurden, Jos. "Ethiopia/Eritrea: End in Sight to a Devastating War?." , 2000
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This is an article about the ongoing conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The paper outlines the political dynamics and the border dispute that lie at the center of the conflict. In addition, the author details various attempts at international mediation by outside actors as well as the efforts of nongovernmental organizations working in each country.

Faith-Based NGOs and International Peacebuilding.
Available at: http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr76.html  [Backup Link]
This report discusses the importance of faith-based non-governmental organizations in international peacebuilding. These organizations deal with high-level mediation to training and peacebuilding through development at grassroots levels.

Mateeva, Anna. "Georgia: Peace Remains Elusive in Ethnic Patchwork." , 2002
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This paper discusses ongoing tensions and problems in the Georgian region of Abkhazia, which are preventing the etablishment of a stable peace. The paper details the political dynamics of the situation, as well as describing a variety of peacemaking activities by nongovernmental organizations working in the region.

Seng, Mardi. Hope. From Sideshow to Genocide.
Available at: http://www.edwebproject.org/sideshow/stories/mardiseng.html  [Backup Link]
A survivor of the Khmer Rouge describes how he was helped by an NGO.

van Beurden, Jos. "Kenya: Small Scale Conflicts Could Have Major Repercussions." , 2000
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article examines Kenya's history of small internal conflicts (ethnic and political) and addresses the question of why they have never led to an all-out civil war.

Demichelis, Julia. NGOs and Peacebuilding in Bosnia's Ethnically Divided Cities. United States Institute of Peace (USIP).
Available at: http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/early/BosniaNGO.html  [Backup Link]
This article presents a case example of the role of NGOs in peacebuilding processes in Bosnia. The report investigates the obstacles to investment in community-based peacebuilding in Bosnia. It begins with an overview of the political boundaries in many of Bosnia's municipalities that have prevented post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation. The next section describes effective and ineffective strategies among aid donors and humanitarian-relief NGOs operating in these locales, followed by a case study of successful grassroots programs in the city of Gornji Vakuf. The report concludes with recommendations for NGOs and donor organizations.

Prendergast, John and David R. Smock. NGOs and the Peace Process in Angola. United States Institute of Peace (USIP).
Available at: http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/early/angola.html  [Backup Link]
This report explores how Angolan and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) can promote reconciliation in Angola as part of the postwar peace process. Recommendations include: organizing joint training programs and development projects that bring together local groups from the two opposing sides; using the media to promote peace, in part by training journalists; undertaking policy analysis of constitutional, economic, and educational issues to ensure that future government policies promote reconciliation; and developing a corps of trained mediators to mediate local and national disputes.

Havermans, Jos. "Rwanda: Rwandan Crisis Lingers on." , 1999
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This is an article about the on going conflicts in Rwanda.

Lakicevic, Dragan, Maria Teresa Mauro and Zoran Lutovac. "Serbia: A New Beginning Taking Shape." , 2002
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article examines security challenges in ethnically hetereogeneous regions of Serbia in the difficult aftermath of the Milosevic era. The article discusses how the international community and NGOs are working to ease ethnic tensions in the region.

van de Veen, Hans. "Uganda: Explosive Mix of Problems Could Re-ignite Civil War." , 2000
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article discusses the state of Uganda in the aftermath of years of off-and-on civil war. The author details events and dynamics in Uganda that could potentially lead to another security breakdown after several years of relative stability.

Leenders, Reinoud. "Western Sahara: Africa's Last Colony." , 2000
Available at: Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This paper details the turbulent history of Western Sahara, which still struggles for clear-cut independence in the wake of its colonial history. Morocco has militarily dominated the territory since the end of colonial rule, but no official agreement has ever been reached.

Offline (Print) Sources

Thurfjell, Susanne. "'We Cannot Just Have Peace, We Also Have to Live'." In People Building Peace: 35 Inspiring Stories From Around the World. Edited by European Centre for Conflict Prevention, ed. Utrecht: European Centre for Conflict Prevention, 1999.
This chapter describes the Life and Peace Institute's work in supporting local peace processes both during the UN mission and afterward.

Ruth-Heffelbower, Duane. "Local Capacities for Peace Meets Conflict Resolution Practice." Journal of Peacebuilding & Development 1:1, 2002.
This case study of Ambon, Indonesia argues for the stronger use of development and aid groups in conflict prevention. It explains how the methods used by these organizations can help promote inter-group cooperation.

Jeffrey, Paul. "Many Roles, One Goal." In People Building Peace: 35 Inspiring Stories From Around the World. Edited by European Centre for Conflict Prevention, ed. Utrecht: European Centre for Conflict Prevention, 1999.
Discusses the role of religious organizations in the peace process in Guatemala.

Giro, Mario. "The Community of Sant'Egidio and its Peacemaking Activities." International Spectator, The 33:3, January 1, 1998.
Created in 1968 in Rome by high school students and enjoying a membership of 15,000, this organization volunteers in areas of the poor, and focuses on working for peace. Noted meditations have included Mozambique, 1990-1992, and Algeria 1994-5. As well as assisting in humanitarian efforts in Lebanon, El Salvado, Guatamal, Romania, Albania, Armenia, and the Horn of Africa.

"Voice of the Voiceless in Kenya." In People Building Peace: 35 Inspiring Stories From Around the World. Utrecht: European Centre for Conflict Prevention, 1999.
Discusses the Church Council's efforts to bridge ethnic divisions in Kenya.

Matthews, Dylan. War Prevention Works: 50 Stories of People Resolving Conflict. Oxford: Oxford Research Group, 2001.
This book offers concise descriptions of half a dozen joint projects from around the world. Notable examples include the coalition government that was formed in order to rally voters and vote out Slobodan Milosevic. Instead of competing with one another and potentially splitting the vote among themselves, they chose to join together in support of one candidate to oppose Milosevic. Another good example is the rebuilding of homes by joint Hutu and Tutsi groups in Burundi. Primary Link

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Audiovisual Materials on this Topic:

Online (Web) Sources

Durban - NGO Meeting. NPR. August 29, 2001.
Available at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1128136 [Backup Link]

This audio clip is an example of the role of NGOs, which in this instance is to work against racism.

Offline (Print) Sources

Kampuchea After Pol Pot. First Run Icarus Films. 1982.
This film documents the complexities involved in distributing aid in crisis situations. It centers on obstacles humanitarian aid organizations faced when they entered Kampuchea, Cambodia after the collapse of the Pol Pot regime.

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