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Under what circumstances are NGOs unable to gain access to vulnerable populations? What are the implications for aid policy?

Gaining access to vulnerable populations is frequently difficult. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) face many circumstances where they are unable to gain access to vulnerable populations, as well as fierce criticism when they fail in their relief efforts. As with much of aid and development, the story isn’t wholly negative and there have been significant technical innovations recently that have facilitated improved access for NGOs. NGOs continue to operate in remote, unpopular and hostile environments and the challenges they face should not be overlooked. This paper’s aim is not to criticise what is already widely regarded as a flawed sector within the aid industry; rather it is to constructively contribute to the debate on access.

It distinguishes two main thematic areas under which NGOs are unable to gain access to vulnerable populations, namely: technicalities and hostile conflict zones. It also explores the idea that these circumstances mask deeper factors in providing relief; strategic interest and convenience. These influences are indicative of a shift in aid policy which is discussed in an analysis on the implications of ‘access’ on aid policy in terms of conceptual, political and practical implications.

Author: Hannah Taylor

HD PDF NewUnder what circumstances are NGOs unable to gain access to vulnerable populations? What are the implications for aid policy? (2008)

Inter-Organisational Cooperation of Haitian NGOs in Education – A Haitian Perspective

In Haiti, around 90% of the schools are operated by non-public providers. Many NGOs are active in the domain of education. Coordination and cooperation is a big challenge, especially in the transition phase from humanitarian relief to development, one year after the devastating earthquake in January 2010.

In this project report submitted in part of an MSc in Development Management the author – after an exploration of the problem from a theoretical perspective – the outcomes of semi-structured interviews with NGO directors and education coordinators in Haiti provides an insight into six different inter-organisational cooperation trajectories with NGOs.

The reasons why organisations enter and participate in inter-organisational cooperation trajectories include objectives in the following domains: improved coordination, increased effectiveness, more technical capacity and shared curriculum development, shared policy development, stronger advocacy and increased chances for fundraising.

However this report highlights the fact that the most important condition for inter-organisational cooperation is the development of a shared vision.

Report Author: Marike de Kloe

HD PDF NewInter-Organisational Cooperation of Haitian NGOs in Education – A Haitian Perspective (3596)

How can NGOs practice ‘doing good’ and minimise ‘doing harm’? What are the dilemmas and challenges present?

Promoting human rights, driving the cause against climate change, and at the forefront of disaster relief; non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have an essential role in addressing the issues of global poverty and injustice. Despite good intentions, harmful conduct can arise at any time without an NGO even being aware.

This Paper by Carly Garonne contributes to the growing body of research on ‘doing good’ and minimising ‘doing harm’ by arguing that harm can be reduced by deeply understanding the context of each programme, taking a rights-based approach and conducting participatory work. Additionally, one of the most important means, albeit controversial, is to record failure.

Due to the complexities of this debate, this paper specifically concentrates on the role of international NGOs (INGOs) in order to channel the research. The content is structured into three parts beginning with an overview of INGOs in a modern context to show that growing pressure is being placed on NGOs to increase effectiveness and be accountable for their actions. The dilemmas facing INGOs will be analysed in part two, through the provision of numerous examples and case studies to highlight existing challenges. To finish, general principles that all INGOs can adopt to increase effectiveness will be presented.

Author: Carly Garonne

HD PDF New How can NGOs practice ‘doing good’ and minimise ‘doing harm’? What are the dilemmas and challenges present? (4530)

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