Non-governmental organisations as groups of the ‘third sector’ in civil society
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31558/2617-0248.2024.9.8Keywords:
non-governmental organisations, civil society, public associations, international organisations, democratic values, Ukraine, Europe, the United StatesAbstract
The role of NGOs in the functioning of modern civil society is analysed. It is found that NGOs can be granted the status of one of three levels: consultative, registered and special consultative; that the comprehensive association of all types of NGOs is divided into two main categories: those that serve others (and have large financial resources) are called intermediaries, and those that are served by intermediaries are called public organisations. It is shown that NGOs have different acronyms, which are often used subjectively and interchangeably.
It is found that NGOs, which are called the ‘third sector’ group in civil society, play several constructive roles: they can give a voice to groups affected by globalisation – human rights issues, environmental rights, rights of religious communities, animal rights, students’ issues, women’s groups, professional associations and form a very broad coalition. The effectiveness of NHRIs for civil society is undeniable, their numbers are growing worldwide and their voices in civil society are becoming stronger as they represent a variety of global issues. The systematic reasons for low efficiency in the activities of NGOs are systematised: small membership, lack of funds, internal government restrictions, lack of access to physical resources, internal systems of checks and balances, etc.
It was found that NGOs oriented towards democratic values usually reject authoritarian rule, whether on the left or the right, as inherently corrupting and exploitative. They profess the democratic principle that sovereignty belongs to the people. Therefore, regimes will view NGOs as a political and social force for strengthening pluralism and checking the power of the state in relation to civil society. They will emphasise the role of NGOs as catalysts for social and institutional innovation and stress the importance of preserving NGO independence.
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