The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in the International Refugee Regime

Abstract

Discussion opens with a brief historical overview of nongovernmental organization (NGO) refugee protection involvement. Attention then turns to detailing the current NGO activity & their place in the international refugee regime. Civil society development & increasing public financial support for emergencies are noted before distinguishing between international & indigenous NGOs. NGOs' growing reliance on government funding requires professionalism & accountability on their part; the relationship between the UNHCR & NGOs is touched on. Noting the crisis in international refugee protection, the context in which these NGOs operate is described, particularly in terms of contemporary warfare & NGO responses to emergencies in light of the UNHCR's inability to protect refugees in all situations. Their impact is seen in their assistance & presence in crisis situations, awareness raising, advocacy, & role in conflict resolution. UNHCR-NGO collaboration is developing around five areas, but strengthened NGO-NGO, NGO-UNHCR, & NGO-government partnerships remain a necessity. J. Zendejas