Chapter 1 Exercises

UN Consultative Status

In order to effectively accomplish their objectives, NGOs must often interact with intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). In this regard, NGOs can apply for "consultative status" with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Those that meet the necessary criteria are granted one of three types of consultative status, each of which accords them some degree of access to formal channels of communication and influence within the UN system. (The UN document, NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC [PDF], lists NGOs that have been granted this status.)

Read pp. 2-5 of the UN document, Guidelines for Association between the United Nations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) [PDF].

Questions

• In the eyes of the UN, how and why are NGOs important? Do you agree or disagree?
• How is the UN's assessment of NGOs similar to or different from the book's?
• As presented on pages 4-5 of the UN guidelines, what specific privileges come with consultative status? How useful and important are these privileges? How might having these privileges affect an NGO's organizational efficacy and prestige?
• Must an NGO have consultative status with the UN to be truly effective? Why or why not?

The Mine Ban Treaty

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), a coalition of more than 1400 NGOs, received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for its role in helping to negotiate an international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines. The Mine Ban Treaty, which has since entered into force as international law, is widely cited as an example of the effectiveness of transnational advocacy networks; and the treaty's negotiation and implementation processes are regarded by some as a model for future interactions between NGOs, states, and IGOs.

Visit the Treaty section of the ICBL's website and explore the section titled Mine Ban Treaty 101.

Questions

• What does the Mine Ban Treaty seek to accomplish?
• What sets the Mine Ban Treaty apart from most other international treaties?
• Would this treaty have come to fruition without the help of NGOs? Why or why not?
• In the case of this treaty, how important was the fact that the ICBL was a coalition (or network)? Explain your answer.