Non-Governmental Organization

INTRODUCTION

Non-profit organizations are organizations that work and operate for society and are aided and assisted by the government and are not like private entities that have a net profit. Typically, it is non-profit. NGOs, also known as civil society groups, are created on a local, national, and international scale to advance a social or political objective like a humanitarian cause or environmental protection. NGOs may concentrate their efforts, for instance, on projects related to health or medical emergencies, education, infrastructure, the defense of minority rights, assistance to the underprivileged, and the lowering of crime. Various companies invest or donate 2% of their net profits to such NGOs or trusts as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility activities as mentioned in Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013, and with various amendments made to the Corporate Social Responsibility guidelines the government with an amendment made in 2019 has tightened the norms and has given Corporate Social Responsibility a statutory backing and made it compulsory.

The term "NGO" is commonly used to describe typically non-profit, private groups that function independently of the government. While some Organizations are primarily supported by volunteers, others have paid personnel. The World Bank classifies NGOs into two major categories:

• Operational NGOs - concentrate on developing and carrying out development projects.

• NGO advocacy groups- that defend or advance a certain cause and work to change public policy. Some NGOs might fall under both categories at once. Organizations that support human rights, promote better health or promote political engagement are a few examples.

LEGAL STATUS OF NGOs

The legality of NGOs is not covered by international law. National laws do control NGOs as legal bodies, even though they are dispersed throughout several nations. For instance, in India, NGOs are governed by several legal statutes, including the Income Tax Act 1961, the Societies Registration Act 1860, the Companies Act 2013, and the state's Public Trust Acts. Providing NGOs with global legal status under international law is essential because doing so will ensure that more NGOs participate in administration and decision-making, which will benefit the nation's political leadership. Also, individuals will grow to trust these organizations more and seek their assistance.

FINANCAL SUPPORT TO NGOs?

NGOs do not work for financial gain but rather for the improvement of society. The organization's need for finance, however, quickly becomes apparent. Most NGOs rely on standard financing sources such as subscriptions, donations, membership fees, etc. Additional sources of funding include grants from the government and occasionally assistance from international organizations like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund.

HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISM

Although there are documents that claim personal rights, such as the Magna Carta (1215), the English Bill of Rights (1689), the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen (1789), and the American Constitutional Bill of Rights (1791), it suffered two devastating world wars, so people believed that human rights should be promoted on the world stage. The birth of the United Nations in 1945 was a step toward global recognition of human rights. The member states of the United Nations are committed to the creation and promotion of all human rights. In addition, the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 with a majority of 56 member states. Its main concern was the recognition of human rights worldwide. The preamble of the Declaration of Human Rights itself mentions that to preserve freedom and peace in the world, it is necessary to recognize the equal rights of all family members.

MAJOR ROLE PLAYED BY NGOS IN THE PROTECTION OF RIGHTS

20. he field of activity of non-governmental organizations has expanded. At the Vienna Conference of 1993, organized by the United Nations, approximately 80 non-governmental organizations from around the world committed to a common human rights mission. Human rights organizations work to improve humanity and help victims of human rights violations, collect information about people who violate human rights and report them to various parties, spread awareness, and educate about the importance of human rights. In 2007, the United Nations established the Human Rights Council to protect human rights around the world. Non-governmental organizations played an important role by participating in various council discussions. They alerted the Council to various violations of human rights around the world, proposed various solutions, and adopted some resolutions. They played a key role in putting pressure on their governments and especially on the UN human rights bodies.

NGOs in India

• MILLAN FOUNDATION

It is an NGO primarily engaged in the empowerment of girl children across the country. This organization ensures that underprivileged girls get all the basic requirements and proper training to defend themselves in the future. To date, the organization has worked with and helped around 40,000 children in the country.

• CHILD IN NEED INSTITUTE

A non-profit society registered under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860 in India. This organization works for the welfare of poor children in the country. The main motive is to break the chain of social problems like poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment among the poor people of the country.

• ACID SURVIVORS SAHAAS FOUNDATION

Acid Survivors Sahaas Foundation provides treatment for acid attack victims. It also provides employment and other assistance. This NGO is based in Mumbai and assists around 50 victims of acid attacks in four states of the country.

• COMMITTEE FOR LEGAL AID TO THE POOR (CLAP)

The CLAP works towards providing legal assistance to the poor. It works towards protecting human rights with the process established by law.

CONCLUSION

The legal status of NGOs in international law may be in question at this point or ambiguous. However, NGOs around the world do an excellent job of protecting the environment, building international relations, helping various UN organizations, contributing to economic prosperity, and ultimately protecting human rights. Violations of human rights usually occur at an alarming rate, and NGOs provide an important and effective defense mechanism against them.