In this first report I tried to communicate the scope of the work of an NGO Representative and to give something of a “feel” for the work itself. Advocacy work happens most effectively when it is done in committed working groups that produce products that are seen as credible. An individual NGO can rarely have the same impact as an effective committee.
At this particular time, when the UN’s credibility has been undeservedly undermined, a strong civil society (NGO’s), insisting on upholding international law and international agreements is more necessary than ever.
As a voluntary association of nation states, the UN can never say or do publicly — through its Secretary General or other agencies — things that would offend the sensibilities of its membership. This is why the UN encourages NGO’s to be strong and innovative partners, and honest critics; and, to make public the UN’s strengths (and weaknesses?). Our present level of access may well be related to the vulnerability the UN presently experiences.
Tags: Advocacy
