ABSTRACT
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) vary tremendously in their size, organizational dimensions, range of concerns, and mechanisms for ensuring accountability to both members and funding. Their diversity is a source of both strength and weakness. NGO participation in networks—involving not only other NGOs but also international organization officials and government representatives—is today necessary and increasingly indispensable. NGO commitment to and expertise on a subject can be a potent tool in the negotiation of agreements where one word or phrase can make a difference. Habitat II broke new ground in recognizing the role of NGOs in the follow-up of a UN Conference. Traditionally NGOs were not involved in multilateral policymaking, but their increasing role, especially in the area of human rights and humanitarian relief efforts, has brought NGOs closer to internal United Nations decision-making. The UN Department for Humanitarian Affairs hosts regular meetings every four to six weeks with the main operational NGOs in the humanitarian area.
