ABSTRACT
The history of the development of NGO role is germane to our understanding of NGOs' contemporary role and influence in UN human rights bodies. Substantial engagement of NGOs and opportunities for NGO influence in UN human rights bodies began with their engagement with treaty bodies, the Commission, and then the Human Rights Council, each of which is explored here. From the 1970s, NGOs began carving out a role for themselves in contributing to the State-reporting process of the new UN human rights treaty bodies. The Commission on Human Rights was a significant site for the development of the NGO role and opportunities for influence. Although non-governmental groups, charities, church groups, and other societal groups have existed for many years, the term ‘NGO’ only became common in the post-World War II era. NGOs have become significant actors in the UN human rights system, but as discussed here, this was not necessarily an inevitable conclusion.
