The same globalization trends that have supported the rise of civil society around the world, now threaten its existence. International NGOs find themselves less appreciated by donors who see it as more cost-effective to work directly with local actors. Social media allows activists to connect without NGO coordination. At the national level, governments are rolling out new policy initiatives that restrict foreign charitable funding to local civil society, and obstruct international networking. Meanwhile, trends in technology, philanthropy, business and society present opportunities to improve human rights in novel ways that may enhance the impact, sustainability and resilience of current efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given this reality, what alternatives should rights groups consider? The current business model for most human rights organizations in low- and middle-income countries is to set up as a non-profit entity that is financed primarily through foreign charitable grants. But how can non-governmental human rights activity be developed outside this prevailing framework? What is the scope for local fundraising or for-profit models of human rights work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The webinar explored these and other issues and asked: Are there new business models for human rights work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n