NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: DOING THEIR SHARE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Abstract

A growing number of American NGOs have sought to better integrate religious freedom into US government policy. An instructive example is the NGO role in overturning the UN “defamation of religion” resolutions. Preparing position papers and arguments, submitting statements, testifying at hearings, developing good working relationships with policymakers, delegates, and key players in the decision-making process, using the media, especially social media—all these are means by which NGOs influence the development of policies that protect freedom of religion or belief. The challenge remains, however, to encourage NGOs to coordinate their efforts among themselves as well as with governmental allies.